Archive for the 'Buzios' Category

I thoroughly enjoyed writing my ABC’s of Travel, as it allowed me to nostalgically reflect on some beautiful past adventures.  Thus, I could not wait for the next meme to circulate in the travel world and was delighted when 7 Super Shots From My Travels was created, especially since it revolved around photography — a passion of mine that is cultivated more deeply with each passing day.

1. A photo that… takes my breath away:

I had goosebumps once I looked into my viewfinder and saw this picture that I had taken in Florence, Italy.  I was leaving San Miniato al Monte and I was overwhelmed with a feeling that I needed to make a quick visit to the adjoining graveyard for a couple of more photos.  I knew that my fellow travelers would be impatiently waiting for me in the bus, but I could not ignore my intuition and I am so thankful that I did not.

2. A photo that… makes me laugh or smile:

Unfortunately, I did not own a decent camera when I went on a journey of a lifetime to Kruger Park in South Africa  Although it is irrelevant, because no matter how good this picture could have been, it will always put the biggest smile on my face.  It was my first time encountering wild elephants (we all know how crazy obsessed I am with the animal) and when I saw this family crossing in front of the jeep that I was in during my safari my heart almost burst from happiness.

3. A photo that… makes me dream:

A dream sunset in a dream location, how could this photo not cause me to dream?  For several years now I have desired to learn how to sail and to move to Brasil.  When I look at this photo of a sailboat, which to me symbolizes the ultimate in freedom, exploration, and adventure, docked in Buzios Bay, it inspires me to dream big and to finally cross these dreams off of my Bucket List.

4. A photo that… makes me think:

When I stepped foot in Tibet for the first time, a place that had consumed my thoughts for over a decade, I truly felt as though I had completed a spiritual pilgrimage, as I have been drawn to Buddhism for as long as I can remember and even majored in Comparative Religious Studies with a focus on women in Buddhism in College.  Seeing these monks adoringly gaze at the Potala Palace, home to the Dalai Lamas over the years, makes me think about grandiose questions such what is the true meaning of life, does karma really exist, and what happens after we die.

5. A photo that… makes my mouth water:

You know that a dish has changed you if you find yourself thinking about it every single day and that is exactly what I have been doing since my honeymoon in Trancoso, Brasil almost a year ago.  My husband and I literally ordered this pizza every single day and on the last day we each ordered one for ourselves.  The chef would not tell us how she prepared it other than it had a “secret sauce.”

6. A photo that… tells a story:

I ilegally sneaked into Cuba for my 25th Birthday and it is one of my greatest moments to date.  Life in La Habana is incredibly difficult for most due to the US embargo.  However despite this, Cubans are amongst the happiest people in the world.  This woman in the photo most likely does not have much, other than her gorgeous smile (and a cohiba) and yet she is happy.  Her picture tells the story of Cuban pride and how it is so infectious that everyone on the island is constantly celebrating the fact that no matter what their economic status is they are and will always be Cuban.

7. A photo that… I am most proud of (aka My National Geographic shot):

I decided that for my last solo trip as a single woman I would travel somewhere incredibly exotic.  When I discovered that Easter Island, Chile was the most remote island in the world, I knew it was the perfect location for my solo trip.  When I finally got up close and personal with the sacred Moai, I decided that I needed to photograph them in a way that they had never been photographed before, which I believe I accomplished with this shot.

If you have followed My Beautiful Adventures for some time now, I would love to know, did I leave out a certain picture of mine that you feel deserves to be included in this post?

As you read this, I am in the midst of exploring Chicago for the first time with my husband.  We have graciously been invited by the Hyatt Regency Chicago to celebrate New Year’s Eve at their glamorous Ballroom Blitz.  This is an incredibly special New Year’s Eve for me, because not only is it my first as a married woman, it is also the first I have ever spent with my husband in the 6.5 years that we have known each other.  I cannot wait for my (guaranteed) midnight kiss!

I hope you enjoy reading my ABC’s of Travel as much as I enjoyed writing them.  Answering the questions made me reflect on past trips that I had not thought about in years, even though some of these trips were so life-changing that I am the woman I am today because of them.  I wish everyone the most extraordinary 2012 — may it be filled with one beautiful adventure after another.

Age you went on your first international trip: The exact age I am not completely sure, but I do know that it was to Nassau, Bahamas and I was around the age of 10.  Surprisingly, I did not catch the travel bug until later on in life.

Best foreign beer you have had and where: I dislike beer immensely, but if I had to choose the best I have ever tasted it would be Tsingtao, which is found throughout China.

Cuisine (favorite): Whenever I consume Spanish food I feel like it was the best meal of my life.

