And for those who remained...

Well, someone had to be the last to leave. But, before that day came, there was some left over champagne... so well we had to drink it!

Anna and I left on the 11th. Franze and Thorsten stayed behind to explore Rio a bit more (another 7 days!).

And the fun continued

After the wedding, some still managed to hit the bar and continue to enjoy each others company. Although I instigated this post-wedding outing, I never made it there! The bride had just one too many Prosecos and passed out! Well, at least Michael was there to represent!

Wedding

It was magnificent!

Such a wonderful time. A time to revisit family and friends. A time to remember. And time to have lots of FUN!

And as the wedding ended, the party continued, althought without Rosie as she passed out as soon as her dress was off!

More pictures linked to this blog. Check them out!

Wedding day

After a night of fun, it was time to wake up and get ready. first it was breakfast upstairs. Some went to the beach.

I got ready with my mom, sister and Marina at the hotel.

My family arrived in Rio and enjoyed lunch at the Everest Rio restaurant.

Bridal Shower

Girls only please!

Drinks, Dinner and gifts!

What else could one want?!

Life as a Tourist in Rio

What to do when you are a tourist in Rio?
1. Enjoy the beach

2. Drink caipirinhas

3. Visit the Sugar Loaf and the Christ

4. Eat Churrasco and Feijoada




5. Enjoy the night life

Well, we managed to do all...

Melt - Let the fun begin!

First night in Rio for us (me, Michael, Stefan, Joyce and Fernanda), but apparentely Dubo and Aleks have already explored and designated "Espelunca" as our most permanet (and default) hang out. So this is where we had our first of many caipirinhas (Brazilian drink made with sugar cane rum, ice, and fresh fruit). We went clubbing at Melt. Oh, don't let Michael and Stefan tell you they don't dance. Just give them enough drinks....

On the way to Rio

So, Fernanda decided it was a good idea to color her hair at 1pm on Saturday and all hopes of making it to Rio before sundown faded completly. With rain and fog, we went down the mountain that connects the Paraiba Valley and Rio at 40km/hr and with shear fear of death. But, we made it!

Cruzeiro

Michael and I took a bus early Thursday morning to Cruzeiro.
Mission: Meet the family and complete dental care for me. Stefan and Fernanda joined on Friday. We had a mini family gathering on Friday night. We ate delicious food and had the best coffee in Brazil... made by Dona Dora :-)
After much discussion over whether or not all of our luggage and the infamous whiski bottles would fit into the car, we were able to pack it all in and head on to RIO!