Latin America Part II: Brazil

Even though it took us 72 hours to get here, Itacare has been well worth the trip. We started with a 9 hour flight from Hawaii to Chicago, followed by a 12 hour layover in Chicago. Initially we were planning on finding a park and playing chess with homeless savantes to pass the time, but the weather forecast said 48 degrees, so we opted for a cheap car rental and a day at the Chicago Children's museum at the Navy Pier. Even though Rivs and I were running on about 3 hours of much-interrupted sleep, Harper had restfully slept the entire 9 hour flight, so she was ready to dig for dinosaur bones and hunt for butterflies at the museum. Rivs and I took turns sitting in toddler sized chairs to rest our weary bodies, knowing that there would be 2 more nights of sleepless travel. The second flight from Chicago to Sao Paolo was much better in terms of sleepability, since I slept on the floor (yes, at River's feet) while Harper took up both her seat and my own. Rivs industriously build a tent over Harper out of the blue thin airline blankets to shield the fight attendants' eyes from the woman sleeping in the fetal position at her husbands' feet, her head resting on a Brobee pillow. Just try to wake me up and make me sit in my seat, Ms. United Airlines. Just try it. The rest of the trip to Salvador airport was effortless, as Harper slept through both flights, including the one hour layover in between. Dave and Simone were waiting for us as we landed in Salvador, and checked us into an amazing hotel with A/C-and most importantly-a bed. Sleeping fully extended was amazing, let me tell you. The next day we set out for a 7 hour car ride from Salvador to our final destination of Itacare, which is right on the central coast of Brazil. It was dark when we arrived, but the next morning we opened our bedroom doors to this sight. Yes, the trip was definitely worth the discomfort and lack of sleep.

Harper has been in Heaven since getting here, although we've had to sternly warn her that the palm-sized "bird-eating-spider" (true story) was not to be cuddled, and the hissing 2 foot long lizard probably didn't want to be held. Luckily there are two cats, a dog and a horse for Harper to pet and annoy to divert her attention from the plethora of deadly and dangerous fauna. This is Bailey, Simone's amazing rescue Pitbull that is totally Ok with Harper following her around and trying to ride on her back.

And this is Simone and Dave on a motorcycle "walking" their horse down the street. Why not?

I think we're going to like this place. A lot.