House Hunters International Edition

  Having spent almost two weeks in Macaé, we are starting to get a better handle of what we are in store for in our new environment; and, the reality of the situation is that life is Brazil is going to be a HUGE adjustment for us. Recently, I read in an online article where it mentioned that it is common for expats to experience (4) phases of reactions towards a new living environment: 1. Honeymoon 2. Irritation to Anger 3. Rejection and 4. Adjustment. It is safe to say that we skipped right over the "Honeymoon" phase...

  The whole house-hunting process didn't live up to the hype. We were only given the option of selecting between three places, as these were the only properties available from the company's inventory of contracted housing. While I was hoping for a dwelling with a little more charm and character that we are accomstomed to in Louisiana; nevertheless, we think the place we selected will help us to ease the transition.

  Enough blabbering.  Below is what everyone has been waiting for...pictures of the house-hunting trip and our house-hunting vehicle--enjoy!

This was our "house-hunting vehicle". 

Jason got a kick out of this ride...  I on the other hand, didn't find it to funny as I had to get in and out of this truck in a dress.

Option #1: Three bedroom high-rise condo with beautiful ocean view

Pros: The wooden floors, gorgeous view of the beach, pool and workout facilities, and easy access to the beach and seaside restaurants
Cons: Small rooms, no green space, and not much room for our furniture from home

Kitchen and dining areas

The bonus/office room was a plus

Master

Beach view

Option #2: Three bedroom/three and half bath shower house with spacious floor plan on gated and guarded street

Pros: Larger square footage, large master walk-in closet, outdoor kitchen, green space, neighborhood pool, loft/office space, safe area, and open floor plan downstairs
Cons: No bathtub, dated kitchen, small laundry space

Outdoor kitchen and shower

Kitchen minus the fridge and freezer

View of the living area from the loft.  The company has been storing furniture and appliances here; hence, the clutter below.



TV room

Master bedroom

Option #3 Three bedroom house with bonus room and nice green space

Pros: Private gated street with security guard, wooden floors upstairs, and a nice yard
Cons: Smaller living area and bedrooms

Laundry room - Ensco provides appliances, but we were advised it is best to bring American-made if possible because the Brazilian products aren't with the same quality control.

Master bedroom

Kitchen

Living room, which is in desperate need of a painting

The backyard

Jason was very fond of the outdoor grill

Both of the houses above are located in a gated and guarded area known as Vivendas da Gloria.  As an added bonus, there is also a community pool entertainment facility for residents at the end of the street.

  Which option do you think we selected?? In the end we went with option #2. The three bedroom house has more of an open floor plan, large master bedroom with double sinks in the bath and a spacious walk-in closet. The company has even agreed to have a bathtub installed (that was a deal sealer for me). It should take about a month to complete the tub installation and have the rest of the house cleaned. We can also have the interiors painted to colors of our liking, so I am already thinking that I will have plenty of painting projects to keep me occupied!

  In the meantime, we will head back to the States in the next week or two to pick up our permanent visas in Houston and ready our belongings to be shipped to Brazil. It is estimated that our container will take anywhere from 8-10 weeks to arrive in Brazil and clear customs. I am sure once we settle into the house, it won't take us long to move on to Phase 4. We hope so!

Tenha uma ótima semana!