13/09/2024
“How do you be a good person and travel? The best I can do is to be a good guest.”
—Anthony Bourdain
StoryWander Travel
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11/09/2024
Day 10: Obrigada, Brazil, Muchas Gracias Argentina and Paraguay
As we make our way to the Iguazu airport for the first of three legs to go home, we realize we are at that perfect travel zone: If we had left sooner, we would have wanted more, and if we left later, we might have started to feel the sting of homesickness. Once again, we’re on a trip perfectly timed.
As for the experience as a whole, Cissy expressed it best: “Don’t ask me what my favorite part was, because every single day was different and a favorite in some way.”
Most of us were asking each other, “Did we do all of these things in just ten days?” These StoryWander trips work hard to make sure everyone is pampered, staying in a luxurious location, while also ensuring that each traveler is having opportunities to do all of the greatest things to do, not just see. The trips are participative, we get our hands and feet dirty, we fall in the water, we climb the hills (and sometimes jump off of them), we cook the food, we muddle the limes, sing the songs, dance the dances, and by nightfall, we are well ready to fall into a deep, exhausted sleep.
But at that same end of the day, we are grateful to have done so much, grateful to the people who opened their homes and communities to us, allowing us to get to know them on a deeper level. We have exchanged something between us, and we each carry a piece of that exchange with us as we move on to our respective homes. Those experiences, those stories, stay with us and allow us to see the world with brighter eyes, filled with a new awareness. From the beautiful beaches to the favella on the hill, from the famous human-made sites to the natural wonders, from the private kitchens to the public markets we visited, we are filled with gratitude for the people who made our journey so memorable. Thank you to Cosme of Providencia, to Anderson of the Samba, thank you Chef Alex and Chef Bruno, to our Argentina drivers and guides Sidney and Papa, to Igor of Rio, to Eduardo of Tijuca and Carlos of Wanda Mines. And a huge thank you to our hang-gliding and para-gliding guides who soared with us into the clouds and delivered us safely to the ground again. We will carry your stories with us, and perhaps, you will continue to hold a bit of East Tennessee with you, as well. Thank you, Obrigada, Muchas Gracias, for a Story Wanderful Adventure.
11/09/2024
Argentina- A Culinary Experience
We visited the Argentina Experience, a true culinary delight. Bruno, our host, welcomed us in Part I, which featured three different wines paired with traditional appetizers. The tastings were nearly full pours, and we sampled a crisp Chardonnay, a smooth Merlot, and their label’s award-winning Malbec, the wine first created in this region of Argentina. We explored how the different cheeses seemed to change in flavor when paired with the different wines, each bringing out a different character. Elliott showed off his sommelier chops by noticing subtle notes of to***co and chocolate, impressing our host.
Just as we thought our experience was coming to an end, we were taken by Bruno’s assistant to a narrow hallway, lined with wine bottles. Jimmy was asked to say the magic word…Malbec…and a secret door opened to a full dining and kitchen area. Here, we took our seats among other world travelers, and Bruno began his next presentation in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. We first donned our chef hats, and were greeted with another glass, this one a “Welcome Drink” because we were now being welcomed to the dinner portion of the experience. It was a spritzer made with vodka, ginger, and chamomile among other things. Refreshing.
Another glass was placed in front of each of us, as well as cocktail mixing tools. We muddled lime, added simple syrup, malbec and made a sangria-style drink.
Another glass came out shortly after, another crisp white, along with platters of small bite appetizers, including pastry-wrapped blood sausage, spice pepperoni style sausage, pastry wrapped chicken bites, and two different kinds of salsas.
Next, we were instructed in the making of traditional beef empanadas. We filled our pastries, and deftly turned and twisted the edges to form a beautiful edge to the crusts. Upon completion, we placed them on a baking tray, which was taken away to the ovens, and yet another glass was placed before us, a full-bodied cabernet sauvignon. Most of us we only taking sips at this point. I think it was Cissy who laughed and said, “This is just an obscene amount of glasses in front of us!”
We talked with our fellow travelers in between making food and cocktails, getting to know people from Italy, Brazil, Australia, and even as far away as Chicago! Then, another glass was placed before us, the Malbec, as our dinner of Empanadas was served, along with some tasty side roasted sides of potatoes, carrots and peppers.
