Rainy Days in Brazil

  Jason and I had all intentions of going out and "exploring" this weekend, but Mother Nature impeded our travel plans.  Plan A was to make a Saturday excursion to Rio to tour Samba City, a village of exhibition halls where the year-round preparations and rehearsals leading up to the pageantry of Carnival are on display.   Stubborn downpours and unexpected work related issues for Jason forced us to rethink the three-hour drive to Rio and opt for Plan B instead.  

  Plan B was to drive an hour and half to the peninsula of Buzios, a popular holiday destination to check out the pristine seascapes, rustic shops, and dining establishments.  Since the rain persisted throughout the day on Saturday, we put off the ride to Buzios until Sunday.  Unfortunately, the weather conditions only deteriorated. We ventured out anyways for a rainy Sunday drive with hope that the skies would clear.  Unfortunately, it never did; but, the short time we did spend in Buzios makes us anxious to go again when the weather is nicer! 

While these were the scenes of Buzios we anticipated seeing...

Photo taken from http://www.buzios-hotels.travel

Photo taken from http://www.buzios-hotels.travel

...instead, we had to settle for these cloudy views in between rain showers.

  Aside from the rainy weekend, our time back in Brazil has been much more pleasant than the first trip to South America!  I guess knowing what is in store helps to ease the transition; not to mention, having our own place has made all the difference in the world.  Our only real complaint to speak of is the communication barrier.  I guess it is beyond time for us to befriend Rosetta :-). 

My Little Sister Went To The Chapel...And Got Married!

I am a few months behind on this post, but the pictures from my sister's wedding are just too pretty not to post.  We celebrated Carolyn and Jerrard's wedding on November 25 (yes, the day after Thanksgiving), and I know I am partial, but my sister was the most stunning bride I have ever witnessed!  So here are a few shots from wedding festivities.  Congrats CC and Parfait!



©2011 Brocato Photojournalism

©2011 Brocato Photojournalism

©2011 Brocato Photojournalism

  Brazil Update:  Jason went back to Brazil two weeks ago and I am headed that way this weekend.  We will both journey back to Louisiana during Mardi Gras to move into our newly purchased home in Thibodaux and ready it for Baby Nuge.  I will stay state-side and Jason will only get to stay the week and then is hoping to return back home some time in mid-April before the baby is born.  That is--if Baby Nuge makes his/her appearance when we anticipate :-)

Newsies From New York

Okay, so it has been quite a while since I blogged last, and I figured I would start the New Year off with a new post.  We sincerely hope you and your families had a blessed Christmas!  With 2012 upon us, Jason and I wait with great anticipation for May 21 to arrive as we welcome our first child.  Needless to say, we are quite anxious to see what changes the year has in store for our family.

While Jason was able to escape Brazil for a few weeks, we used this time for a holiday to NYC before Baby Nuge makes his/her appearance.  There really is no place like New York during Christmas and no single picture can capture the essence of The Big Apple!

Happy New Year Everyone!   

Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center

Giada De Laurentiis from the Food Network

The beautiful Natalie Morales, TODAY Show correspondent and her son Josh

Standing near the NBC Studio for the KL and Hoda Show

Suprisingly, Jason enjoyed the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular

To our delight there was even a scene about the "true" meaning of Christmas!

The horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park was a highlight of our trip



St. Patrick's Cathedral

Jason was pretty awe-struck at first glance of Times Square

 The wait was well worth it as the 9/11 Memorial was somber and moving. 

The department stores along 5th Avenues were sprinkled with Christmas illuminations

We couldn't pass up this store-front and not take a picture

Last stop of the trip was to Grand Central Train Station

 

Then There Were Three...

  By now I am sure most of you have heard our  news?!!!  Jason and I are expecting a little bébé in May and we are thrilled!!  We are so blessed and can't wait to be parents!!!! Needless to say, we are anxious for May 21 to be here, so we can be a family of three :-).

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!