"Legal!" (Leg-ow; super cool) times in Brazil: A perfect weekend (August 15-16), Lagoa and Tijuca Forest

We live in Gavea right now and just found out that "Gavea" means crow's nest, that place where you can look out over the sea and locate what's going on all around. We can't see the ocean from our apartment but if we climbed to the top of Pedra de Gavea (which we will do before we leave), we would be able to see all of Rio and the glory of the ocean. That is "legal".

Saturday was one of those truly perfect days. We all woke up with positive energy; the temperature outside was a comfortable 75 degrees (fahrenheit, of course...about 24 degrees celsius), no humidity, no mosquitoes. It's "winter" (dry season) here now so it's quite temperate.

Diego and Debbie headed to his school for soccer practice while Jim stayed back to finish writing a huge document. Kids and coaches covered the field; high school students had a small fundraiser going selling "healthy" snacks (which, as Diego pointed out, included Oreos, which did not seem so healthy to him. Good point, Diego!).

Diego's highlight for the morning was playing some good defense and blocking the ball headed straight for the goal (or GOOOOOOOOOLLLLLL, as is said here when anyone does make a goal).

Soccer (Futebol) is one of the main sports played here in Brazil. At any time of the day, anywhere, someone can be spotted kicking or bouncing a soccer ball off his or her head, foot or chest. People seem to practice anywhere and everywhere they can. This then gets transformed into one of the most amazing games played on the beaches- volleyball played only with feet, chests, and heads and with a soccer ball. NO HANDS! Called Futevólei. We are not yet trying this!
(check out highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB1rR2zQPOc)

Jim brought his bike to Rio, so after Diego's practice and we walked that down the hill to the fabulous Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas (Lagoon), which is encircled by a 7.2km walking/cycling path. There we rented bikes for Diego and Debbie and started to ride. People of all ages ride all kinds of two-, three- and four-wheeled inventions. Parks and families make for a great combination and there are plenty around the Lagoa on a beautiful Saturday.

As we rode, we came upon a small park where people were adopting out puppies, kittens and cats. Diego was in love. He's become quite an animal guy and has a particular soft spot for cats. We saw a black and white beauty who could have been a good companion to Sylvester (our cat back home), but it's just a little too complicated to have a pet right now since we're renting and moving around a lot, trying to experience all that we can while we're here. Alongside the animals was a gentleman with dozens of puzzles set out in a small demonstration area. Diego was enthralled and spent some time figuring them out. We ended the day with Diego jumping happily on a trampoline and then focusing intently on a canvas to paint. The artist who owns the small workshop-in-the-park offered to sketch one of Rio's main attractions for Diego but he was clearly set on painting a forest. And he did. He was so focused and sure about what he wanted to do and how he wanted to do it. It was beautiful to watch it evolve on the canvas.

Cold "cocos" (coconuts) are sold all over the city. A hole is bored into the top, a straw inserted, and there you have it- a super healthy and refreshing drink

Diego enjoying the puzzles in the park

And churros are everywhere. You can get it filled with chocolate or caramel.
Help!!!

Diego and his creation. He was inspired by Aunt Linda's painting of the winter night in the forest that she gave to him for Christmas.

The moon is really expressive!

Obrigada/o Paulo Garro and your Alegria de Pintar project!
http://garroquadros.arteblog.com.br/

Moonlit Forest By Diego Thrasher

SUNDAY AT TIJUCA NATIONAL PARK (http://www.parquedatijuca.com.br/)

We decided to celebrate Sunday by starting to explore the Tijuca National Park (Parque Nacional Da Tijuca). It is difficult to describe the impact of having a massive rainforest within Rio de Janeiro has on our mental, physical and spiritual health. Any photos we have just don't capture the wonder of this Park, which can be seen and experienced as you move throughout the city. Christ the Redeemer, set atop the Morro do Corcovado, may be the most well-known place in Tijuca to people around the world. This national park has trails, caves, waterfalls, places to bike, run, rappel, rock climb and meditate. We went with Alex from Crux EcoAventura (a new business located just down the street from our apartment in Gavea). We spent the day hiking and exploring caves as we listened to the sounds of the forest- birds, insects, water, wind blowing through leaves, and silence. Diego did a fantastic job climbing the rocks and navigating in small spaces. Next adventures will include climbing in other parts of the park and maybe, just maybe, hang gliding for Debbie.