Paraty—Day 2

Here are some more pictures from Paraty.

You’d think that such a small town wouldn’t need more than say… 5 churches…. Guess I was wrong!

 

We went down to the docks to catch a schooner (escuna) to tour the neighboring beaches and islands.  These boats we passed along the way were a bit smaller, but so cute and colorful!

Some guy who caught a fish!

 

Finally made it to our boat at the end of the dock.  Here’s the lower deck.  There was a cute guy playing acoustic guitar, while people just lay out.  Paradise, eh?

Hannah and I managed to steal a spot on the top deck so we could enjoy the beautiful sunlight and view of the islands!

Beach stop #1.  “Squid Beach”

Look at these blue waters!  We had the choice to either descend via ladder, or simply jump off the boat.  Sorry to say, I chose the more boring option. 

We also had the option to use a “noodle” in the water, or to swim on our own.  Those who know me well, will be proud to know that I swam to shore and back on my own for one of the stops!  (I was a bit lazy the other times….)

Beach #3… I think.  They were all pretty, and blend into each other haha.  I think this was the one where someone lent us their mask to look underwater at the fish.

Hannah looking cute.

Hannah took a picture of this random guy’s tattoo, to add to the “stupid tattoos” collection.  We could make an entire blog dedicated to the topic, based on my 3 weeks in Brazil.

As our schooner was the last to return to dock, there wasn’t much space for us between the other boats.  I truly thought we would just have to jump onto another boat to get to land.  Of course… that was me being pessimistic, and American. 

“Tem jeito…” as the Brazilians would put it.
There always seems to be a way….

This is how close we were to the boats on each side. 
Glad those tires were put to good use!

After that fun ordeal, we wandered through town.  After almost giving up, we found a little place that had all the food we were looking for!  Homemade pizza, aipim frito, and juices!  Well… couldn’t find pesto pasta, but this was a great second.  And for half the price as the other options!

While we were eating, there was a 10-minute downpour, and we watched as people ran into the church across the street.  (Act of God?  just kidding…)

After the rain died down, we wandered through the historical center looking for alcohol.  Found something better – tapioca!  It’s a chewy pancake made with tapioca flour, filled with cheese and sweet fruit goodness.

We then discovered some kind of music event going on in the main plaza.  Live music, laser light show, young kids, and alcohol!

Hannah and I sat down to listen to the music, people-watch, and share a very strong passionfruit caipirinha.

We took many pictures (per true Brazilian fashion) of ourselves, but could never really get a picture with both of our eyes open through the flash.

Speaking of fashion, check out the lady’s outfit in the background.  There’s the real gem of this picture.  Love it!

We made it back to the hostel to sleep, just as everyone else was gearing up to go out to the party haha.  I guess that makes us old…

Anyway, I had a great time in Paraty.  It was a great, quaint town, and I wouldn’t mind taking a short relaxing trip back some day in the future.

-S

Rio de Janeiro–Day 4.5–David Guetta

Crazy night.

Friday night, we went to see David Guetta DJ at the big Rio Centro Convention Center.  He’s known for such radio hits as “Love is Gone,” “Getting’ Over,” “Sexy Bitch,” etc.

The convention center was pretty much at the farthest end of town, so we decided to take the bus instead of a $55 taxi.  Honestly, when it came to about midnight, we were pretty sure the bus wouldn’t come.  AND THEN IT DID!  And it was amazing.

Me, Hannah, and Kaylena on the bus (after we finally got seats!  It was a packed party bus!)…

 

After we had passed the 10 checkpoints to get into the concert (no drinks, ID, ticket, purse, ticket, ticket, etc…).  They’re so cute in their outfits!

 

David Guetta finally started playing at 3am….!!

For a while we thought he was saying “Sao Paolo” and it was really confusing because we were like…. we’re not Sao Paolo, we’re Rio…. but I think he was comparing the cities.  It really was so tough to hear anything he said haha.  Even though it was in English!

Sexy…

… [and the word that comes after it.]  ; P

There were THOUSANDSSSS of people in this place.

It go to the point where half of the guys just ditched their shirts.  I had to get a shot of this guy’s back because… it just doesn’t get much more Brazil than that….!

After the show finished at 6am (!) we FINALLY made it onto a cramped bus, after watching full bus after full bus pass us by.

Once our bus driver realized the impossible traffic jam that would be involved with his normal route, he backed the bus up about 150 yards to take us on a wild detour around all the traffic.  A few other cars had a similar idea, and this one in front of us literally turned around in traffic.  Hannah, Kaylena and I were sitting on the dashboard…. perfect spot to witness it all!

We finally made it back to Ipanema after 7 in the morning, and walked the few blocks along the beach in the rain to get home.

Sand sculpture that someone has been working on for a while on the Ipanema beach.  I finally got to take a picture, without people in the way!

Slept in til around noon, and now headed out to enjoy Rio Day 5, despite the now-torrential downpouring rain.  : )

-S

Oh PS… Akon and the cast of Fast and the Furious were at the concert.  Apparently Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Ludacris and co. are within a few miles of us, in Rio filming Fast and the Furios 5.  Crazy!