Fazenda Weekend

We had a getaway a few weeks back with some Brazilian friends.  Instead of heading to a beach, we went inland.  Heading inland is a popular weekend activity.  The elevation is just a bit higher and it's a tad cooler.  Also - the interior is more farmland and those types of activities.  The nearest (and very popular) town is Gravata.  A lot of folks have weekend homes there and there are also a number of fazendas / resorts.  These fazendas generally have a pool, and then lots of other activities.  Not quite a dude ranch, but there are often hiking trails, horses to ride, animals to pet, and many other activities.

The fazenda we stayed at had the big pool area - lots of various pools and waterfalls to play in, with the surrounding tables and chairs - and of course a snack bar.

There were also paths leading all over - to tennis courts, a place to play soccer.

















There were lovely gardens.









The activities were pretty cool as well.






There was a big rock climbing wall.

And some miniature cows.  They're like a corgi version of a cow.















There were ponies just roaming around freely.

There was a fish pond with a scheduled fishing activity.

It was a nice get away.

Anniversary celebration

This year for our anniversary, the kids decided to cook dinner for us.  It was so wonderful, I think it will be a new tradition!

They set a beautiful table.

And had roses everywhere.

They prepared a lovely meal that everyone could enjoy! O. had created this dish – a make-your-own garlic bread topped with spaghetti toppings!

And they made us matching necklaces.

We consider ourselves very lucky and had a wonderful anniversary!

Gay Pride Parade in Recife

Recife has a gay pride celebration each year in September and the parade goes along the Boa Viagem - right in front of our apartment building.  It's one of my favorite events of the year!

The are many tricoelectricos - giant buses / trucks / floats that house huge speakers playing music.


They're usually sponsored by a group or business.  Metropole is the gay club in town - it's awesome!  The folks who own it have partnered with the Consulate on various projects and are great people!

There's usually a stage on the top with people performing and dancing.

And then there are all the folks parading alongside the various floats.

















The music is incredibly loud - but loads of fun.











People dress up in all manner of outfits.  It's one of the few times of year that you can be truly out.

 Folks are dancing in the streets!

Cool things I get to do for my job

I've spent the last couple of months working in the Public Affairs section of our Consulate.  It's been fascinating and I've been able to do some really interesting things.

I got to tour the new Sports Arena that Recife has built for the World Cup next year.

Great to be able to see it - and just the way I like it - not crowded at all!









I also got to help kick-off an English Language teacher workshop that the Consulate sponsored.  Public school teachers have been working all year with English Language Fellows to improve their language teaching skills.  This weekend workshop brought 30 of them together to learn and practice additional skills.











I also got to meet with some public school students who are studying English through another program we sponsor. These high school students spend time each week in addition to their regular studies.  I shared about some of my favorite American books and authors, and then they shared with me what they were currently reading.  It was so wonderful experience their excitement about reading and speaking English - and answering their questions about the U.S.

Things you can buy at the beach

It's great living across from the beach.  The view is beautiful, the sound of the waves is relaxing, it's always a great option for what to do.  And - you can buy just about anything at the beach.

We usually sit with our regular beach chair vendor - Luzia.  She takes great care of us and has agua de coco, beer, caldinhos (little cups of hot soup - usually black bean). We've even ordered a whole fish from her!

In addition to what she offers, there are many, many vendors strolling by selling things.  There's food, beach accessories, household items - you name it, it can probably be found!

The queijo na brasa cart.  Cheese slabs grilled over charcoal.  Available with honey, or oregano.  The cheese is a type particular to the Northeast of Brazil - Queijo Coalho.  

There are many options for beach wraps and pareos!












And people selling artwork.  Why go to a gallery when the gallery will come to you?











And there are of course sunglasses

You can buy music - not sure how the copyright laws work on this, but . . .

The other problem with these vendors is that their music is super loud - you can't carry on a conversation and they often park right in front of the beach chairs for a while.

"Everybody's Talking About It" from the Midnight Cowboy is a popular (and very frequently / repeatedly played) tune.








Chips and snacks of course!

Gotta have ice cream!!

The nice thing about eating ice cream at the beach, is that when you're done, you don't need to wipe your face - you can just go swimming.

Hats for sale!

Oficina Brennand

When K.'s family was here last year, we visited the Oficina Brennand.  It's both a gallery, and working tile / ceramic factory.

It's located in the outskirts of Recife and has beautiful grounds including a garden designed by Burle Marx. 

There are many different kinds of art - sculptures, paintings, tile work - it's just amazing.

The artist - Francisco Brennand - is quite prolific.  The volume and variety of his work is flabbergasting!

He seems to have some oft-repeated themes.

There are also many of his sculptures around Recife - one of the most famous is at the sculpture space near Marco Zero in Recife.