Destinations – favorite, least favorite and why: My favorite destination is Brasil.  It is where I took my first solo trip in a country where I did not speak the language, it is where I got engaged, it is where I honeymooned, and it is where I hope to one day live.  I have yet to visit a place that I would refuse to visit again, having said that I would be fine not revisiting or never visiting about 15 American states (that shall remain nameless).

Buzios, Brasil

Event you experienced abroad that made you say wow: Celebrating New Year’s Eve on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.  I am convinced there is no place better in the entire world to ring in the new year.  Think 3 million people all dressed in white with 10 minutes of non-stop fireworks.

Favorite mode of transportation: First class, whether it is by plane, train, or boat, although train travel is my favorite of the three.  I like to arrive to my final destination relaxed and refreshed, so that I can start exploring immediately.

Greatest feeling while traveling: When I am on an adventure I feel like anything can happen.  I have truly become addicted to this feeling.

Hottest place you have traveled to: Driving throughout the Outback of Australia during the height of Summer.

Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the Outback of Australia

Incredible service you have experienced and where: Every time I use Andrea Novick with Elite Travel International as my Travel Adviser I am absolutely blown away by her expertise, service, and insight.  She knows everything there is to know about travel.  She also happens to be my inspiration — she has been to Antarctica twice!

Journey that took the longest: NYC to Durban, South Africa.  It took over 30 hours of non-stop flying and of course it was worth it, but next time I have to fly this far I am breaking the trip up in stages.

Keepsake from your travels: I collect 2 things while traveling: 1) anything with elephants on it and 2) gold charms for my good luck necklace.

Let-down site – why and where: Despite my undying love for Brasil, I was deeply disappointed with Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro.  While I think it is beautiful, I also do not think it should be considered one of the seven Wonders of the World.

Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Moment when you fell in love with travel: My first significant trip overseas was to China when I was 20.  I literally can remember the moment I walked off the plane and was consumed with the insatiable desire to see the rest of the world.

Nicest hotel you’ve stayed in: I have had the great fortune to stay in a lot of luxurious hotels, however the one that I go to in my mind when I am stressed is Pousada Maravilha in Fernando de Noronha, Brasil.  My husband and I stayed there on our honeymoon for 3 unforgettable days.

World's Best Infinity Pool in Fernando de Noronha, Brasil

Obsession – what are you obsessed with taking pictures of while traveling: Sunsets, elephants, flowers, anything that is pink, oceans, unique perspectives of shots that have been taken a billion times over. . .

Passport stamps, how many and from where: I lost count.  I have been to around 50 countries and many I have repeated over and over again.  I have had 2 passports and each have had pages added.

Quirkiest attraction you have visited and where: Pass?

Recommended site, event, or experience: It was the most challenging trips of my life to date, however I highly recommend journeying to Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia.  I remember thinking to myself the entire time I was there, “I wish everyone could see this.”  The magical landscape changes before your eyes from salt flats to mountains to desserts to aquamarine and red lakes with thousands of pink flamingos.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Splurge, something you have no problem forking over money for while traveling: I try to upgrade whenever possible (if it is for the right price).  I also like to splurge on dining experiences and excursions.

Touristy thing you have done: A horse and carriage ride through Central Park in NYC.  I do this every single time I visit and I did it several times while I lived there.  The tradition started when I was a little girl when my Dad would take me to the Big Apple every Christmas.  We would get hot chocolate and snuggle up together in the carriage and he would tell me stories about growing up in NYC.

Unforgettable travel memory: Taking a solo trip to the most remote island in the world: Easter Island, Chile.  The entire time I was there I kept pinching myself to make sure that I was not dreaming.

The Men of Rapa Nui

Wine, best glass while traveling and where: The bottle of Malbec (name forgotten) my family and my husband’s family shared the first time they met in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  Wine is like water to me when I am in Argentina.

eXcellent view and from where: I have seen some extraordinary views all over the world, but without a doubt the best view was my husband’s smiling face as I walked down the aisle at our wedding at Faena Hotel + Universe.

Best Moment of 2011

Years spent traveling: Traveling became my #1 priority around a decade ago.

Zealous sports fans and where: My first soccer match was Boca Juniors vs River Plate, the 2 biggest rival teams in Argentina.  The crowd became so out of hand that all of the women and children were evacuated an hour before the men and then the fans from one team were let out before the fans from the other team.  Needles to say, I became a devoted soccer fan after that!  My husband and I plan to attend the World Cup in Brasil in 2016.

