Hey guys! So I have a new feature for you - and it starts today! I don't know about you, but I absolutely LOVE to travel. WANDERLUST is a feature in which I will share my travel stories, photos, rants, raves and adventures. Or maybe it's just picking a locale I would love to visit, and am seeking your insight.
I feel super lucky because 1) I now have a job that allows me the flexibility to travel whenever I want (provided I can afford the trip), and 2) my boyfriend loves to travel too - PLUS, he has lived all over the world, was born in Brazil, and has family spread across quite a few continents.
And so, my first WANDERLUST feature will take us to my partner's homeland, the South American nation of Brazil. On December 26, 2012, I boarded a plane to Sao Paulo, Brazil by myself (my final destination being Salvador, located in the Bahia state). After a few hiccups - first with my travel visa, then a delayed flight, chaos at the Sao Paulo airport, and a major freakout in the Salvador airport (somehow I walked into Departures instead of Arrivals... don't ask me how this happened. I have no idea. Luckily there was one passenger in the airport who spoke English and came to my rescue) - I made it to Salvador a long 24 hours later.
But it was worth it! I promise! I was greeted by Pedro and his wonderful family, and I spent a glorious 10 days on the equator. There was perfect weather (which was AMAZING, because I literally left a snowstorm behind), tons of food, good times, great company, and lots of beer and cachaca. Pedro's family rented a boat for a day too, which was so much fun (even though I got a pretty awful sunburn). And best of all, I got to spend New Year's Eve with Pedro for the first time in 4 years. It was so special. There were even fireworks (and they were really good fireworks too). I also had some of the best sushi I have EVER eaten. I'm talking amazing sashimi. And this is coming from a girl who has also been to Japan. And the samba! AH the music. Who knew I would love to dance so much (haha.. maybe it was all the cachaca)!
I got to see so many wonderful and amazing things. So many colours, so much life. And I got to meet Pedro's extended family - who were truly the warmest, most inviting people! They made me feel right at home :) Which is really nice when you're halfway across the world...
Check out some of my photos below! Visiting Brazil was an experience I wouldn't trade for anything (even if I had to abandon my pup for 3 weeks)! I really can't wait to go back. There are plans in the works to visit again this December for Pedro's cousin's wedding. And I am so excited!
Ready for more WANDERLUST? Check back next week for Brazil Part II, Rio de Janeiro!
Map illustration by Migy
DESCRIPTIONS (FROM TOP):
Colourful buildings in downtown Salvador
Downtown Salvador, Staircase in a Catholic church
Catarina, Laura, Pedro, Me and Debbie being tourist-y, Palm leaves and the Chapel in Pedro's Aunt & Uncle's backyard
Bonfim
Ribbons at Bonfim (when the ribbons fall off, your wish will come true)
PEPE LUIGI!!!!! The cutest pug ever. He's Catarina's pup.
View from the boat!
Pedro and I, in our cabana at Praia do Flamengo. We never have nice photos together, but I actually like this one.
Crabs and coconuts on the beach, Pedro sipping coconut water from a coconut.
Coconut lady (me).