Copacabana Palace Hotel review

I suggested by hybby Copacabana Palace Hotel in Rio de Janeiro for our first visit to the City.   I wanted to see firsthand the recent renovations this Orient Express landmark went through under the responsibility of French Architect Michel-Jouannet.  After purchasing our plane tickets three weeks in advance (transaction done in Portuguese) it turned out we didn't really buy any tickets so we had to drive 6 hours to get to Rio.  We thought it was going to be a pain but the drive was actually pretty beautiful and it ended up being faster than I thought.  
There are still some renovations going on in some areas of the Hotel but, the main areas are finished.  The lobby was expanded, including the steps and this sitting area below was added.  Everything looks as it's been there forever.  We had a great time and can't wait to go back to Rio.

It's funny how we take airplanes, drive for long hours and go through all the hassles that comes with traveling and then we love to stay in and order room service.  This photo above illustrates how Copacabana Hotel doesn't stay short of exquisite when it comes to food.  We were only two and a half people and the half doesn't even eat!  We promised ourselves that the next time we go there we'll bring plastic containers with us to either not spend one extra dime on food for the rest of our stay or to take the leftover to homeless people on the streets. 

The Hotel's restaurant, Cipriani

The stunning swimming pool area transported me to the glamorous days of the 20's

One of my favorite experiences was when we went to visit Corcovado to see the big Jesus, as my son calls him.  The experience is pretty impressive and special. 

Pao de Azucar is that huge mountain that you see in many photos and it's also the place where many famous Rio de Janeiro pictures were taken.

We drove all along the beach coast and my favorite beach was a very quiet beach, yes you read that right, named Sao Conrado along Av. Neimeyer.  This picture above was taken there.

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Fasano Boa Vista Hotel: A review of The ultimate country estate

 A spectacular shot of Fasano Boa Vista Hotel lit at night.

Most of the people think of beaches, sun, pretty women wearing sexy bikinis when they think of vacationing in Brazil.  In other words Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro.  Little do they know what they're missing when they choose the beach over the countryside.  Two weekends ago we spent a weekend at FasanoBoa Vista, a country estate at merely one hour and 15 minutes outside of Sao Paulo and my amazement can’t be put into words but, I'll try.  It's without a doubt one of the most beautiful places I've been in.  The stunning architecture, which perfectly blends with its site, was accomplished by the very renowned Brazilian architect Isay Weinfeld.  It covers 100 acres of secured and preserved forest with 15 lakes, groves and gardens, 18-hole golf courses, a polo field, stables, tennis and soccer courts and a kids activity center.  The hotel also offers real estate inside the property and a lot of wealthy proprietors owned second or third "French-looking" homes there.  You can see the families relaxing among adults while their babas (nanies) spend time at the kids club where there is usually a lot of fun happening.   There were instances that while we were biking around its beautiful century-old trees-lined-uphill-boulevards I thought I was in Provence.
And if you don’t believe me then believe Hermes.  Yes, "In 2012, Boa Vista hosted the Hermès Cup, in association with the centenary French saddlery, marking the first time the organization has given its approval to an equestrian event outside of France." Fasano Website

 The entrance to the reception of the Hotel is just beautiful.  Couldn't help to take a picture.

 The veranda was one of my favorite spaces of this place.

The infinity swimming pool.

 Love this place for breakfast in the mornings. Below, how it looks.

 The decor has a very Scandinavian influence. 

 

 One of the restaurants. 

 The decor is minimal but so cozy you feel home as soon as you walk in the rooms.

 The view from the room.  All of the rooms have a beautiful view out to the country side.

 My hubby biking with our little one.

 Our little one at the stables.

The Hotel has a huge and great selection of design books.

 Adorable ponies.

The swimming pool restaurant. Below, two of the beautiful homes.

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Happy Children's Day

It's Dia da Criança here in Brazil and I wanted to wish all children a happy and beautiful day!  It's a national Holiday so no work and no school today.  Children are extremely important to Brazilian and they are truly sweet to them so I was not surprise to find Lucas's school yesterday with balloon arrangements like this one everywhere.  It was really beautiful and magic.  Happy Weekend everyone! 

Transition

As you read this we're already in Sao Paulo.  The days prior to our flight were crazy busy and overwhelming.  Moving is not an easy job but, moving overseas while trying not to forget the smallest detail takes the whole experience up a few notches.  It was hard to see our home empty again like the first time we walked into it and I have to admit that as exited as I am with our new home, my heart ached a bit, well okay maybe more than a bit!  This home we left behind was the home were we had our fist son, we saw him start walking and talking and we had a great time in it sorrounded by family and friends.
I've been dealing with farewells since I was a little girl but I'll never get used to it.  It's soo painful! On saturday we went to visit my family and we cried a river when it was time to say good bye. Above all I'll miss my mom dearly.  She has always been there for me all my life and it's hard to know that she won't be close by.  As my husband and I say "the best and sweetest baby sitter possible"  My dear friends have been awesome as well, hosting farewell dinners and get togethers for us and it's been extremely moving and comforting.  Some of them already have dates to come and visit.  I know that adjusting to a new country is going to be hard mostly because I don't have anyone in Brazil but, I'm pleased and happy for this new begining and looking forward to the future, as always!

My mom in 1992

Below, shots of our trip.

Crazy LOCO! ah?  And there was more sent by air container!

photos by me

Moving to Brazil! what!

My hubby has been assigned to an executive position with his company in Brazil and I couldn't be happier for him.  If there is anyone who deserves an opportunity like this, its him.  He is an ethical and hard worker man who has been working for this same company since out of college, and like in everything else he puts his effort on he gives it all.  I remember when our little one was born, I can't believe it's been more than three years, how hard he tried to break himself into three, having to be at work every day, going two and three nights a week to finish his MBA, and wanting to be here to help with the little one. All that meanwhile remodeling our home.  And somehow he magically did, even waking up with me almost every night to help me.  Looking back I know those days were though but thanks to his help and presence it almost felt manageable.  I'm very proud for him!
After weighing all the pros and cons we decided to finally grasp this once in a lifetime opportunity and move to Sao Paulo.  At this point I'm not taking any clients unless the client is willing to work via online but my lovely blog will come with me wherever I go.
At first I was very hesitant although never doubted about the move but it has slowly grown on me and now I'm extremely excited and anxious to see what we will learn in Sao Paulo.  We already have a few plans while being there, such as visiting Buenos Aires and Punta Del Este, two places I've been meaning to go to.
Looking back. Way back, I remember I always wanted to live in different countries and one of our priorities is for our son to grow up with knowledge and awareness of all the different worlds out there and if possible learn different languages.  It scares me to death for him to grow narrowed minded, so this will be an extremely important step in his raising.  My hubby once shared with me something he read about the first 5 years of a child's life being heavily influential in their lives; and I agree.  The environment as much as the people around them is fundamental so we will be paying a visit to Sao Paulo to house hunt soon, and I'll share the process with you.  There is a relocation company who is helping us with this but I'm too hands on to let go so I've been searching about rental properties, and unfortunately like in every other category in search engines, popularity doesn't always match quality.  Too bad there is no Pinterest for real estate.  Why doesn't someone come up with that.  We were also told that rental properties are usually gone in one day.  It's pretty much take it now or never. God help us!