In case you haven't seen the pics of Brasil that Josh posted online, here is the link.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=jrb6yax.3qlqnamt&x=0&y=r9je7x&localeid=en_US
Might I suggest some itunes music for complete serenity. ENJOY!!!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
Interested in Buying a Castle?
Seriously! While we were in Natal, we spotted a hostel that was for sale. A hostel that was a...CASTLE!!! Draw bridge, stone everything, even a dungeon. Ok, I dunno about the dungeon but I'm sure you can designate the basement as one. So if you ever thought about buying one, it's totally possible now.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Fortaleza, Brasil...Kite Surfing Mecca
It was tough leaving Natal, seriously. But the saga continues. There's more land to be discovered. Our most northern stop in Brasil was Fortaleza. I really wish I knew the state each city was in but I don't. Brasil has 26 states i think. don't quote me. Anyways, we were really fortunate to meet with Josh's co-worker's friend Carol, who graciously gave us a tour of the city. Honestly, it was a bit weird riding around in a car. So nice and convenient. The layout of Fortaleza was sooooo interesting. The city sorta had a right angle look to it, surrounded by much different types of waters. I say this because on one side, kite surfing is God there. World's championship kite surfing and there was def alotta people practicing for it. But kicker is, all the tall buildings that were built on that side have all, i mean ALL been deteriorated and crumbled down because of the wind that carries the salt. Empty lots everywhere with old building parts. So the other side is the normal side. Hotels, buildings, blah blah. The worst part is that they have this bridge half built (because the new mayor or wherever stopped it) that was suppose to connect everyone to their fatty tourist attraction, the BEACH PARK. They have this like 12 story water slide. Its called SUPER WEDGIE. naw, i don't know what its called but it should be. or RAPE ME.
Fortaleza was actually a cool city. The square of the city was sorta a cool embarcadero amphitheater with bars and restaurants feel. i guess. a perfect spot for the young people to hang out. But back to kite surfing, I actually thought about trying kite surfing before I had visited Brasil. It was just something I've always felt like doing. But Fortaleza was no place for a beginner. Trust me, I saw some guy getting dragged through the water from the wind and there wasn't a way to let go of the kite. If Chicago is the Windy City(even though it aint), Fortaleza is Chicago's drunk uncle. Long story short, I chickened out. ha!
HIGHLIGHT - All trip we've been talking about seeing a soccer game in Rio. But we found out there was a game happening here. THAT NIGHT. WHA! CEARA was playing ABC NATAL. Carol's brother's friend Ruggero is a die hard fan and agreed to take us. From what they described, it was kinda like the Panthers against the Lions. An average team vs a weakass one that would never sell out the stadium. But it was guaranteed to have scores. So GOOOOLLLLL for us! Home team CEARA won, 3-1. It was sick! Why? Because even though it was a normal game, these die hard fans treat it like its the World Series. Pitch for pitch, in this case, pass for pass, they were into it 100%. old guys were cussing like crazy over a simple bad pass. People would start ripping out hair when a player misses an opening. i loved it and at the same time i feared for my life. if i were to cheer for the wrong team only because i might have witnessed a great shot, will people give me the crazy eye? naw, they'll just say konnichiwai! honest! (squint eye look and all, its nuts,but thats another topic for next time) it was a very successful and rememorable game for me and i'm glad we saw it.
Here's some clips of the game.
Fortaleza, Brasil - Soccer Match: CEARA vs ABC NATAL from Anson Ho on Vimeo.
Fortaleza was actually a cool city. The square of the city was sorta a cool embarcadero amphitheater with bars and restaurants feel. i guess. a perfect spot for the young people to hang out. But back to kite surfing, I actually thought about trying kite surfing before I had visited Brasil. It was just something I've always felt like doing. But Fortaleza was no place for a beginner. Trust me, I saw some guy getting dragged through the water from the wind and there wasn't a way to let go of the kite. If Chicago is the Windy City(even though it aint), Fortaleza is Chicago's drunk uncle. Long story short, I chickened out. ha!
HIGHLIGHT - All trip we've been talking about seeing a soccer game in Rio. But we found out there was a game happening here. THAT NIGHT. WHA! CEARA was playing ABC NATAL. Carol's brother's friend Ruggero is a die hard fan and agreed to take us. From what they described, it was kinda like the Panthers against the Lions. An average team vs a weakass one that would never sell out the stadium. But it was guaranteed to have scores. So GOOOOLLLLL for us! Home team CEARA won, 3-1. It was sick! Why? Because even though it was a normal game, these die hard fans treat it like its the World Series. Pitch for pitch, in this case, pass for pass, they were into it 100%. old guys were cussing like crazy over a simple bad pass. People would start ripping out hair when a player misses an opening. i loved it and at the same time i feared for my life. if i were to cheer for the wrong team only because i might have witnessed a great shot, will people give me the crazy eye? naw, they'll just say konnichiwai! honest! (squint eye look and all, its nuts,but thats another topic for next time) it was a very successful and rememorable game for me and i'm glad we saw it.
Here's some clips of the game.
