10 Things We Love about BRAZIL !!!

1. My Family - It felt so good after 3 years to be back in my home country and to be with my family. We arrived late on Christmas Eve around midnight. My family and friends were all waiting for us at the Christmas party with lots of good food. We stayed up until 3 eating and talking. We did Secret Santa the Brazilian way where we stand up and give clues about the person and then they guess who we have. Justin and I got my moms friends who we didn't know so that was awkward but fun at the same time.

2. Friends - It was so amazing to see my friends after 3 years so many things have changed. Some got married, some got divorced, some had babies, some got taller, some got skinnier, and some got fatter. Despite the 3 year gap it only took 3 minutes for it to feel like no time had past.

3. The Beaches of Rio de Janeiro - With this being my first time to Brazil I must say that Rio de Janeiro made my jaw drop and I'm not just talking about when I saw all the Buff dudes in Speedos or all the dental floss bikinis. I'm talking about crescent moon shaped beaches with blaring white sand, clear blue water, and solid granite mountains rising thousands of feet in the back drop.

4. Acai - I love Acai. I couldn't get enough of it. After the beach Sil and I would hit up an Acai bar where we could cool down with a bowl of Acai with bananas and strawberries and topped off with Granola all for like 3 bucks. Acai is a brazilian berry original from the Amazon Region that is considered to be one of nature's most complete and healthy foods. Its loaded with antioxidants, it increases your energy, and is said to increase your libido.

5. O Christo Redendor (Christ Redeemer) - We took a train up to the statue of Christ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I held my breath as I stood under the 120 ft tall, 700 ton Christ. Christ stands on the 2,300 ft high Corcovado mountain overlooking the city.

6. Campos do Jordao - Located in the Mountains 3 hours from Sao Paulo is this cute town known locally as Brazilian Switzerland. The fresh climate makes it a great escape from the hot and humid weather. We rode Horses up a mountain passing by Castles/Mansions' of Brazil's elite (rockstars, moviestars, goverment official, Cardinals) to an incredible view of the valley.

7. The Beaches of Guaruja - I was able to get a little surf at this cute beach which is about an hour and half outside of Sao Paulo. A little get away from the crazy city of 18 million . Unfortunately we went right after New Years and it felt like 18 million people followed us to the beach.

8. The FootVolley Ball - One word "AMAZING." In Rio they would play till 11 or 12 at night. We would sit there for hours mesmerized by their mad skills.

9. The Speedos and G Strings - With the surf culture influence board shorts are getting more popular, but the "Buff, Bronze, and Speedo" club will never died in Rio. Heck, after a few days there I wanted one. Bathing suits for women come in two sizes in Brazil; Tiny Bikini and Tiny Winy Bikini. We were at the beach in Rio with some friends and they started making fun of some American Tourist because their bikinis' covered their butt and breast. Having been Brazilianized for 3 weeks, I was thinking to myself 'Yeah that does look weird.'
10. McDonalds in Brazil - I never eat at McNasty's, but when you start to get home sick for the States there is something comforting about ordering a Big Mac and Fries. By the time you leave that feeling of comfort is replaced with a gross nasty feeling and you ask yourself 'why did I eat that?' It's nice to know it's just as nasty in Brazil as it is in America and that is comforting.