From silver-screen stars like Fred Astaire and Brigitte Bardot to rock-stars like Mick Jagger and Madonna, holidays in Rio have always been de rigeur for the international jetset.  The grand art deco hotels of Copacabana have been home to more than their fair share of royalty, financiers, and plain old international playboys over the years.  Today, Rio is recapturing some of that glamor and once again becoming a prime international destination and we look at how you can live it up on your own.

Take a yacht tour of Guanabara Bay

You might not have your own ocean-going luxury yacht, at least not yet, but that need not stop you from enjoying the Rio skyline as if you did!  Holidays in Rio allow you lots of options for taking boat trips out into Guanabara Bay, including aboard some lovely sailing schooners, so you can relax and enjoy drinks from the bar while you feel that warm tropical breeze and the wind in the sails.  You can even stop off at some of the many islands in the bay to enjoy some snorkeling and beach time away from the hoi polloi on Copacabana beach.

Guanabara, Brasil

Make like Bardot in Buzios

To escape from the paparazzi back in France in the 1960′s, a young Brigitte Bardot took a holiday in Rio and up to the Buzios peninsula just north of the city, where she could enjoy some anonymity whilst sunning herself on the dozen or so world-class beaches that surround the small town of Armaçao de Buzios.  Her presence helped turn this small fishing village into one of the most sought after spots on the Brazilian coast, but even today it has retained its charm with small owner-run pousadas providing stylish boutique accommodation to mere mortals like you and me.

The girl from Ipanema

For many years the famous neighbourhood of Copacabana was the trendy spot for holidays in Rio, but these days the more stylish hotels, bars, and restaurants are to be found further west in Ipanema.  More laid back than Copacabana, for many Ipanema sums up what is great about Rio: on the same day you can check out the famous Hippie Market, enjoy lunch at one the city’s best restaurants, go jewellery shopping on Ipanema’s famous Diamond Row, and then finish up watching the sun set at the beach with just a can of beer or a caipirinha from a street vendor.

Take tea at the Palace

No, not that palace, although the Queen has been there!  The Copacabana Palace is the grand dame of Rio hotels, and the white art deco façade is famous throughout Brazil.  Since it first opened its doors in 1923, it has been home to royalty, film stars, and the crème de la crème of international society enjoying their holidays in Brazil.  Even if you cannot afford to stay here yourself, it is worth dropping in for afternoon tea on the terrace so that you can enjoy some of the old-world luxury which has kept the Palace at the top of the Brazil holiday tree throughout the decades.

Supper at Satyricon

If you are looking for something a little more substantial than afternoon tea, then we cannot recommend anywhere more highly than Satyricon in Ipanema.  This classic Italian seafood restaurant is where Madonna eats when she is in town, and it is also one of Ronaldo’s favorites (and that is a guy who likes to eat!).  It is certainly not the cheapest place in town, but for quality it cannot be beat, thus perhaps it is a good place to do a little star-watching on your last night in Rio so you can finish on a high note.

Dan Clarke works for Real Brazil Holidays and cannot wait to get back to Brazil and sink a few caipirinhas at the Azul Marinho while he watches the sun sinking into the ocean.

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Song of the post:

I discovered the above song through the delightful Travelholica blog (written by a Brasilian).  I love the song, but more so I love the video, which depicts a couple who is in love, but are in a long distance relationship.  It could not be more perfect for these Brasil posts I have been writing about.

L. and I leisurely enjoyed our last breakfast at Casas Brancas and posed for a couple of more pictures before departing for Rio de Janeiro.

My first visit to Brasil was a holiday.  This visit was unexpected.  The next visit will be for my honeymoon (oh yeah, I forgot to mention we decided to take our honeymoon in Brasil).  A year ago I would have never imagined that I would be in Brasil 3X in less than 2 years.  I stopped trying to plan my life ages ago, since it has a funny way of changing on you unexpectedly.  And what a ride it has been taking me on and I am certainly excited for this new adventure called marriage!

When I was last in Rio, I stayed at an incredible pousada (I highly recommend it), however I wanted to stay in a different part of the city this time and on a whim chose the Rio 180 Hotel, which was rumored to have the best view, hence their name.  Well, my whim turned out to be quite the fortunate guess, as this hotel not only did have a jaw dropping view of Rio, but it was also jaw droppingly gorgeous (almost rivaling Casas Brancas).  The owner also treated L. and I like royalty and within minutes of us arriving she made sure we had caipirinhas in our hands.  While L. and her chatted about Argentina, I explored the grounds.

My 2 favorite things about our room were, 1) the view from our private terrace:

and 2) the gigantic jacuzzi:

L. and I decided that since we had already spent a lot of time in a car already, that we did not have the desire to take a taxi into the city.  Thus, we ordered some take-away to enjoy on the main terrace.