Fortaleza, Brasil - Soccer Match: CEARA vs ABC NATAL from Anson Ho on Vimeo.
Doing Laps
Exercise is always so hard to do while you are traveling. Luckily, this 1 star place we stayed had a sweet swimming pool. A perfect chance to get my workout on.
Swimming Some Laps from Anson Ho on Vimeo.
Swimming Some Laps from Anson Ho on Vimeo.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Short Buggy Sand Dune Video
Doesn't really give it justice but imagine it crazier with dips, dives, and more screaming. I probably would have lost the camera had I tried to film the good stuff. I guess you'll just have to come here to Brasil yourself to try it out. Enjoy!
Natal, Brasil....Sand Dune Paradise from Anson Ho on Vimeo.
Natal, Brasil....Sand Dune Paradise from Anson Ho on Vimeo.
Natal, Brasil....Sand Dune Paradise
Natal was a dope spot. It had night life, it had beach life, it had city life. I could tell this is where lots of Brasilians come for their vacation. Some key moments that happen to us. We finally found the legendary ACAI SUPER BOMBA. Now to this point, we had been eating a lot of ACAI, the food or fruit or something that Opera just recommended for her food of the year. Its rare and expensive in the states, but its everywhere in Brasil. The food is grown from the Amazon and its suppose to give natural energy. A friend I met, Elena, from Manchester United had told me I must try the SUPER BOMBA. And I did. GLORIOUS!!!
We also found our German friend Ulf. This guy is adventurous. Someone you look at and say, damn, I shoulda been like this when I was a little younger. He's been using couchsurfing and hospitalityclub to stay at places throughout Brasil. Its websites where people offer a couch or a room for free. Its like a backpackers community of trust and openmindedness to meet new people and invite them to stay in your city for cheap with the local experience. Pretty cool huh!
Natal became a highlight of the trip instantly. I had seen pics online of the sand dunes in this area of Brasil but this was our chance to experience it first hand. We rushed through Recife just so we could make sure we had enough time to go on the buggy tour. The buggy tour consist of us renting a driver and his buggy car and for him to drive as crazy as possible through the sand dunes, while we hold on for dear life and scream and yell all day. No jumps involved, but definitely the scariest drops and face driving EVER! I remember there was one drop Black Tyson (our driver's nickname), almost a 90 degree face of the sand coming down, where he accelerated all the way down. He was doing donuts everywhere and climbing up sand walls only to drive right back down. They were the type of thrilling rides where you wonder, how on earth came someone stay inside the buggy while you do this. I guess it added to the excited. One moment that stood out was a drop where you couldn't see the other side. It caught us all by surprise. So much that, the other couple that we were on the tour with, finally came out of their shell, and started to yell and swear at the top of our lungs with us. It was the funniest moment of the day because the old guy we were with didn't say a word until that drop. I don't know what he said in Portuguese but I'm sure it was a bunch of words starting with F and S and probably I'll Kill YOu Tyson!
We also met some Brasilians from Sao Paulo on the trip that were very friendly. I swear, when you meet people who are also on vacation, you can have nothing but good times. After Black Tyson hooked it up, we hung out with them in our final hours in Natal. The lack of portuguese and spanish proved to make the conversation even more interesting. It was like playing that game Sharades (is that how you spell it). 2 words, sounds like, shaped like, sound effects. Crazy. They either thought I was weird or just pure entertainment. They asked us to look them up when we get to Sao Paulo. Hopefully there will be time.
Pics of the SUPER BOMBA. NATURAL BABY!!!
Here's our friend Ulf. We found all-u-can eat fish for dinner. NICE!
Sand Dunes and Buggy
New friends from Sao Paulo
We also found our German friend Ulf. This guy is adventurous. Someone you look at and say, damn, I shoulda been like this when I was a little younger. He's been using couchsurfing and hospitalityclub to stay at places throughout Brasil. Its websites where people offer a couch or a room for free. Its like a backpackers community of trust and openmindedness to meet new people and invite them to stay in your city for cheap with the local experience. Pretty cool huh!
Natal became a highlight of the trip instantly. I had seen pics online of the sand dunes in this area of Brasil but this was our chance to experience it first hand. We rushed through Recife just so we could make sure we had enough time to go on the buggy tour. The buggy tour consist of us renting a driver and his buggy car and for him to drive as crazy as possible through the sand dunes, while we hold on for dear life and scream and yell all day. No jumps involved, but definitely the scariest drops and face driving EVER! I remember there was one drop Black Tyson (our driver's nickname), almost a 90 degree face of the sand coming down, where he accelerated all the way down. He was doing donuts everywhere and climbing up sand walls only to drive right back down. They were the type of thrilling rides where you wonder, how on earth came someone stay inside the buggy while you do this. I guess it added to the excited. One moment that stood out was a drop where you couldn't see the other side. It caught us all by surprise. So much that, the other couple that we were on the tour with, finally came out of their shell, and started to yell and swear at the top of our lungs with us. It was the funniest moment of the day because the old guy we were with didn't say a word until that drop. I don't know what he said in Portuguese but I'm sure it was a bunch of words starting with F and S and probably I'll Kill YOu Tyson!
