Tag Archives: Brazil

From Argentina to Paraguay via ferry

19 Tuesday May 2026

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“Whoever said money can’t buy happiness, didn’t know where to go shopping.” ― Coco Chanel

On our final day in Argentina we went shopping in Paraguay.  We went to a brand new shopping center called China Shopping.  It is catered to Brazilians looking for luxury items, from iPhone to all top name clothing name brands and perfumes.  One a side note, Michael was shocked to see how much Brazilian men likes to use and to shop for colognes.

We only went there because the lady that help my mom around the house wanted to get a cell phone for her son.  To me, shopping is as pleasurable as a trip to the dentist.  My mother likes to shop but she prefers local vendors with the local items.

 The highlight of the trip to me was the ferry.  Our driver suggested that, instead of taking the highway, that we take the ferry.  It was only a 12 minute ride to get from Argentina to Paraguay.  So pleasurable and definitely the right choice.

At the end of the day, we got the cell phone and everyone was happy.  A phone that would cost 13,000 reais ($2,600.00) in Brazil, in Paraguay was bought for 7,000 reais ($1,400.00)

 

 

     

“We can’t stop shopping, we must stop shopping. It isn’t only that consumption is distorting the climate, felling the forests, cluttering out lives, filling our heads with a throwaway mindset, even stealing the stars from the night sky. The worst is that it leaves us with no idea of what else to do, no belief that things can be different. Whichever way we go, it leaves us doomed.” ― J.B. MacKinnon, The Day the World Stops Shopping: How Ending Consumerism Saves the Environment and Ourselves

 

     

 

 

And now for the fishes – AquaFoz Aquarium

16 Saturday May 2026

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“I am not eccentric. It’s just that I am more alive than most people. I am an unpopular electric eel set in a pond of catfish.” ― Edith Sitwell

While visiting Puerto Iguazu in Argentina we would cross the border back and forth to Brazil.  In one of those days we visited the aquarium – AquaFoz.

This is a new attraction in the area, and so well worth the visit.  They did such an amazing job of bringing visitors close to nature.  

They have species from the ocean, as well as from the local rivers Paraná and Iguaçu.  Their aim is not only to introduce visitors to these amazing aquatic creatures, but also to educate and conservate.  They want people to realize how important it is to protect our rivers and oceans.

The more we learn and understand about all the creatures around us, the more we realize how intricate, amazing and intelligent they all are, and hopefully that will lead to having more respect and love for them.

 

“All men are equal before fish.”
― Herbert Hoover

 

     

 

 

Park das Aves – Bird Sanctuary

14 Thursday May 2026

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“Some birds are not meant to be caged, that’s all. Their feathers are too bright, their songs too sweet and wild. So you let them go, or when you open the cage to feed them they somehow fly out past you. And the part of you that knows it was wrong to imprison them in the first place rejoices, but still, the place where you live is that much more drab and empty for their departure.” ― Stephen King, Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption

While visiting Puerto Iguazu in Argentina we would cross the border back and forth to Brazil.  In one of those days we visited the Parque das Aves – a bird sanctuary that is so beautiful and interesting.

The story of how the sanctuary started is here:

https://www.parquedasaves.com.br/sobre-o-parque-das-aves/historia/

It was so much fun and interesting seeing and learning about all the different species of birds.  I also loved the butterflies.  I am always in awe of how rich nature is.

My favorite bird is the toucan.  We have them in my town in Brazil, is always a surprising to me when I spot them.

There was one in my mother’s balcony the other day while Michael was sitting there in the morning.  Michael was reading and hadn’t notice the toucan perched on the railing just steps from him.  Unfortunately I was so surprised by its presence that I yelled Michael’s name and that scared it away.

 

 

Mom’s 91st birthday in Iguazu Falls, Argentina

13 Wednesday May 2026

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  • “A waterfall cannot be silent, just as the wisdom! When they speak, the voice of power speaks!” ― Mehmet Murat ildan

Another birthday trip was successfully completed celebrating my mother’s 91st birthday.  We had such a great time last year in Argentina that we have decided to return this year.

Last year we were there for only 3 days, so mom and I mostly stayed at the hotel enjoying the grounds and the casino.  This time we stayed 6 days and had a chance to do some sightseeing.

Some of what we did:

