The last chapter of my book about Semester at Sea, BRAZIL.

So I had to wake up at a god forsaken hour today in my own bed today… I pretty much just took a nap because I went to bed around 0200. But I was up and ready to go though. Got to the union and checked in and had some cinnamon rolls and some tea. Waited around for a little bit and then transferred to the bus to take us to the airport. I passed out while on the ride there. Got to the airport and checked in and relaxed until the plane started to board. Got onto the plane and I was at a window seat so I was happy about that and I was sitting next to Chelsea. I put my sleep music on and passed out for the entire flight. (So that’s another two hours there). After we got off the plane we got our stuff and waited for people to get money out of the ATM. Took awhile so I was not too happy, but oh well, I was in Rio! After that we got onto our bus and started on our tour of the city. Instead of going to the hotel first we decided to start our excursion then because we could not check into the hotel at that time. On the bus I sat next to Elaina and Griffin. Our first stop was Rio’s famous icon Sugar Loaf. After about an hour drive we finally got there and just from the bus the view was amazing. There were two cable cars that connected the Sugar Loafs together. So we took the cable car up to the first loaf and the view was amazing! I could see Christ the Redeemer our in the distance, which was freakin’ sweet! I could also see Copacabana as well. The view from this Loaf was amazing and I could not wait to see what the other Loaf had in store for us. As we ascended to the next Loaf my ear began to pop because we were a few thousand feet up (which by the way is awesome). Once we got up there the view was better than the last. Though it was a little hotter than the previous one it was worth it. It's hard to explain what I could see but it was amazing! From there we descended back down. When we got back down to the first Loaf I got a picture of this lemur/little monkey thing (it was adorable to say the least). I also got to see a helicopter take off for an aerial view of the Loafs and Redeemer. Once we got back down to solid ground we had to wait for our bus to show up, it was a bit warm to say in the least, but I was complacent. We then made our way to lunch… and I was super excited for this because our lunch was Rio’s fabled gaucho-styled churrascarias (Brazilian BBQ :D) It was amazing!!! I literally ate every type of meat imaginable!! I didn’t even dessert because I was devouring everything. There was filet, brisket, roast beef, sausage, chicken, chicken heart… and any other meat you could think of. I was sooo full from it but it was totally worth it!!! From there we made our way to Old Rio where we took in the sights of post colonial Rio. Many of the structure there came from the French, Dutch, and Portuguese. Many of the buildings now have been turned into historical sites or museums. But I still think it’s pretty cool that the buildings still exist. There was a lot of history in every one of those buildings and it was pretty cool to be able to walk through them. We then made our way to a Cathedral. Now from the outside it did not look like much (more or less like a Inca or Aztec temple), but once I walked through the front door, my breath was taking away from it beauty. This place was huge, stain glass windows and ceilings; needless to say it was crazy. From there we made our way back to the hotel to check in and get settled into the room for a little bit before setting off onto our futbol match! Got to the futbol match about 45 min before it started an I got super pumped for it. the teams that were playing were: Fluminense (Rio home team) and Portuguesa (away team). As we were waiting for the game to start the stadium started to fill up with fans and it got going crazy. The game started and the flags for the home team were waving (and these were not little flags, these were easily 12x12 or bigger), flares were going off and nonstop cheering was going on. In the end Fluminense won 3-2. And the crowd went crazy.