As we indulged in some pizza, nutella crepes, and more caipirinhas we watched as Rio changed colors in front of our eyes.

Heads up to my readers who live in southeast of the US, in case you did not already know, USAir last December started a new direct route from Charlotte to Rio, and the flight deals are truly something else.  I was able to score a round trip ticket for $400 within 2 weeks of my trip!

Need to escape?  Book your last minute holidays online now with Latedeals!  Quick getaways available to the Canary Islands, Brazil, and many other destinations around the world.

Song of the post:

As with most trips, the time went be way too quickly.  L. and I had most definitely fallen in love with Buzios and had even flirted with the idea of going real estate shopping to get an idea of how much a house would cost us in the future if we were to move there.

For our final meal in Buzios, we chose to dine at the highly recommended French restaurant Cigalon.  And what a great decision we made, because not only was the food superb (so good that we each had our own 4 courses), but it also had to be the most romantic restaurant I have ever dined in–making it the perfect place to celebrate our unforgettable 4 days in Buzios.   Unfortunately, I did not get any pictures of the restaurant, however to imagine the gorgeous setting, picture a lovely candle-lit terrace that has been built next to the sea and overlooks the boats moored for the night.  Of course the waves crashing against the rocks in the distance and the lady singing lovely French ballads inside the restaurant only added to the mystique.

Celebrating our stay in Buzios with champagne!

I believe that most of my readers already know what happened next, especially since I announced it several months ago, but on our walk back to our pousada L. asked me to marry him.  I will not go into specifics as to how he did it, since it was an incredibly special and private moment.  I will say though that even though we have dated for 5 years and have talked extensivly about marriage, I was still surprised, and this girl LOVES surprises!

The newly engaged couple!

And for you ladies who are wondering what my ring looks like, here are 2 photos:

It was not given to me that night, as my man knows I am very selective when it comes to jewelry.  We did later find the most perfect “Andi ring” though.  Never one to follow tradition, I opted to forgo a diamond for an amethyst and pink sapphires. The wedding is currently being planned to take place in Buenos Aires, Argentina for this coming May.  Updates will definitely be ongoing.

While I was terribly sad to be leaving Buzios, I was eager to return to Rio de Janeiro, this time with my fiance!!!

When traveling throughout Brazil, make sure to purchase some Brazil Phone Cards, so that you can stay in contact with your family overseas.

Song of the post:

I woke up with little butterflies in my stomach, the kind of butterflies that I get when I am about to set off on an exploration.  You see, L. and I had the grand idea that we would rent a buggy, a popular thing to do when in Buzios, and drive from beach to beach.  We were after all on a quest to find our favorite!

Our pousada called the rental company for us and by the time we were finished with our breakfast the buggy had arrived.  We spent about an hour filling out paperwork and once we had signed away our lives the keys were presented to us.  I was the one driving, since L. lives in Buenos Aires and therefore has no need for a driver’s lisence.  As we got into the buggy my excitement turned to dread — our buggy was not an automatic.  Yes, I know, roll your eyes, laugh, but I do not know how to drive a stick shift (it is #44 on my Bucket List to learn how by the way).  L. tried to teach me, though that was an absolute disaster.  After yet another hour, I finally gave up and had to embarrassingly call the rental company to ask for a refund and for them to pick up the buggy, while in the meantime I left it stuck in the middle of the road on a hill.  Not one of my proudest moments!

The difference between tragedy and comedy is a sense of humor (which thankfully both of us have).  As many travelers have learned while on the road:  the worse the experience, the better the story.

Since it was already mid-afternoon, L. and I decided to stay where we were to take advantage of the incredible pool at Casas Brancas and to continue laughing off the unsuccessful morning with some caipirinhas.

Me in my new Brasilian suit!

I know I have done nothing but sing Casas Brancas’ praises for the last several posts, however I simply cannot imagine a more aesthetically pleasing place.

Towards the end of the day the beach along Buzios Bay was calling out to us and we decided to pay it a visit.  It took us about 15 minutes to walk there.

It was not the most beautiful beach I had ever visited, however the calm water was the perfect temperature.  L. and I floated away the time and before we knew it the sun began to set.

And the walk back to our pousada was illuminated by yet another pink sky.

By the time we made it back to our room the moon was now the center of the attention in Buzios.

L. and I were surprisingly tired and decided that we would have a long, leisurely dinner and then buy some cake at a nearyby bakery to take back to enjoy on our terrace.

As we indulged in our desserts under the moonlight, we found it difficult to believe that tomorrow would be our last day in Buzios.  We knew we had to make it special, and special it would definitely be!