  • Iguazu Falls – Impressive and majestic! It is such an honor to be so close to the beauty and force of the water.  We visited the Brazilian side as it was more accessible to my mother.  You have to take a bus from the main gate, but they gave us permission to go in with our driver, so it was very convenient.  I would visit again and perhaps rent a bike or hike a trail, or take some of the amazing tours and experiences they offer.
  • Parque das Aves – Bird Park – This bird sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation of species from the Atlantic Forest. So many beautiful and interesting birds.  I would visit again.
  • AquaFoz Aquarium – This is a new attraction in the area. It is trying to show the richness contained in the Rivers Paraná and Iguaçu.  I loved it.  I would visit again.
  • Madero Tango Show – I expected a little more, but I have high expectations when it comes to shows. We chose this show because it was adjacent to the hotel, I am sure Tango shows in Buenos Aires will be much better.  It also included dinner, but the food was bad.  I would not return, but my mother enjoyed it so that was the important thing.
  • The Three Borders landmark – we visited it on the Argentinian side – it has a couple of restaurants and some little stores. I visited again for the gorgeous view of  Brazil and Paraguay, and the rivers Paraná and Iguaçu.
  • City Center Iguazu Casino – it has slot machines in 3 different currencies: The Argentinian Peso, the Brazilian Real and American Dollar. Always fun, but didn’t have a chance to spend much time there.
  • Puerto Iguazu town – walked around the stores and restaurants downtown was a lot fun.  The stores sells mostly alfajores (delicious sandwich cookies), olives and wines.  Alfajores were our gifts of choice to family and friends.
  • Spa del Paraiso – this is the spa in the hotel. We had a great relaxing massage. Very talented masseuses. I would go again.
  • China Shopping Center in Paraguay – this one I was forced to go to. I hate shopping, I hate shopping centers. The lady that works for us helping my mother wanted to get an iPhone for her son.  The prices in Paraguay are less than half of the prices for luxury items in Brazil.  The highlight of the trip was taking the ferry from Argentina to Paraguay and back, a quick and beautiful 12 minute trip that avoided the crazy road traffic.

The extra time, and there was not much of it, was spent enjoying meals at the hotel and at couple of restaurants in the other areas.  We had lunch by the pool one day.  I had passion-fruit caipiroskas every chance I had.  Caipiroska is similar to caipirinha, but it uses vodka instead of cachaça, so it is less strong.

My mom uses a wheelchair most of the time, so it is always stressful when we go to different places.  But we had no issues in any of the places we visited.

I feel so blessed to still have my mom and to be able to take her places.  She has the heart and lust for life like a teenager.

Here some pictures and video of the gorgeous fall. I will be posting other pictures in follow up posts.

Happiness and anxiety hand in hand

21 Tuesday Apr 2026

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  • “Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.” — Charles Spurgeon

I am leaving for Brazil tomorrow to go celebrate my mom’s 91st birthday.  We are planning to take her to Argentina again.  She is so excited.

While I find myself happier and happier each day, I am a bit anxious as well.  I was really anxious over that ConEdison debacle, so glad that is resolved.   I am anxious about getting home and not seeing my father walking up to meet us, as he normally did.  I know he is in a better place but still there is an emptiness.

I have self diagnosed myself as having happiness anxiety.   I am always happy as I believe that happiness is a choice, but the happier I get, it also feels like I am waiting for the other shoe to drop.   As if so much happiness is not possible and not sustainable, therefore something bad is coming along.

I am writing about it to get my internal dialogues on paper.

I feel better already 🙂

Now I am off to pack and finish work stuff.

So Much Happiness – Naomi Shihab Nye 1952 

It is difficult to know what to do with so much happiness.
With sadness there is something to rub against,
a wound to tend with lotion and cloth.
When the world falls in around you, you have pieces to pick up,
something to hold in your hands, like ticket stubs or change.

But happiness floats.
It doesn’t need you to hold it down.
It doesn’t need anything.
Happiness lands on the roof of the next house, singing,
and disappears when it wants to.
You are happy either way.
Even the fact that you once lived in a peaceful tree house
and now live over a quarry of noise and dust
cannot make you unhappy.
Everything has a life of its own,
it too could wake up filled with possibilities
of coffee cake and ripe peaches,
and love even the floor which needs to be swept,
the soiled linens and scratched records . . .

Since there is no place large enough
to contain so much happiness,
you shrug, you raise your hands, and it flows out of you
into everything you touch. You are not responsible.
You take no credit, as the night sky takes no credit
for the moon, but continues to hold it, and share it,
and in that way, be known.

“Anxiety is a lot like a toddler. It never stops talking, tells you you’re wrong about everything, and wakes you up at 3 a.m.” — Unknown

 

El Colorado and Santiago – Chile

19 Tuesday Aug 2025

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It has been a bit crazy since I left Florida on August 3rd.

We spent 4 days in El Colorado ski Resort and 1 day in Santiago.  Not enough time to see a lot, but enough time to see what a gorgeous country it is.

The winding road from Santiago to El Colorado, with mountains on all sides, is gorgeous.

While there I didn’t open my laptop once, and also didn’t check work email.  That is a first in decades.

From Santiago we traveled to Brazil via Latam airlines.  It was such a great flight, even the food was good, specially the passionfruit dessert with merengue. 

The view from the plane over the mountains is breathtaking.  I want to take that flight again to just stare out of the window.

I have been in Brazil now for one week and it has been nonstop.  Both my parents are elderly and with health issues, specially my dad.  Lately he has been requiring extra care.  

I am also working remotely, so it has been a juggling act.  I am taking one day at a time here, and trying to be the backbone for everyone.

Since I am going to be here awhile… I haven’t bought a return ticket yet, I am trying to establish good routines so I don’t get burned out.  I signed up for a gym and I am going at 6:30am everyday.

Thank you for visiting! I hope that everyone has a blessed remainder of August!!

Whatever you do, do it with passion!!