With dinner, we were presented with another cup, but surprise! This time it wasn’t wine. It was a cup and metal straw, which we filled with dried yerba matte tea, over which we poured boiling hot water. While in Argentina, we saw people walking around with these colorful cups everywhere like you would see people home walking around with Starbucks. It really is like a national drink! The tea is strong and soothing.
We left feeling like we actually did experience Argentina, all of it, through our stomachs!
10/09/2024
Day 9: Argentina Digging, Dining, and Dancing
We set off once again for Argentina, but this time, instead of standing on top of the world, we took a walk underground, 16 meters deep into the cool Wanda Amethyst Mine. On our way down the steps carved into the rocky landscape, we caught shimmering glimpses of what was to come, as the afternoon sun shone down on some outcroppings that lay just outside the main entrances.
Wanda, pronounced “Vonda,” is a working mineral mine, producing amethyst, rose quartz, calcite, smoky quartz, and white quartz. The mine owners hire local, indigenous people to work the tunnels, but have a much more humane approach to the process that our coal miners face back in Appalachia. The miners here are equipped with masks and breathing equipment, and work a maximum of four hours, one day a week, in order to combat health risks associated with the dust, mold, and debris they encounter.
“These stones have energy,” our guide tells us. “Our people charge these energies at different times under the moon or in the sun, depending on the stone and the energy needed.” He points to especially deeply colored gemstones and speaks of the strength of the power in the darker, richer stones. “We are mystical here. We believe this area is a place of energy.”
We tour the inside of the cave that is not being worked in. There are geodes, and other areas where the presences of amethyst and quartz are everywhere, but he explains that the best has already been taken. That says a lot, because what we look at is bedazzling to the eyes under the light of our flashlights.
Looking at the mined areas, we see familiar shapes, sort of like seeing forms in the clouds. One patch looked especially like a llama, while another bore a striking resemblance to Homer Simpson’s profile. (The locals call it Homer!) And another very interesting area is in the shape of the country of Argentina.
Our host regaled us with a local legend story of the deep purple amethyst, the color of Malbec wine that was first invented here in Argentina. The stones help the King to not drink too much. The story goes that the queen will place the colored stones in the glass of the King on the night of a party, and then pour the wine in the glass, Because the stones take up so much space in the glass, the King doesn’t drink as much wine as the other guests. He can drink many glasses without getting drunk, while others can’t seem to catch up and remain sober.
After touring the mines, we stopped for a look into the workshop, where the mined stones are processed. We saw large and small machines for cutting and polishing. Then, we went into the shop, filled with gemstones, where other workers provided us information about the properties of each stone and what it is used for. Rose quartz for love; Amethyst for protection; Blue Topaz for calmness, communication, and creativity; Smoky Quartz for overcoming fear. They were really knowledgeable and helpful. (Which also helped in making a sale!) We didn’t mind investing in the local economy here at all! Nearly everyone brought something from the mines home with them.
09/09/2024
Day 8: Argentina- Quatis and Monkeys and Toucans, Oh, My!
We experienced the splendiferous views of Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side, as we watched nearly 80% of the total water drop from the Argentinian side. Today, we drove to Argentina, taking a train through the edge of the jungle where it meets the shores of the rivers that form the falls, and then we walked OVER the falls!
There are three different trails made of metal wire bridges that traverse the trees and cross over the seemingly tranquil waters leading to where the land ends and the falls begin. We took the longest trail bridge first, finding our balance as we trod forward. The open metal mesh beneath our feet slightly shook and rebounded with our steps, and as we looked below, we could see the river flowing. We stopped a few times on the way, spotting different wildlife, like large turtles that blended in with the crops of boulders in the water, or the Toco toucans, swifts, or aracaris flying above us.
The energy became electric as we hit the bend in the trail, and the glorious vista opened before us. Here we were, above the falls, standing at what felt like the edge of the world! Rainbows appeared all around us from the massive spray of water as it dropped, literally beneath our feet! We experienced the close-up, Serpent God view straight down the Devil’s Throat. Dusty Swifts, the official bird of this preserve, flew in circles below us, darting into and out of the falling water, making their homes on the inside of the cliff wall of the falls.