Song of the post:

L. and I decided to dine at the restaurant at Casas Brancas.  We had the entire place to ourselves, and while it was definitely romantic, I missed the energy that comes from a crowded restaurant.

L. and I celebrating a fabulous vacation thus far.

After our suburb meal, we took our time walking into town, as it was slightly past midnight and even though we were visiting during off-season, midnight was still too early for the clubs.  Besides the beaches, Buzios is also known for its happening night life all year round.

A view of Buzios sparkling behind me.

Along the way we passed by Brigitte again and could not help but pose for some more pictures with her!

I loved her sense of style and the fact that she was sitting on a suitcase.

L. loved her, well. . .

We stopped in some stores and enjoyed some ice cream to kill more time, and then around 1:30 we decided to go dancing at Pacha.  I have been to Pacha’s all over the world and I am always impressed with the fabulous atmosphere and music, however I doubt there is a Pacha with a better view than the one in Buzios.

Around 4AM, which to L. was still very early since he is Argentine, we returned to our pousada.  As we drifted off to sleep, again with the doors open, we agreed that tomorrow we would rent a buggy and drive from beach to beach.

Song of the post:

The surprise that awaited us at Casas Brancas was truly the most magnificent sunset I have ever seen.  They had promised us the best sunset in Buzios and they definitely delivered!

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm, and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” ~Jawaharial Nehru

My 1st view of the sunset -- trust me my eyes were wide open!

It was as if the sky was on fire.

I am certain that at first I took about 100 photos and then I realized that I was not enjoying this special moment to the fullest and I put my camera down.  I love that photography enables us to capture  moments in time that we never want to forget.  And when I see something that stirs my soul, I cannot help but take photo after photo until I feel like I have a successful shot.  Though lately I am trying my best to find the right balance between capturing moments with my camera and with with my memory.

It was now time to go get ready for our big night out on the town, since it was after all a Friday night in Brasil. . .

Song of the post:

Lucas and I decided to sleep with the door to our terrace open, so that while we slept we could hear the sound of the ocean.  It was one of the most peaceful sleeps in my life to date!  The beds in the suites at Casas Brancas are built on platforms, which allows guests to have a view of Buzios Bay from their bed.  In fact, the following pictures were taken from bed!

The breakfast that is offered at the pousada is included in the room cost and is a buffet of Brasilian delights ranging from tropical fruit to exotic cheeses to local cakes.  My favorite, of course, was the french-press coffee that each couple received with the meal.

 

As previously mentioned, Buzios has over twenty beaches and no matter who you talk to each person is very opinionated on which beach is the best.  Lucas and I wanted to form our own opinion, thus we decided to spend the next four days seeing as many beaches as we could.  That would prove to be the biggest challenge of the trip; deciding which ones to visit!  The first beach we chose was Praia Brava.  Casas Brancas reserved us a sunbed at the ultra-trendy Rocka Beach Lounge and Restaurant.

 

Before heading to the beach, I took a quick stroll in town to look for a new bikini.  I was inspired by the local women to buy a Brasilian bikini (ie: a bikini that showed more skin than I was definitely used to).  I found the perfect one by Betty Sue, though you will have to wait a couple of posts to see the unveiling.

 

It took us about five minutes to get to Praia Brava by taxi.  And as always the case with Brasil, I was definitely impressed with my surroundings!

Me on our sunbed wearing my silk cover-up I bought at a bazaar in Jaipur, India a month before.

Lucas on our sunbed.

Our view of Praia Brava.

It was easy to understand why Rocka is such a popular place — with a picturesque view of the ocean, against a soundtrack of Brazilian bossa nova coming from the bar, and the smell of fresh seafood cooking — it was the perfect setting to spend the day, even a week.

 

Normally, since I am a sun worshipper, my first task at hand is to find the perfect spot to take in the sun, but I was in the mood for some exploration.

Could this be our favorite beach???

After our walk, it was time for our first round of caipirinhas of the day.

Salud!

And then of course some sun bathing.

Several hours and one delicious meal later, we went for yet another walk, this time to the deserted part of the beach where we had even more fun with my camera.

One of my favorite photos from the trip.

I loved how Praia Brava, despite being one of the more developed beaches, still had parts that were unspoiled.

Once the sun began to set, we decided to return to Casas Brancas.  We had wanted to see at least one other beach, however we loved where we were so much that we ended up spending the entire day there.

As if the day were not special enough, we had an incredible surprise awaiting us at Casas Brancas. . .

 

The best way to keep in touch with family and friends while traveling around Brazil is to buy some Brazil Phone Cards.