 

This is the little hotel we stayed at El Colorado

This is the little hotel we stayed at El Colorado

Gorgeous view from our room

Below are some pictures from Santiago.  I only took a few pictures there.

 

 

 

 

 

Sunrises

03 Sunday Aug 2025

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I start my walk on the beach about 30 minutes before the sunrise.

I don’t always take pictures, but I always take some time to admire the beauty and be grateful for the new day.  

From hot and humid to cold and snow – I am on the way to Chile tonight and then on to Brazil. I am really looking forward to skiing in August.

A wonderful August to all! Blessings!

Visiting Ouro Preto and the surrounding towns in Minas Gerais, Brazil

19 Thursday Sep 2024

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“It’s a road trip! It’s about adventure! . . . It’s not like we have somewhere to go.” ― John Green

While in Brazil, juggling work, and personal issues, Michael and I managed to take one week off to take a road trip through some towns in the state of Minas Gerais.

One town I want to make sure to visit was Ouro Preto (Black Gold). I was there with my mom and sister when I was14 years old. I wanted to return and show Michael that area.

Ouro Preto is a charming colonial mining town, full of history, beautiful baroque churches, cobblestone streets, and so much more. It was funded in the 17th century, and it was the center of the gold rush at that time.

Besides staying a couple of nights in Ouro Preto, we stayed 1 night in Tiradentes, spent a day in Mariana and Congonhas.  We also stayed at a remote bed and breakfast in Brumadinho for a couple of nights.

We wanted to be near Instituto Inhotim, and also spend time quiet time in nature.  Inhotim is a gorgeous open air museum with beautiful gardens, galleries and installations.

On the way home we spent 1 night in Varginha. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to see all the UFO related tourism. Varginha supposedly had an UFO sighting in 1996.

And lastly, we spent a day in Pocos de Caldas, a town that is just is just 35 minutes away from my parent’s home. We took the cable car to Christ at the top of a mountain and enjoyed the view.

We had an amazing time and cannot wait to embark in more road trips in Brazil. I will post some photos of this trip here and in the next few posts.

Here and there, and everywhere

09 Monday Sep 2024

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Hi Friends,

I am not sure what happened to my last post. Al I see is one quote.  I am guessing that when I hit edit after it had been published, I somehow accidently deleted all of it, except for that 1 quote.

In that post I was talking about being back from Brazil after being there for 2 months, and all I did there. My time there flew by, and yet it felt like time stood still.

After 2 months in Brazil, I was in NY for one week, and now I am in Florida, working out of an Airbnb.

In the next few posts, I will be expanding on my time in Brazil, and will be posting pictures of a road trip that Michael and I took. I will also be giving you an update of my life now, in NY and FL.

I am also hoping to reconnect with my friends here. I have been catching up on your blog, and hope to have a chance to leave comments, as I cannot leave likes (thank you WP!)

Love, light and blessings to all!

“I come home—and I have a feeling of returning like a ghost to its haunt.”― Virginia Woolf

At this very moment I choose to be happy – I will never have a chance to live this moment again!

02 Friday Feb 2024

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I AM STILL CLEANING OUT MY DRAFTS FOLDER.  FROM 260 DRAFTS, I AM DOWN TO THE LAST 60 – YIPPIE – PROGRESS!!!

THIS IS FROM A TIME I WAS STILL STRUGGLING AFTER THE BREAK UP. AROUND 2014. I WAS STRUGGLING THINKING OF ALL I HAD LOST, INSTEAD OF APPRECIATING ALL I HAD.

THIS IS ME, REMINDING MYSELF TO BE GRATEFUL!

We have a saying in Brazil that goes like this: “Eu era feliz e nao sabia!”. It means: I was happy and didn’t know it!

To me, it means that, oftentimes we are too busy thinking about what we want and don’t have, to notice all the great stuff we have.

We let amazing sunrises and sunsets go bye unnoticed and unappreciated. We let simple amazing moments go by.

We take things for granted, not realizing how great life really is at the moment.  We take jobs for granted, we take people for granted, until they are gone.

We want happiness, but in the search of happiness, we miss happy moments. In search of destination, we miss the journey.  In search of results, I miss the beauty of the process.

The key to happiness, or perhaps I will not even go that far, but the key to a good life is to enjoy fully whatever you are doing in this exact moment.

I want to make sure I enjoy single life and all its goodness instead of the ‘victim’ in me feeling bad that I didn’t have any kids and,  that is now the holidays and my family is thousands miles away and,  I don’t have anyone to snuggle with at night.

I am looking at the good side of singlehood! Living alone, watching what I want when I want, eating or not eating,

I can do what I choose, when I choose, with whom I choose.  I don’t have to make excuses for anybody else.

The lesson: appreciate what you have at this very moment, no matter what it is. It doesn’t last.

At this very moment someone is wishing they were safe, warm, had something to eat.  At this very moment I am crying over someone that doesn’t care. How pathetic of me!

I need to stop, and realize that this moment is unique and wonderful.  At this very moment I choose to be happy.  I am learning to stop, breath and appreciate.

Some days are easy. Some days it takes a conscious effort to remember to cherish the details, to cherish the simple. Some days it takes effort to be grateful.