We went to Rio, de Janerio....

Life on Newark-Granville Road has had me singing   Peter Allen's I go to Rio... actually my own versions for weeks, and it will continue....I was going, we were in Rio and now it is...we went to Rio...de Janerio...

We also went to Belo and yes I change the lyrics with the tune..Belo Horizonte...no one goes there- that is what the flight agent told us, but we're glad we went! And by the way Anthony Bourdain went and his episode there was inspiring!!

So why did we go to Brazil? Joe had work and needed to go and is so glad he went. The highlight of the trip was the people, simply amazing new friends for me, stronger working relationships and connections for Joe and for the team there for Aplos! Yay!  And we love exploring new places and traveling together.

Bonus- we flew via Orlando and took some time to see Matthew- yay! I had been in Orlando the week prior for work and had time with Matt, Grace, Karen....yes, yes, yes I know how fortunate I am, 2026's travel has already been remarkable and one for the record books.

Pictures below..capture the sights...but they simply can't tell the full story and share how the senses were all delighted. Our sunny beach day was absolutely incredible- it felt like the most beautiful place I've ever been. I was high on happy and delight- felt like I needed to be pinched.  Part of the beauty for me was true vacation and well deserved vacation. It has been a full Q1 with search, FLC meeting (that could not have gone any better, one of the best yet, love how they build), and the usual work for my role...so rewarding but...it allowed me to savor being "off" and away.  Due to safety warning we left our phones in the safe and really disconnected.  Update- we were never in danger and always safe. Rules to always follow: stay in well lit, tourist areas and be smart.  So I didn't take as many pictures, I was in the moment. But, thank you amazing travel companions Ashley and Ian for taking so many of these- you've got an eye!  Thank you for being great partners!

I also had me time, the gray day on the beach gave me contemplation and ah-ha time.  I've always recognized I see both sides. Sunny beautiful vibrant Rio was amazing, but so was rainy, gray (still warm) Rio- the various shades and degrees created a flip side stunning too. I read and read and read...airport and pool/beach time- ahhhh- also end of afternoon rest time, after being out walking all over Belo time, Joe working time. I swam once in Belo and every day we were in Rio- yes in the rain!

We loved the food- the beer (Brahma) the drinks (Caiprinha-lime and passion fruit), the bubbly wine, the cafe in Rio for breakfast was a dream. The cheesebread and then the cheesebread waffles...yes it was that kind of trip- everything got better and better!

We loved the people- so gracious- very little english- very little- but Google Translate did the trick in so many ways and places! We shoped, we walked and walked, explored, toured the fort with nothing in english..still need to google that history...we traveled, we vacationed, Joe and Ian worked, we supported the work, we talked and rested, we went to Rio and Belo in Brazil..da-da-da-da....

These pics start with Orlando time with Matt, then boarding the plane and bonding with baby Jesus..then Belo- Ashley and I found so many great places and it worked for a team dinner. Lele recommended the best restraurant, connected to the AB episode chef/guide!! we loved our sweet hotel, depsite no pool, we found a way for an afternoon at the pool! The Market was a treat and the park and the museum, and the shops, and the gelato, our church landmark!

RIO!

Please let me know if you have any quetsions. We want to go back, we think our family will love it!