Jul 2007

Following our visit to our cousins in Teresopolis, we headed to Arraial do Cabo, a small beach town located at the very eastern tip of the map, about 160 km from Rio. It is the little nook and cranny on the map, to the right of Rio.

There are bigger towns nearby like Cabo Frio or Buzios. Arraial was suggested by our guide Pedro Novak and it is known for its pristine beaches, like Praia Grande which is known for surfing

Angel's beach iis the main departure point for traditional boat rides

Here Capt. Jordan took charge of our ship:

After the ride, we returned by trail to one of the nicest beaches in the area, Praia al Forno, kown for its warm waters. Jordan and I went snorkeling and saw a number in interesting fishes.

That's a day (or two) at the beach...

See you in Morocco...

On June 30th, we rented a car and traveled North to Petropolis, where Emperors Pedro the I and the II once had their second residence. Petropolis is about 3000 feet above sea level. After visiting the Imperial museum, where we have to wear booties on top of our shoes not to damage the wooden floor, we drove over an amazing stretch of road

to visit our cousins in Teresopolis.

We had a wonderful evening at their mountain top house with their entire family, their kids Danny, Lara and Gabriel, and their inlaws from the US.

Cousin Beni is in the center. Mostapha, his father in law is on the left.

We spent the night at a local hotel and headed to the coast the next day.