Where do I start? It has been so long! This blog is just an update on life after Rio. I have been having a blast! I have returned back to my "NORMAL routine" which consists of sleeping in, waking up to a full on breakfast spread, pilates and/or bike riding 20 something kilometers to neighboring towns, like a boss, eating like a beast,drinking like a fish, and other interesting things. I mean, if this isn't an ideal summer I don't know what is! (Hence the name of my blog entry).
I recently spent time with other family members who live in Boa Viagem on the beach and strolled down the soft white sand and cold surf in the am. Like a true pisces, I can't get over the beach scene here, it is truly out of hand and everyone tells me that it is nothing b/c the temperature and water is not ideal b/c it is winter here. Regardless, I can still tell it is gorgeous and plan on doing an afternoon at the beach when I go back there again in the next few weeks. I mean I cannot come back from Brasil without that Brazilian bronse factor! I also went to an art exhibit and saw the beautiful sculptures outside and inside and in true Melissa style I took pictures of EVERYTHING! LOVED IT! There were sculptures outside of theses women with typical Brazilian butts, which of course makes sense!
Later that weekend, I rode off to a neighboring town about an hour and a half away called Caruaru. This is where the official festival of Sao Joao, that my cousins have been planning for and which I have heard so much about, is going down. It is a rather rustic country town, very "differente" than that which I had ever seen before. The "aventura of Sao Joao", or opening ceremonies, of Sao Joao was to go down Saturday night. At lunch that day they told me that we would pretty much hang out that day and all go for a nap for a few hours in th evening and then leave around ten to go to the festival. That is when I knew this was no joke! They then proceeded to tell me that we would get back at sunrise. This is not a crazy concept for them, there parties all start late and you get home in the early morning hours. Upon arriving at the festival I was instantly taken back by how many people were there. I have never seen so many people in one place that wasn't like multiple leveled stadium. Everyone was eating, drinking, and dancing. Many of you have referenced samba in our correspondence, but at this festival they dance "fojo". This dance is typical of this part of the country and was originally called "for all" so that foreigners would know they too were welcome to join in the festivities. It is the complete opposite of samba, and I will do a demonstration when I get home. I was too overwhelmed to take pics, but some other people took pics that I will have them send me and I will be sure to take more pics when I go back next weekend.
On another note, I have been keeping up with my bike riding and will be sure to post a picture of that, b/c I am sure many of you would find it amusing and would like to verify that this is actually happening. A picture is worth a thousand words and if I was you I would need a picture to believe that this was actually happening to. Despite my weekly cycling/pilates, I have been eating and drinking like a beast! They eat smaller portions of a lot of different things at each meal. Rice, beans, salad, meat, etc. They eat well for breakfast which I am not accustomed to and eat a big lunch, and most of the time they eat a little lighter for dinner. There are lots of fruits and veggies too and everything is super fresh/natural. No preservatives and steriods here boys and girls, this is the real deal!
Well I don't too much witty commentary this time around, but I still having a blast! I am sure to have a new blog post next week when my cousin Alex comes into town as I am sure we will be doing a lot of touristy things and seeing the sites together! Stay tuned:)
Until then, I miss you all and hope you are doing well. I look forward to hearing from you either by blog comment or email & will attach the pics I promised from the bike ride, the Jack Johnson concert, & the beach/art.