Woke up today around 0700, took a shower and then made my way down to breakfast with my roomie, Steven around 0745ish. When we got there, we were the only ones from SAS down there, which was nice and weird at the same time. Breakfast was bomb.com. They had fresh fruit (i.e. pineapple and mango, so clutch) had at least three large helpings of each, and then there were these pastries… omg. It was pretty much and inside-outside cinnamon rolls. I literally had 4 of them, they were sooooo good, I am drooling just thinking about them. I also had this sort of chocolate chip pound cake and that was delicious as well, yum :D. then I finally broke down and had some real food such as cheese bread and sausage. Lol. I had some hot tea to wash it down as well. As we were eating we could seeing the ocean out in front of us and it was teasing me, so I told myself that I am going swimming in Copacabana right now. So I put on my swimsuit and went into the water and it was amazing. A little cold at the beginning but once I got past my waste I was good to go. The wave were perfect and I body surfed a handful of them. it was pretty B.A. if I say so myself. After about an hour Steven and I walked the beach to self dry and it worked and as we headed back we met up with our group leaders who got into the ocean as well. We got back to the room, showered and changed and then relaxed until it was time to go down to the lobby at 1000. So today we were going to be in open topped jeeps and we were going to tour the city in them for the entire day. It was going to be awesome! Our first stop was the Tijuca Rainforest. Each jeep held 8 but the jeep that I wanted to sit ten and I was not going to have that, even though the people on there were cool and all, I like my space and comfort. So I decided to move to another jeep. Eliana and Chelsea were a little sad but it was whatever because the jeep that I got on was a lot better than the one I was on before. My jeep consisted of me, Griffen, our tour guide, Mr. and Mrs. Reidinger (our group leaders) and then three others then plus the jeeps tour guide. So it was nice and comfy in the jeep, and I believe that we had the best jeep, because we were first and everyone had to wait for us as well regardless. Haha. As we were driving towards our first destination we saw the beautiful scenery of Rio. We started by following the “Estrada das Canoes” to Sao Conrado. As we were making our way up the mountain the air got fresher, the breeze got cooler, so I knew we were getting close. We finally got to a stopping point, got out of the jeep and saw an amazing waterfall. We were able to have a rest stop for about 15-20 min. took some amazing photos and then got back into the jeeps and headed on our way up the mountain some more before we stopped again. This time we got out and had a little walk ahead of us. We walked through the rainforest and walked past a little mudslide and continued on my way. The forest was quite refreshing to say in the least. As we were walking we saw a stream on our left hand side, which meant one to two things, another waterfall or a bigger river. As we got closer we had to do a little climbing, well Grif and I, lol. So instead of walking through the mud I climbed on the mossy wall. After the climb we paused for a little bit and took in the sites. There was a little raven with water running over this big boulder and it was quite peaceful. And when I looked up and saw these two parrots asleep in their nest upside down. It was interesting to see because I did not know they did that. From there we made our way to the jeeps and headed towards lunch. We had lunch along the coast. Ate with Grif and Corey. It was a little windy but the view was amazing from where we were sitting. After lunch we made our way to the favela’s in the area. As we turn onto the street to our first stopped notice the staircase looked rather familiar for some reason, and as I looked at it again it hit me… that staircase was from Snoop Dogg’s music video featuring Pharell “Beautiful” and I was like this is awesome!! Then once we got out of the jeep the tour guide confirmed it and I tapped myself on the back for that one. Haha. Also that staircase has been in the second “Hulk” movie as well, which again is pretty freakin sweet! After that we climbed it and took more pictures as I went up and when we finally reached the top we got back into our jeeps and made our way to Favela Dona Marta, which was one of Rio’s notorious slums, but now considered a model of urban renewal, social progress and self-empowerment. Now my impression of a favela was much like where the homeless live or the very poor live. But I was very wrong, many of the people who live there are of the working class (the one you see in restaurants or hotels) though the living conditions are not the best they are rather happy there. An interesting comment was made by our tour guide, he said, “the people who live in the favela’s have the million dollar view for a thousand bucks” and he was very true because where we were to the right you could see the Christ the Redeemer and to the left you could see the beautiful coast. Also there was a survey done as well regarding the people there and whether they would want to move and only about 15% said yes. Which was very interesting to me to say in the least, but I came to find out that they are getting free Wi-Fi from the government as well as cable, water and electricity. After we were on top and saw the amazing views as well as watching some futbol we made our way down to the bottom, but before we got there we stopped at this one random area for a little bit and was told that Michael Jackson made a music video there and it was called, “They Don’t Care About Us.” Tonight is a real "Rio like a native" experience. You're off to the "Fair of the Northeast" in /Sao Cristovao/. This is a one of a kind, mind-boggling experience