It's Going To Be A Great New Year!!!!

I rang in the New Year with my friends off the coast of Copacabana, watching fireworks surround the famous Jesus statue. It was spectacular. I must admit, brought tears to my eyes when I took in how blessed I was to be there, surrounded by good friends, in Brazil. Words can’t begin to describe how I felt. I was told that last year, Rio had the second best fireworks in the world, following Tokyo’s performance. I’m interested to know how this years show ranks, it was even better than last time.

The two weeks following New Years have flown by!!!! When we were in Ilha Bela, a small group of us took a cab up to a resort in the island's mountains. It was a waterfall park, built around the natural playground. We used ropes to guide us into the depths of the water, the first took us into a cavern. The second level you could go under the waterfall. Us girls took a "shower" in the freezing water. The last level was the water slide, which was literally sliding down the slippery slope of the rock. I was so scared to do it but hey, you only live once!!! Jess got a pretty funny video of me screaming the whole way down!!! :D Even though I lathered myself with the thick, honey-like, professional-heavy-duty-Brazilian bug spray, I still got bit in several places. And their bugs here don't mess around!!!! They will last for months. :/

Yesterday we were in Salvador. We took the elevator ride up to the upper city and ate at one of the many buffet restaurants. We walked to a church with a statue in front of it, and learned that the slaves were whipped at the foot of the cross. It's interesting to have discussions with Gabriel about Brazil's history, and then be able to visit key sites that shaped the future for this country.

We are on the same schedule for the next 10 weeks so I am looking into getting scuba certified in Ilha Bela, since we go there every week! Jessica is already certified so once I get my required classes out of the way, we can go on several dives together!!! :D

That's all to report down here, hopefully I will have fascinating dive stories for you in the future!!!!