Hola & Feliz Ano Novo!
We have arrived in Brazil... and are so pumped to be here!!!
Travel to Rio was not easy (surprise surprise). We departed Chicago on Monday, December 28th... as it was raining ICE. As a result, ALL flights were grounded in O'Hare, nothing landing or taking off. Our booked flight to Houston, where we would connect on our way to Rio, was canceled. After 6 stressful hours of waiting and attempting to get out of Chicago, we luckily got on the ONLY departing flight to Houston!
Unfortunately, our plane sat on the runway for another 2 hours "de-icing". By the time we landed in Houston we naturally missed our connection to Rio. Awesome.
However, with our backpacks over our shoulders we sprinted to another gate boarding to Sao Paulo, Brazil (close enough to Rio for us!). United was able to get us on the flight to Sao Paulo, booked a connection to Rio, and before we knew it we had arrived and were throwing back much needed beers!
Our home for the next 8 nights (we chose 8 nights because well, we don't have anywhere else to be!) is the beautiful Ipanema neighborhood.
Leonardo and Nira (our very gracious AirBnb hosts!) were happy to join us for drinks 🙂 ....
We have spent the past few days exploring this insanely beautiful city. Never anywhere (and we have spent time in some of the greats - London, Rome, New York, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, Sydney, Cape Town) have we felt sooooo much energy in a city... POSITIVE energy. Rio is electric, the people are 100% laid back and 100% ready to party. What stood out most about the people is their confidence... tall, short, large, small, old, or young there is no difference between them (they all wear the EXACT SAME bikini or speedo size and wear it proud!) - naturally Laura joined the other ladies and hiked up her bikini to bronze the booty... and Sean is in the market for a speedo (maybe).
New Years on Copacabana Beach was... incredible. A peaceful and joyous family celebration - 2 million people on the beach, 11 barges in the ocean launching fireworks, 2,000 drums beating in the sand and one hell of a party - a tribute to 100 years of Samba and the upcoming 2016 Olympic Games.
NOTE: we have decided WE WILL BE BACK for another RIO NYE in our lives (we kind of enjoyed it) if anyone is interested...
Obrigado (thank you) for taking time to follow us! Stay tuned for many more updates on our adventures. Pictures from our last few days exploring below...














Woo hoo! So pumped for you two! Happy New Year’s Eve!
Thanks Anne!! We miss you guys already!
Happy New Year! Rio looks AMAZING. Have the best time xx
love you!!!
Guys you great and will love to see your travels
So exciting!
Happy new year!
thanks so much!
Gahhhhh!!! Travel your hearts out! Happy New Year!
thanks chica!!
The perfect start to an amazing adventure. Love you both, keep livin the dream. Xo
love you!!!
This is so awesome!
Thanks!! so glad you are checkin it out!!
Awesome pictures …. can’t wait to see what’s next … looks amazing … love you xo
So jealous
Sounds and looks incredible. Jealous!
Scotty! Plan on meeting up with us sometime soon, just pick a spot!
Looks like you are lovin Rio. So fun to share in your travels.
Gary and Millie
Brazil is beautiful! We leave tomorrow for Peru. 🙂 xxo
This is amazing!! Have so much fun and enjoy every minute! I can’t wait to follow the rest of your journey. OH, and, Congrats on your engagement! 🙂
Thanks so much!!! 🙂
Amazing pics, team!
Can’t wait to see you soon!!!!
Looks great!! Happy for you both. Don’t worry Sean I will focus on getting MEBFC to increase participation….you have fun!!
Haha, thanks Anthony! Knew you would have it under control!!!
Are you kidding us? It looks like too much fun. So happy for you two.
Haha, it’s crazy to believe! We’re so glad to share this with you! Xxo
Omg sounds so thrilling. I’m so happy you have this blog. I definately would love to go there. Looks so beautiful. Have fun can’t wait to read more. Love you💜stay safe enjoy!!!
It is!! You would love Ipanema and Leblon beach. Love ya! Xo
Every picture incredible. Psyched to follow you on your trip around the world.
Everyday is amazing, so much to see! Glad you will follow along. 🙂