featuring the sights, sounds and smells of Brazil's Northeast region. The sprawling fair is full of immigrants from the economically impoverished but culturally rich northeast states who faced great hardships to start a new life in Rio (Imagine the sharecroppers and rural poor who emigrated northward in the US at the beginning of the 20th century and you will have a sense of the epic story and cultural diversity this fair represents). The sprawling fair is full of immigrants from the economically impoverished but culturally rich northeast states who faced great hardships to start a new life in Rio. Imagine the sharecroppers and rural poor who emigrated northward in the US at the beginning of the 20th century and you will have a sense of the epic story and cultural diversity this fair epresents. Music, dance, food and art are all on display here as we explore the fairground. Forro and Frevo music explodes around us as you are free to sample delicious fare of the northeastern states. It is really an adventure for the senses and the people are welcoming. It was 2RS to get in which was not bad at all. We went and got dinner first at one of the many restaurants they had to offer. Griffin, Kelly, Corey, Kimi and I decided not to eat with the rest of the group and went to the restaurant across the walkway. Since we did not know any Portuguese we had to rely of pictures to order our food. We got a meat dish and a chicken dish. We had an idea of how much food was going to come but once it came we were dead wrong. We also ordered some drinks and I got a local light beer. It was quite good. The food portions were huge! There were six slices of meat and a ton of chicken (ranging from, leg, breast, back, and even feet, luckily there was no head, there could have been but we did not go searching for it. lol) I had so much food it was not even funny. I had two pieces of meat, a handful of chicken, about 6-8 scoops of beans, and a little rice to boot. Oh and there were these potato like things, they were very tasty and I had a lot of those as well. overall dinner cost us 170 RS, and luckily enough Kelly put it on her dads credit card. How nice of her :D After dinner we walked around the market looking for things to do as well as cigars. After a good search we stumbled across them and bought a handful (they were 1-2 RS, great snag). Lit one up and walked around some more. We stopped at a bar and had a beer (3RS) and the cigar. Not too bad actually, got some good drags off of it. From there we made our way to Lapa before midnight the bus takes you to the heart of "Old Rio"-- the Lapa District in downtown. The area is filled with outdoor cafes and many musical venues from samba to jazz, all in search of the best in Brazilian rhythms. Our guide showed us the best place to find the experience we wanted. After experiencing the local sounds, if we wanted to the bus would be returning to the hotel later that evening around 2330. Once we got off the bus it was crazy! People were all over the place, drinking and having a good time. People were dancing and having a blast. We were probably there for a good hour or two. Met this man name Drew. This guy was the shit. We talked a little bit, both in Spanish and English, which I was happy that I could do. After awhile we made our back. When we got back to our stay we thought there was another concert going on at the beach, but sadly there was not. So we went to the pub, griffin had a burger and fries and then we went back to our rooms and crashed for the night.
Today was our last day and we could do whatever we wanted. Our flight didn’t leave till late and we did ont have to be back to the hotel until 1600. So I woke up at 0900 and breakfast at 0930. Corey, Grif and I were trying to figure out what we wanted to do for the day. Sad thing was that the beach was not fairing too well because it was raining (sad day) but I still was going to go in regardless. So we decided to meet back up around 1045-1100 to go about our day. Corey and I decided to go in the ocean for a little bit and catch some wave for the last time. we were there for a good 30 min or so. Then came back and took a shower, checked out of the hotel and made our way to the shopping mall to hang out. Griffin was feeling better and we decided to go to outback. Prime choice. We got there and I looked exactly like the one back home. We got a big table because there were others coming to join us. I had the hardest time trying to figure out what I wanted; a burger or cheese fries. I literally thought for a good 20 min before I decided on something. And it was a burger. At the table were Griffin, Corey, Donald, Luke, and I. pretty legit group of guys. Got our food and destroyed my burger and fries, and then Donald gave me his food because he could not finish it (he and Luke had a rough night, crazy stories came from their mouths). After that we made our way to the mall across the street. The weather was a little drizzily (but we are men so we toughed it out). We got into the mall and just walked around and had the ‘O’ face the entire time, the Brazilian ladies are soooo fine. We broke away from Donald and Luke. Met up with Chelsea, Eliana, and Kimi at a sandal store and hung out there for a little bit while waiting for Griffin to buy some freaking sandals for like 30 min. but it was whatever because I was looking at candy and when I say candy I mean eye candy and when I mean I candy I mean Brazilian women. After I picked up my jaw we made our way back. Met up with everyone and went back to the hotel. Headed back to the hotel and made our way to the plane. I got stuck by the window again next to Chelsea again and passed out before we took off and headed home. Came back to the ship and waited in line and while we were waiting it began to rain… I mean pour on us. Oh joy. Finally got in, grabbed something quick to eat and then headed out for the night.
