February 8 + 9
My roommate Toninho invited me to visit his family in Pedralva the weekend following my trip to São Lourenço. We took the ônibus there Saturday morning and arrived in about an hour. I met his grandparents, mom, sister, brother, cousin, and second-cousin (who Toninho says is his son). His family is close both figuratively and literally.
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| Myra, Me, Maria, Artur, Igor, Antonio (Toninho) |
Saturday
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| We're going to climb that rock! |
My first trip to Pedralva was action packed! During my visit, I met several of Toninho's friends. The first of whom was Thomáz (our weekend chauffeur), with whom we ventured up the big rock called Pedra do Pedrão. We were able to drive part of the way up the winding dirt road, but then there came a point where the road was so steep and narrow, only a dirt bike, a 4-wheeler, or maybe a horse could continue. As we had neither, Thomáz parked his car and we hiked up the remainder of the way. Before parking the car though, there was a humorous moment that shows a little of the country-side life that I was able to capture with my phone.
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| Also up top were a lot of cow paddies, so we had to watch our step. |
Our hike provided some beautiful vistas.
Everyting around was so green.
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| It was a sunny day, and when we made it to the top, you could see for miles around. |
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| -"What y'all doin' in our pasture? Moo" |
At one point there was a herd of cattle staring us down- which made us a little nervous because I'm pretty sure a few were male bulls.
There was a largely constructed cross in one spot. While taking in the natural beauty we were careful near the edges, as there were no guard rails or fences to catch a fall.
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| Daniel & Maya |
After a few hours of hiking and exploring Pedrão, we returned to Toninho's home where his mom prepared a delicious lunch. At his home, Toninho's younger brother has two maritacas- beautiful green birds that can also be loud and obnoxious. These two were on the quiet side, but I remember waking up to the ones in Piranguinho at the Immersion Course. Apparently other than the racket they make, they also are a nuisance because they chew on electrical wires and cords.
That evening, Toninho and I went to the other side of town to a indoor court where I was able to play futsal. It was fun and I was happy to be playing soccer again, although I was russsssty!
Sunday
Sunday morning we went to Mass at the church that was located in front of the main plaza, Matriz. and that afternoon headed to a cachoeira (waterfall) outside of the city. Thomáz drove again (as he was the only one with a car) and another friend of Toninho's, Pablo, went with us. On the way we passed by a neat little town to stop and ask for directions to make sure we were going the right way. We arrived at the waterfall after about a 30-45 minute scenic drive. I took some pictures and then walked in and enjoyed the cool water. I swam in a Brazilian waterfall! Haha. [That's pretty cool.]
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| Thomaz, Paulo, Me, Toninho |
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| Açaí puro- so good! |
We stopped for some refreshing açaí on the way back to Toninho's home. I ordered açaí puro, without any added ingredients. (The day before I had added chocolate and condensed milk to the açaí and it was super sweet, too sweet.) Just plain açaí by itself was really good, it doesn't need require any thing else.
After cleaning-up, packing our bags, and eating dinner, we said good-bye and took the last bus of the day for Itajubá. Antonio's family is very, very kind and I have already visited for a second time. His mom has adopted me, and had the chance to FaceTime with my parents back home during my second visit. She told my mom that I wouldn't be returning, but staying with her, haha. I can feel the love within his family, and am glad that they have included me. Tão gente boa!
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