Jules stood astounded, unable to speak, and a woman standing next to her touched her arm and then hugged her, both of them sharing the same feeling, and though no words were spoken, their embrace surpassed the need for language or translation. What they felt was beyond words, anyway.
Janna caught rainbows in her camera lens. Elliott worked to find some kind of point of reference to provide a sense of perspective, and spotted the tiny boats below, the same boat we had ridden the day before. Even that couldn’t quite capture the immensity of it all. Around us, over a mile of falling water from varying heights called to us from every direction.
We continued on toward the next train station and waited to go to the next trail. On our wait, we encountered more wildlife, including a couple of groups of little gangsters—mainly the Quati and the monkeys! The Quati, especially, are intrusive little creatures, resembling our racoons, with striped long tails, and a slightly more elongated nose, brown and black in color. They have taken over the restaurant and snack areas, where fenced in cages are set up for the humans to go to eat so that the Quati do not steal their food. They do! Boo and Jimmy each got a back of snacks, and though they had not opened them yet, the Quati came running to sniff them out. Everyone shouted for them, “Stop! Don’t Open it yet!” Fearing they would be overtaken by the little organized crime squads that wait for unsuspecting visitors to assume the creatures have manners! Poor Jimmy and Boo had to wait a long while, until we were safely in our vehicle, before they could enjoy their snacks!
We were regaled by several more brightly beaked Toucans, and entertained by a band of Capucine monkeys. One was playing with a thick plastic back as a child would play with a box. Two others decided to wrestle on the ground in circles at our feet. Elliott and Janna filmed one acrobatic monkey swinging from vines and tree limbs above the roof of the small shelter over our picnic tables. Cissy laughed at the antics of the little wrestlers, who then broke into a game of chase. It was really like watching an elementary school playground. They were right among us, clearly used to humans, and unphased by our presence.
We took to the next metal trail, making our way over wide streams and banks, and were again at another series of cliffsides, where the waters gathered to fall hundreds of feet below.
The sun began to set as we made our way back for the final train taking visitors to the station. On our way out, there was a station set up by the indigenous people of the land who are licensed to sell their handmade crafts. These included carved animals, musical instruments, flutes that mimicked the toucan’s call, wind chimes, and baskets. Crafts that have been passed down for generations. The group stopped to bring home some of these small mementos.
Then, the sun dipped quickly below the horizon. The park closes at sunset, mostly for the safety of humans, as nightfall is the time of the jaguars, pumas, mosquitos, snakes, and quite possibly, quite believably, the Gods and Spirits that still inhabit this mystical place.
07/09/2024
Day 7 – By The Way, There’s Paraguay
Oh, by the way…we also visited Paraguay! Early on the morning of our 7th day, before the visit to the waterfalls, we hopped in our private tour van and took off on a short jaunt to cross a bridge, where, halfway across, we found ourselves in Paraguay!
When you are only a few miles away from the border of another country, you visit, right? Especially when you have Boo Moss with you, who loves, loves, loves to shop. Because of its tax-free benefits, Paraguay is a shoppers paradise, and people from Brazil and Argentina flock there to make purchases, especially large purchases like electronics and furniture.
The border city is filled with streets and streets of multi-story malls. There is one especially large mall, Mona Lisa, for which there are dozens of billboard signs across Argentina and Brazil, much as the Buckey’s signs fill the landscape back home, or like the old “See Rock City” signs. After passing so many billboards in Brazil, we were delighted o actually have a chance to walk past the mall and gaze up at the giant portrait of Monda Lisa on the side of the wall of the mall! Probably how people feel when they pull into a Buckey’s for the first time, with a sense of “I Made it!”
Our guide accompanied us along some city streets so we could get a feel for the city. Spanish is primarily spoken here, not Portuguese, so some of us like Janna and Elliott more easily communicated.
We walked by a group of men in the center of town sitting in lawn chairs between two busy streets. They were exchanging money, and for better rates than that banks give. Boo and Cissy stared and walked quickly by an armed guard with a machine gun, who was providing protection for these men so they wouldn’t be robbed. Jules walked by him feeling like she was back in time during her previous stay in Rio! Jimmy didn’t notice, as he was looking at the architecture- new mixed with old. All of the malls are more current construction, but they melded into the existing older structures.