We also met some Brasilians from Sao Paulo on the trip that were very friendly. I swear, when you meet people who are also on vacation, you can have nothing but good times. After Black Tyson hooked it up, we hung out with them in our final hours in Natal. The lack of portuguese and spanish proved to make the conversation even more interesting. It was like playing that game Sharades (is that how you spell it). 2 words, sounds like, shaped like, sound effects. Crazy. They either thought I was weird or just pure entertainment. They asked us to look them up when we get to Sao Paulo. Hopefully there will be time.
Pics of the SUPER BOMBA. NATURAL BABY!!!
Here's our friend Ulf. We found all-u-can eat fish for dinner. NICE!
Sand Dunes and Buggy
New friends from Sao Paulo
Monday, October 13, 2008
Recife, Brasil...short but sweet.
Our next stop was Recife, Brasil. Everyone suggested, including Lonely Planet, to stay in the Olinda area because it was more laid back and artsy. As again, we arrived at night. Never ever a good idea to a place we've never been and a language we barely speak. But this was the first time we took the long distance bus during the day. It proved to be a shitty trip, like grey hound from sf to colorado but crowded like the 30 Stockton going through Chinatown. Lucky us, we had front seats where we see the most action and get zero naps in.
We ended up staying at D'Olinda Pousada. The sweetest part of this place was the free breakfast and the outrageous lunch (in a good way). The best was the breakfast cuz it wasn't just cheese and bread like we've been having EVERYDAY at all the other places. Finally, we had variety...and it was glorious. fruit, meat pies, eggs, sausages, and PIZZA. damn, all this for breakfast. crazy right.
The area of Olinda was amazing. They definitely have an unique artistic way of living. It was so fun walking around checking out the colorful houses, the graffiti art everywhere, and all the shops with their works. Most stores also had their giant puppets they use for Carnival. these bigger than life characters were surreal and somewhat cool and scary at the same time. And of course, like every city we've been to in Brasil, they claimed that Recife had the BEST carnival celebration. Its awesome because it shows how much pride they put into this yearly event.
HIGHLIGHT of Recife was def going to the Black Tuesday concert. After finding out from Josh that Recife was like number one murder capital of Brasil and walking through the ghetto at night looking for something called BLACK TUESDAY was def a highlight. Only because it proved all doubts wrong and turned out to be a successful and funfilled night. We found the concert in this enclosed square with a catherdal as the background. pretty sick. the concert had some hip hop (or as they call it in brasil, hippy hop), folklore, african drumming, the works. the crowd was mainly students and people who were there to smoke and chill.
But as written in the title, Recife was short but sweet. We scheduled out the rest of our trip in hopes to see a real soccer game back in Rio, so only 2 nights in Recife and moving on up the coast to Natal next.
Here's some pics of these puppets.
Here's a video of one dancing.
Recife, Brasil - Carnival Puppets from Anson Ho on Vimeo.
We ended up staying at D'Olinda Pousada. The sweetest part of this place was the free breakfast and the outrageous lunch (in a good way). The best was the breakfast cuz it wasn't just cheese and bread like we've been having EVERYDAY at all the other places. Finally, we had variety...and it was glorious. fruit, meat pies, eggs, sausages, and PIZZA. damn, all this for breakfast. crazy right.
The area of Olinda was amazing. They definitely have an unique artistic way of living. It was so fun walking around checking out the colorful houses, the graffiti art everywhere, and all the shops with their works. Most stores also had their giant puppets they use for Carnival. these bigger than life characters were surreal and somewhat cool and scary at the same time. And of course, like every city we've been to in Brasil, they claimed that Recife had the BEST carnival celebration. Its awesome because it shows how much pride they put into this yearly event.
HIGHLIGHT of Recife was def going to the Black Tuesday concert. After finding out from Josh that Recife was like number one murder capital of Brasil and walking through the ghetto at night looking for something called BLACK TUESDAY was def a highlight. Only because it proved all doubts wrong and turned out to be a successful and funfilled night. We found the concert in this enclosed square with a catherdal as the background. pretty sick. the concert had some hip hop (or as they call it in brasil, hippy hop), folklore, african drumming, the works. the crowd was mainly students and people who were there to smoke and chill.
But as written in the title, Recife was short but sweet. We scheduled out the rest of our trip in hopes to see a real soccer game back in Rio, so only 2 nights in Recife and moving on up the coast to Natal next.
Here's some pics of these puppets.
Here's a video of one dancing.
Recife, Brasil - Carnival Puppets from Anson Ho on Vimeo.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Just a Quick Update
For those who actually read this blog (val), just letting you know i'll be finishing up my stories when i get back to the states. i only have a few days left here in brasil and i'm trying to eat and do as much as i can. i have all my stories written down and ready to go for the rest of the trip, so no worries. i'll write them out at home where the internet is fast and free instead of paying 4 or 5 reals an hour. but quickly, thanks to all the wonderful people i've met along the way and opening up your hearts to us. thanks for sharing your laughter and smiles. and also guiding us along the way. i truly wish i had more time here to experience more of this wonderful country...but its so f##!ing huge!!!
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