Days 29 & 30 – Rio de Janeiro – Family reunion time – the gangs all here!
So here we are at the culminating location of our trip. Liana and Silvinia picked us up at the airport with a driver (doorman from Silvies apartment) with no complications. It was dark and rainy when we arrived – which apparently was a good thing as the trip from the airport is less than desirable. We of course spoke right off about the violence – and as per Liana “I can NEVER relax” which became our catch phrase for the visit – for 2 weeks I need to stay constantly alert!
At the apartment we met Luisa and Carolina as well as Lola (Michaels pal) and Dodinia (the 15 year old almost blind adopted dog) and we all stayed up till 1 am chatting and catching up.
We were all up and breakfasted at 8 am and Liana was out shopping for the big party on Sunday. Since it is so unsafe, the family here decided that rather than going out to Samba, it would be safer to hire the group to come and perform for us here. We are being spoiled! There are 5 bottles of cachaca lined up for caipirinhas – should help with the dancing…
Silvie came over after breakfast and we went with her and Liana and the dogs for a quick walk, then brought the dogs back and went for a longer walk along Copa Cabana. We even managed to carefully sneak in some photos despite their nervousness of having a camera or cell phone out and visible. Mike joined Liana to drop Carolina off at school. Solange and Christina along with Cookie and Zelda joined us for lunch, and even Toniko (Silvie’s husband) was able to come. We had an impressive meal with shrimp casserole, several salads, dessert by Liana – a sweet milk custard with caramel sauce – excellent, and mango ice cream which Solange brought.
As is usual with the Brasilians, we chattered away all afternoon and eventually Miguel (Christina’s husband) joined us after his work. We packed it in a bit earlier today as Derek & Marketa arrive early in the morning.
Saturday (March 10) we rose early early to join Liana and Silvie to walk the dogs at the lagoa. We bought our coconut water from ‘moustache’ man and Mike & I took a bit longer walk before we all headed back to meet up with Derek & Marketa arriving with Miguel and Christina from the airport.
Derek & Marketa wanted to head to the beach right away, so back we came and this time I had some maracuja (passion fruit) juice – so wonderful! While the rest stayed at the beach, Mike & I headed to buy some shoes. I found a couple of real deals, one fun pair and one nicer pair. Nothing of exceptional quality, so still hoping to find more for both Mike & I. Solanje and Carolina will be able to direct us for shopping!
We met up with Carolina on our walk back, and Solanje joined us for lunch with a selection of fancy Batidas. Our afternoon was spent sampling coconut and peanut batidas along with slivovitz from Marketa, a selection of beers and portuguese wine – Dao from Michel. Another exceptional lunch – this time Toniko treated us to bacalao. It was unlike any other I have tried. He double soaks and boils the dried cod if it salted – otherwise he boils/drains it once. He uses parmigiana reggiano in his bechamel sauce. It was served with rice and toasted almonds, and again several salads and for dessert another Liana specialty – this time a chocolate pudding with mango ice cream.
And another evening of chatting while looking at old photos. We managed to skype with George and Marucia which was fun with us all here. But to bed now – Derek & Marketa need to time shift, and tomorrow will be busy with the party!!!
