or rather, Santa Teresa. Yes, we made it! Despite begging at both the United and Continental counters, Valerie and I flew separate routes to Rio de Janeiro….but there was my gal, waiting as I breezed through customs. Our driver arrived a moment later, and off we went to our little castle on the hill (translation of the hotel where we are staying):
Feeling pretty good, we set off to find a place for lunch, and settled in a few cobblestone-lined blocks away at Sobrenatural for a seafood feast. So much to choose from (and yes, another travel adventure framed within amazing food experiences, so hang onto your bib and let’s dig in.) As soon as our eyes spotted it on the menu (TAYLOR!!!) we had to have hearts of palm salad. Then shrimp in something or other and frutas del mar with saffron rice. The gentleman who helped us was smiling at us all the time and helped in the decision-making and then served us. He also showed us the little jelly bowl filled with tiny hot peppers and oil and that was the best of all. Check it out:
Walked through some more of the quaint streets and little, I mean teeny craft stores. Colorful statues of large-breasted women and little sculptures of animal, paintings of the favelas and models of the streetcars. Not at all the usual mass-produced tschotschkes. Back for some serious napping, and Valerie chose the hammocks on the back balconyÇ
from which it was hard to rouse, but rouse we did.
Up and at ’em again. This time walked down the hill for our first sip of a capairinha, the national drink. Had to practice pronouncing it first! Enjoyed in a little bar, along with some empanadas with dried beef (Michael!) and chatting with a gentleman from San Diego who was on his fourth visit.
He recommended a particular club to us for its great singer on Thursday night, so I will report back on how good his taste in music is! Meandered back home and hit the hay to rest for our first full day in the land of samba.