On one of the side streets, we found lots of vendors selling hand made souvenirs and other items. Jules, Jimmy and Cissy found some colorful magnets and decided to make a purchase at one shop. When the vendor discovered we were from the United States, she became super excited and wanted to take a photo of us at her shop. So we all posed in front of her store, holding the Paraguay flag. Janna started shouting, “USA, USA!” She said, “You know, like for soccer teams.” Boo and Jules cringed and laughed.
We made a final stop in one of the malls, where Janna found some delightful gifts for her children. We walked through the very familiar stores of Bath and Body Works and other surprisingly familiar stores, so much so that it felt like home. The interesting part was the music at the stores, where popular tunes from the United States were transformed into a Bossa Nova style. We experienced this in several places in Brazil, too, and heard very strange versions of the Beatles “Long and Winding Road,” David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust,” and even Wonderwall by Oasis. Strange covers indeed, but the shops in the mall were as familiar as Apple Empanada.
The driver was waiting for us with the car at the exit of the mall, and we happily piled in, having spent a fun time in Paraguay, just because we could!
06/09/2024
Day 7: Foz do Iguazu, by Air, by Water, and by Land
Our small group climbed into a helicopter to get our first glimpse of the massive Iguazu Falls from above. We had flown past them the day before, but saw them from thousands of feet in the air. Our helicopter took us much closer, and we began to get a sense of just how astounding this location is, which is a UNESCO Heritage Site, and has been named one of seven New Natural Wonders of the World. Stretching across the borders of Brazil and Argentina, Iguazu Falls are the most voluminous falls in the world, stretching for 1.7 miles across the ancient landscape formed during the Paleozoic-Mesozoic era.
Those are the statistical descriptions. Elliott put it best as we left the helicopter: “We’ve seen something that until a few years ago, only the Gods could see.” Aside from our gasps of amazement which were a little different for everyone, we had no words to describe what we saw, especially as we came upon the narrow chasm known as “Garganta do Diabo” or “Devil’s Throat,” where nearly half of all the river’s flow falls, madly churning the white waters below.
The Guarani and Tupi people were the first humans to lay eyes on this spectacle. I wonder if they blinked and shook their heads, like some of us did, unable to comprehend what they were seeing. The name Iguazu comes from their language: “Y” meaning water, and “ûasú” meaning big. There is a story among the Guarani people that tells of how the Devil’s Throat was formed:
When the first humans came to this place of the gods, agreements were made in exchange for the gods allowing the people to live there. Each year, a maiden would be sacrificed to the Serpent God who rules the rivers. One year, a beautiful young woman named Naipi was walking along the river. The Serpent God fell instantly in love with her and planned to marry her. But Naipi was betrothed to her mortal love, Taroba, who pleaded with the village elders to find someone else for the Serpent God. The elders refused, as they did not want to offend the deity. Late in the night, Taroba went to Naipi and the two planned to escape. They climbed into a canoe and began following the river, planning to find a spot far enough away that would suit them to live out their lives in peace. But the Serpent God saw them, and in a rage, he charged through the canyon, cutting the waters as he chased them, making his way in dizzying zig zags trying to catch up with them, while the waters around him swelled and churned, but no matter how much the Serpent God moved the waters, the canoe carrying the two lovers remained afloat. Just as it looked like the pair would escape his grasp, the Serpent God violently cut a chasm that split the earth beneath them. Taroba was thrown from the canoe onto the muddy banks of the Brazilian side of what became a huge cascading waterfall. Taroba could only watch as the canoe, carrying Naipi, fell into the Devil’s Throat. But the Serpent God, still in love with the girl, saved her from death by turning her into the great rock, that stands on the Argentine side. Turning his anger back to the boy who robbed him of his bride, the Serpent King turned Taroba into a palm tree for punishment, as he would be forced to look upon Naipi for all time, but never be able to reach her.
