Hello everyone! It’s been an exciting week for us as Marc and I ventured to Brazil to attend a close’s friend’s baby’s baptism and soak up the culture and food. It’s been marvelous to discover a new place together.

Brazil is divided into many separate neighborhoods, each of which has its own distinct character. On our first day, we visited the Colonial homes of Santa Teresa, which overlook the sea.

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Within Santa Teresa, these Selaron Steps (Escadaria Selarón) are a major attraction. A Chilean artist, Selarón began renovating dilapidated steps outside his house. This started out as a hobby but became his passion, with visits ensuing from people all over the world bringing tiles from their countries of origin.

That evening, I found the Rio Bikram center and signed up for a class in Portuguese! Fortunately, I had a patient teacher who stood by me since I didn’t follow many of the more precise instructions. It was good to sweat out the caipirinhas (Brazilian national cocktail) I’ve been enjoying down here — ha ha!

The next day, we took a drive to the National Historical Museum and stopped by to snap this pic in front of the famed Sugarloaf Mountain, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Brazil!

An early dinner that night turned out to be a Brazilian national delicacy, Feijoada, a stew of beans with beef and pork, the national dish of Brazil. Enthralled by how delicious this was, we learned that Feijoada is also typically cooked in other former Portuguese colonies such as Angola, Mozambique and Goa (in India). With rice and beans being such a healthy combination, this dish is not only savory and tasty, it’s healthy too.

Back to the city’s architecture. From the city center area, here’s The Municipal Theater of Rio, built at the beginning of the 20th century.

Marc and I also visited the Museum of Beaux Arts. I fell in love with these Art Nouveau tiles, original to this other turn of the century building.

That night’s culinary highlight turned out to be Quindima, a Brazilian delicacy made with coconut and egg and accompanied by a yummy liquor.

We ate at a local Brazilian barbecue with a painting of famous Bossa Nova musicians, including Joan Gilberto.

The next day we headed off to Rio’s Botanical Garden, with over 6,000 different species of tropical plants and trees. I would definitely recommend a visit to this beautiful place if you are wondering what to do in Rio de Janeiro.

Called the Avenue of Imperial Palms, this majestic pathway captivated us.

Back at the hotel, it was time for a little fresh coconut water right out of the shell and some pool time.

Sending love to everyone from lovely Brazil and stay tuned for more form NYC next week. We’re winding up our visit here super grateful for the relaxed time together but oh so anxious to see the kiddos again.

Thanks for reading.

Love,

Melissa xoxo

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