My first day in Curitiba I got a LOT of exercise!I felt like a true Brazilian.(In Rio there were always tons of people jogging along the beach - even in that heat!)I walked to and around their botanical garden which is one of the best in the world.I then walked all around the downtown area at night viewing the many parks and plazas.It is a very safe city with tons of parks and a beautiful pedestrian street full of flowers.It was pretty to see the buildings at nig...

We got up early to go in the water before Sue left.I was a little hesitant to go into the water because the waves were pretty rough and sure enough I got beat up by a big wave on the way out.I got major whiplash & my neck and back hurt for days.LI was glad I went in but once was enough!After Sue left, Vanessa and I walked along the Copacabana beach through the old military fort to the ferris wheel.Unfortunately it was closed.LWe did walk along Arpoador rock &...

We met up w/ my sister Vanessa & went to dinner at an Amazon place.It was very local & the guy spoke no English or Spanish so it was difficult communicating.It was trial by fire w/ my Portuguese!We had an interesting mix-up but after that I was so amazed at how much my Spanish helped me to understand Portuguese.I had almost no problems understanding or being understood.That was such a relief and very exciting!I even learned quite a few Portuguese words in...