To describe Iguazu Falls, one needs the language of the Gods. There is no mortal word that adequately captures the majesty, the spectacle, the beauty, the mystery, the fullness of the falls. Perhaps we would find the words in the waters below. We took the trail through the jungle, and then a funicular down to the water’s edge, and climbed into a boat that would take us along the river to edge of the falls, and for a glimpse of the bottom of Devil’s Throat. Safely adorning life jackets, we climbed aboard, feeling somewhat like Naipi and Taroba, at the mercy of the churning water. Our two captains expertly steered us through swirling eddies around great stones that emerged from the waters. Instead of looking down at the falls, we were now looking up, catching the spray, especially near a trio of three called, “The Three Musketeers.” We were filled with wonderment as the captain pulled into a safe area to stop for a moment and gaze at the rushing wall of water plunging off of the top of Devil’s Throat and landing into a turbulent froth. Something about being in the water, in that landing zone of the falls filled and flooded the senses in unexpected ways. Some of us cried, others screamed and laughed in joy, while others just breathed it in, unable to utter the indescribable feelings.
We floated, then flowed, and now it was time to find footing. Making our way back up to the trail, we strolled along the cliff sides and taking in the sublime panoramas that lay before us. Every turn was a new wonder, every bend in the trail a new mystery opened before us, and we humans were not the only ones drawn to this area. Capucine monkeys climbed along this trail as well, eating, swinging, and playing among the trees. We stopped to watch the antics of one brave little cousin, and feared for him as he crouched at the edge of one limb and made ready to jump to the branch of another tree, while the landscape below him dropped in another mind-boggling waterfall. He sailed through the air, grasped a branch which immediately dipped dangerously low, but he bounced back up and reached higher and higher, and to our relief, he made it! How much more could our hearts take on this day!
We followed the mile and a half long trail which ended on a bridge that led out over one of the big water flows, and saw the river cascade down the rocks, the cold spray refreshing us, perhaps waking us from the dream-like state we found ourselves in for most of the day. Here, you couldn’t speak, but even if you found words, it wouldn’t matter, because the greatest sound was the water itself, churning endlessly in a display of Nature’s power and greatness. Perhaps it is the Serpent God’s way of letting us know he still rules these waters, and we humans are only visitors in his realm.
05/09/2024
Day 6: First Class Treatment All the Way
Today we hopped on a first-class flight from Rio to Foz do Iguazu, Brazil. It was a great day for flying, and as we began our descent, the pilot told us to look out the left side window, and there were the Iguazu falls, the most voluminous falls in the world, that stretch for over a mile and a half across the Brazil and Argentina border. This is why we have flown here, to get an up-close look!
We enjoyed our upgraded treatment on the plane, which continued at the Sanma Hotel, a short, five-minute drive from the Iguazu Airport. We were greeted in the lobby with a welcome champagne, while sweet floral scents provided a lovely relief from that too-familiar smell of overcrowded airports. We sipped champagne in the beautiful restaurant, enjoying the indigenous art that adorns the entire resort. We spied a grand piano in there, and we’d get to hear it later in the evening.
Once checked into our rooms, we, a few at a time, changed into swimsuits and lounged in chairs under the cabanas by the pool, taking advantage of the down time. Some of us soaked in one of the three traditional hot tubs on the property. Jules and Cissy were joined briefly by a solo traveler who decided to share some of her life story. She is also from the United States and saw kindred spirits. The three enjoyed each other’s company as the sun began to lower in the sky.
Dinner time drew near, so everyone took time to dress and be ready for the shuttle to La Mir. This restaurant would prove to be a food highlight of the entire trip! Janna and Jules asked the concierge to recommend a restaurant that had cultural significance to the area. He provided insight that was not well known. Iguazu is the home to the second largest Lebanese population outside of Lebanon. The concierge said his favorite place to eat was La Mir, the Middle Eastern restaurant which had been in business for many years. He said before 7:00 you could get in, but after 7:00, you had to have reservations. We asked for a seating at 7:00 and were some of the only people there. The place was beautifully decorated, and the menu was filled with wonderful traditional fare. We opted for the sampler, in which about ten different dishes were brought to the table for us to share! Oh, the olfactory senses came alive! And the colors, the flavors, the everything! Stuffed grape leaves, hummus, cheeses, falafel, kebab, tabuleh, fatouch, pita, pepper sauces, salads, it was purely Ayurvedic eating! Who would have thought one of our favorite Brazilian meals would be Lebanese food! Obviously, it was the favorite restaurant for the neighborhood, as well. As 7:30 came, the place began to fill until there were no empty tables left. The chords of Middle Eastern music blended with the voices of Portuguese, Spanish, and English speakers, all enjoying the wonderful fare.
