For The Love of Travel
Expeditions
Traveling in between towns you'll see lots of farmland, greenery and even bodies of water. Some really beautiful sights to see while driving, and much better than looking at buildings along the highway!
Ipanema
Another beautiful well known area in Rio de Janeiro...need I say more?
Before travelling to Brazil I had never thought of even leaving the US, other than a few countries in Europe I had heard of through some people I knew. My parents didn't care much to travel other than around Texas, or maybe they just had no desire because it wasn't within reach, so the environment I grew up in really had no aspiration to see the world. I'm not sure why I've had the drive to see and experience more in life, but it was placed in my heart at an early age and once I was old enough to leave the house on my own wheels, I started aspiring to go further and further from home. I jumped around Texas a bit attending 3 different colleges, two in larger cities, but after some time passed the state started to feel more like a big high school...and I wanted more.
Needless to say my first international trip to Brazil was nothing short of life changing. I was going to live in a country very far away I had never heard of for two months (over the summer break). I had started to learn Portuguese, but wasn't anywhere close to fluent or even able to hold a conversation beyond the first few typical sentences in a greeting. I studied the most I could and acquired a lot more vocabulary before leaving, but living in a country where English isn't dominant was quickly a rough reality check. After getting adjusted to what life would look like for me over the next few months, I started becoming more comfortable with myself, what felt like loneliness, and my surroundings - suddenly life started to blossom and perspectives shifted. For the first time in my life, I felt I belonged somewhere. With small trips to both north and southeast Brazil, I started seeing all the beauty of the land and it's people and from that moment on, I embraced all the differences and started falling in love with where I was.
Fast forward to coming back to the states, college graduation and starting to work my first "official" job... soon enough there I was, starting to look for jobs in other states: New York City, Miami, Los Angeles...anywhere to get me experiencing a new way of life, new people, and a new culture. Unintentionally I landed in all three states within a year and finally settled down in Southern California giving me the ability to take another bigger trip, this time solo backpacking through Europe in the fall of 2017 exploring Italy, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Paris - another trip that solidified my infatuation for the world and passion for sharing these experiences and people with others who may not travel as much as they'd like...if at all.
Below are a few photos from my time spent in Brazil, an experience I will never forget and a country that will always have a piece of my heart.
Brasil, saudades.
Hopi Hari
The second largest theme park in Brazil, located in Vinhedo, Sao Paulo. This theme park is a blast and I highly recommend you stop by if you're in the area!
Guaruja
Located in Sao Paulo state, this beautiful coastal area is full of private beach houses with their own exclusive beach. Much of the surrounding land in Brazil is untouched and protected by the government, including the path to the beach lined with natural vegetation.
Fresh Water Lakes
There are many fresh water lakes in Brazil, and it's very common for locals to go here to have a nice weekend getaway and enjoy a snack by the water. There usually aren't many people at once making it a unique serene experience.
Porto de Galinhas
Located in Ipojuca, Porto de Galinhas is bustling with people from the pristine beach front to the streets leading out with lining restaurants. If you're lucky enough you'll find a someone to make you a flower out of leaves.
Fun Fact: In Brazil you have to pay to use showers to rinse off the salt water!
Sugar Loaf Mountain
One of the most popular tourist attractions and for good reason, this is no sight to miss while visiting Rio de Janeiro!
Recife
This was probably my favorite city I visited while living in Brazil, it has a nice mix of coastal town and city life. The weather is warmer with a more tropical climate.
Sao Paulo
Art lining Sao Paulo's roads is really eccentric, you'll see lots of different styles roaming the downtown streets.
Copacabana
You've heard of Copacabana for a reason, this beach is quite unlike any other. Famous hotels sit across the street, the biggest sand castles I've ever spotted, and beautiful soft white sand and turquoise waters make for a good beach day.
Recife Street Food
Spotted munching on a Tapioca Crepe, this street food is a staple of Northeastern Brazil and oh so delicious! There are many ways to make it but the best (in my opinion) is the dessert with banana and hazelnut.
Sao Paulo FC
I went to 3 different soccer games while living in Brazil, two of them were SPFC games. The energy in the stadium is unlike anything I've ever experienced to this day, everyone has to much passion for their team!
