Hello from Rio

I have to say, after all that trouble we had in the beginning of our travels, it has run pretty smoothly ever since.

We managed to move all of our stuff out of the condo and into storage AND we moved Pete in. We rearranged our flights so the Visa thing was no longer an issue and we got to spend time with both of our families. My mom spoiled us with brats and beans for breakfast (true Wisconsin treat) and Cindy fattened us up with yummy Hershey Bar Pie! It was nice visiting Tennessee. Knoxville seems similar to Madison - only a lot more hilly and spread out. We had a late Christmas ( I scored a nice travel jewelry case and new purse! ), went golfing, went shopping, and got our own personal tour of the city. :) It was nice to relax after the hussle of moving. I was glad we were able to see both families. ;)

Traveling to Brazil was long but trouble free and well worth the trip. It's so sunny and warm here. Fifteen minutes in the sun and you have a nice tan going. Have to be careful so you don't burn! The beach is a block away and we are staying on a street with major shopping. We've been doing nothing but sleeping in and kicking back. Noone speaks English but they all respond well to pointing at the menu :) haha. We did find an Irish Pub that has amazing burgers and good drinks....and :) an English speaking bartender. We're going to explore on bicycles tomorrow and trek up to the Jesus statue the following. Mike still wants to get out fishing...it's just a matter of finding a way to arrange it! :)