Got dressed for the day and made my way out in to Salvador. I had no plans really, other that too find something for mom and find all the things I needed in the country (i.e. magnet, postcard and a t-shirt that said something to do with Brazil). Went into the market and looked around, ran into Zumba and friend, said hi and walked around with them for a little bit. Then I said I will see you guys later and made my way around the place some more. Went up to the second floor and found this little whole in the wall store with jewelry and I said this must be the place to get something. So I look, found a few bracelets for Rebecca and then something caught my eye and it was this multi-colored stone bracelet and I said ‘yes’ and bargained my way down to a reasonable price and got it. so I was happy with myself on that part. From there I went up the elevator and hit the town. I had no care in the world with where I was going or what I wanted to do. I met up with wade and Alyson who were trying to find yarn to make hats. So I walked with them for a bit, met this man who said he was very gay. And he was proud of it… whatever. They finally found a taxi to take them to the place, but I decided not to go with them and just walk around, so I did that. went back to some of the same places I went to the first day. Sat down where they were filming the FIFA commercial and just looked out and admired the view. I then got talking to this one local man who knew a little bit of English and I did not know that much Portuguese. So it was interesting trying to talk with him. Snapped a few photos with him and then walked with him for a little bit. He kept saying something for his kids, some sort of drink or something. And lucky for him I was in need of water, so we found a store and bought some water for myself and then I got him the stuff for his kids, he was happy for that. I then headed out and met up with Zumba, England and Alexandra. I said my goodbyes to my new friend and hung with the girls. Got ice cream, split it with Zumba and then made our way back to the ship. Met up with Aaron at a cigar shop, looked at the stuff, didn’t like what I saw a plus they were too expensive (5RS). As we were walking back we saw this worm like thing on the ground, but looking at it closer we noticed that it was a snake, a baby snake in fact. I took a few photos, girls got scared and then this local decides to kick it numerous times for some reason and then after all was said and done the poor little guy had a broken tail and was in pain. As we made our way back to the ship with very little Real left, I noticed some street food and it looked delicious, it was essentially this bread stuff with paste, salsa, chili sauce and then shrimp with the shells still on them, I also got myself a beer to wash it down. So delicious. After my first bite my stomach was saying screw you man and I replied with another bite of the delicious street food. We then finally made it back to the ship around 1600 and got settled in. since this was our last port we had a BBQ!!!! So excited for that. I had to get my stomach ready for this, there were burgers, ribs and other delicious food items, but all I was concerned in was the burger and ribs. We did it like last time we had a BBQ, 1 person got one item on their plate and the others did the same. Prime time. I had 3 patties and a couple of ribs. Soooooo good :D yum. I was then super full but totally worth it. Went back unpacked, took a shower and relaxed for the night.
Overall, Brazil was a phenomenal last port to end in. The trip that I did in Rio was awesome. Rio in general was awesome. The people I met and the things I experienced will never be forgotten. It is kind of sad and scary to think that after this port we are heading home. Now all that is left for me to do now is take a few more classes and then take finals (weird). I will be turning 21 on the way back to the states and will be at sea for 10 days, which will be long, but it will give me time to look back on what I did and look forward to what will become of me, my friends and this voyage in general. This will be the final time I hope I have to say this, but it is just like last time with the pictures, start from the bottom and work your way up. I’M COMING HOME!