Kokochi

Ilha Primeira

Now that I'm caught up with my SF life, allow me to backtrack about Brazil...('tis a let down to post events after that matter when I'm so used to moblogging at the exact moment, but I still want the record!)

Garopaba, where Dav is living, is absolutely beautiful, but it's more of a seasonal surf town so things had quieted down a bit by the time I got there. So after 4 blissful days of lounging around there, we headed to Rio de Janeiro so we could get a taste of city life.

The first few days we stayed on Ilha Primeira, an island a bit south of the center and the crowded Copacabana beaches. It appears little known since it's not even on the average tourist map. We stayed with Hardy, a guy from Napa, whom Dav found via the internet (if you are interested, contact him at "coastalhw at yahoo dot com"). I'm really glad we stayed there since it is as quaint as can be. Imagine a small tranquil island that you can only get to by a small motorboat, where the houses are cute bungalows with narrow walkways in between, lush vegetation, everyone seems to know everyone, and it's oh-so-quiet. I couldn't believe we were in Rio!

The cute alleys and lush green in the back.

A goofy blue statue I admired, and a wall of hundreds of types of cachaca, used in the Caipirinha that I love so much.

A super yummy restaurant (close to the island but not on it) we went to where we ate outside, and they had a pool and air hockey table outside too. I hate to admit it, but Dav beat me silly. Even at the darts where I started out winning (should have learned my lesson). Last pic is Daniel, Dav's cousin who has been living in Rio for about 16 months. Really cool to hang out with him.

Albion Castle

I was dead tired, but couldn't resist joining friends at this party. Dav told me about the Albion Castle so I really wanted to check it out since this might be my last chance now that the place just sold for $3 million. In Hunter's Point. That's impressive. But considering it's built like a castle with lots of stone walls, high ceilings, and a beautiful, albeit outgrown, garden...it's seems worth it. It felt like a mountain cabin too with wooden beams and a gigantic fireplace. Everyone was taking pictures (the link provides the best pictures; I just wanted my own proof that I was there!). But the coolest part is the underground water caverns. What a treasure to a have a natural pool under your house! It was a tad cold for me to venture in, but Elida did. There was warehouse-like space too for large art projects or a workshop (which I know Dav would love dearly).

Glad I got to see the place. And actually, Innes Avenue in Hunter's Point has beautiful views of the city. I bet that place will eventually be a hot spot.

Now, I'm super duper tired. When in San Francisco, there is always something cool going on.

Garopaba

I finally arrived Thursday morning and FINALLY got to be hugged by Dav. That's the best. I'm slowly realizing I'm in Brazil, since really, the goal of this trip is to be with Dav. It's pure bliss and we're making up for all the time apart!

First shot is from his apartment in this tiny surging/fishing town. Second is of a lunch we had full of veges and fishies. The rest are from Dav's camera of me enjoying picking flowers on a walk, petting a horse and cow we passed, and Dav surfing (one of his top priorities in being here).

I'm sure I'll have more to share later about Brazil and all, but for now, I'm super duper happy to be back with my Dav!

Layover

At Chicago. Heading to Sao Paulo. Then another flight to Florinapolis where I finally get to be in Dav's arms. Then we have a bus ride to his apartment. A long trip but worth it!

Overheard

Two men sitting at a table outside of a cafe.

Man one: "Well, the problem was you didn't tell me where the cat food was."

Man two: "I totally did."

Man one: "You don't understand, they were like sharks."

Blue people

Met a few as I walked from the Brazlian Consulate to work. Just another day in SF.

Got it!

Whew. Just got my visa to enter Brazil. The website said processing was 2 days but since the person in charge was sick, I was told it would take 5 days...and that I had to pick it up today. And I leave tomorrow! Plus, I had to hand over my passport and never got a ticket or anything to prove I had given over my passport. I was half expecting the visa office to say, "huh? your passport? we don't have it."

I've been quite nervous, needless to say. But now I'm ready.

You all know why I'm going, right?

White Cards at Farley's

Ezra organized another White Card game, this time at Farley's. Since more than half of the players were Six Aparters, there were quite a few references to blogging and insider jokes. Compared to last time, we found several themes that emerged: disco, animals, a line, food, and lemons. Farley's is a great place for such a get-together. Rachel and Elida joined too!

The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill

The movie I just saw with Ian and family is The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill.

I highly recommend it as it is one of the most human and heart-warming documentaries I've seen in a long time. Mark Bittner truely understands the wild parrot flock he lived close to. Both he and the film lovingly showed the parrot personalities and stories that brought tears to my eyes. If one opens up, animals really are amazing.

Cesar Chavez parade

At the Embarcadero to meet with Ian and family for a movie and bumped into an American Indian drum and dance ceremony that is part of this parade today. Nice to see.