An older woman with beautiful white hair, whom everyone called the Dona, came by to bring us the check. When we asked about her, wondering if she were the owner of the mother of one of the owners, the waitress said the Dona had worked there for forty years. She smiled and thanked us for coming. It was wonderful to have experienced and appreciated this immigrant culture in Iguazu. It was a first-class day, all the way!
04/09/2024
Day 5: Swimming with the Fishes
Everyone with StoryWander loves a day on the water. We started early to make our way to the marina where we all got into our private speedboat for the day. Our first stop was a little island cove called Boot Island because it is in the shape of a boot. Elliott was the first in with the camera, and then Jules hopped in. Beautiful fish were everywhere, but suddenly there were even more when Janna gleefully threw Doritos and crackers in the water to attract the fish, which then swarmed around a slightly freaked out Jules. She shrieked a little until she realized the theme to Jaws was not playing in the background, and could then relax and be more playful with the fish.
Cissy was next, and Janna then slowly entered the light turquoise waters, buoying herself with nearly all of the pool noodles on the boat. They took turns with the snorkel masks to get a better look at the fish surrounding them. Janna, Jules, and Elliott made their way over to the rocks, to see what might be on the other side, while the others waved to them from the anchored boat. Jules found a beautiful pink stone, but decided to leave it in place so as not to disturb the balance. They were told turtles might be on the other side, but if there were, they were not making themselves visible. After some time sunning on the stones, it was time to go to the next point. The captain then brought us to a gorgeous sandy beach, called “Dentist Island” because it is home to the dentist. Boo and Jimmy decided to jump in and make their way to the white sand beach. Jimmy made his way, and instead of pushing forward, made the mistake of pausing, giving the water a chance to pull him back under. He got back up, and then made his way toward the shore where he joined the others to sit on an old log in the shade of a palm tree. Jules and Janna enjoyed some more snorkeling while Jimmy and Boo combed the beach looking at shells, trees, flowers, and birds. This was such a beautiful and relaxing area.
In all, there were five different coves, each with a different feel and a different history. In the early evening, the captain anchored off the coast, where everyone had a chance to hop off and wade ashore or swim some more while the captain pulled out the grill and cooked a traditional Brazilian barbecue and garlic bread. Parrots were everywhere on this stretch of the strand, and Cissy pointed out other species as well. Huge orchids grew on the trees to the entrance of a rustic restaurant, with flowers the size of a human hand, in colors of white, purple, and pink.
After enjoying dinner on the boat, the captain pulled into the last spot, where an old church stood on the banks. The sun began to set in a display of oranges, yellows, pinks, and reds, with the reflection looking like fire on the water. We left for the mainland to beat the setting sun, and made it before nightfall. We got our sea legs back, just in time to fly tomorrow to Iguazu Falls.
03/09/2024
Rio Day 3: Shake a leg, but leave the rice alone!
An Evening of Dancing and Cooking!
Did you know that Rio’s Carnival is actually a series of stories which are set to music, dance, and performance? The twelve top Samba groups in Rio compete to tell the best story of the year, with each of them getting exactly 70 minutes to present their story to the judges and the crowd. Their entire performance of singing, dancing, and storytelling hinges on telling one important, compelling, and exciting story that ignites the imagination of the audiences. Each element must be unified, and the dancing must be sustained for the entire 70 minutes of the performance. We took a short Samba dance lesson while visiting Cidade de Samba, the Samba School in the Gamboa community that won the 2022 Carnival, and a few minutes shimmying, and shaking was exhausting, let alone SEVENTY!
First an explanation about the use of the word “school.” It isn’t a place where things are taught, but rather an organization of musicians and artists, as the Samba School was created by a musician, and follows the tradition of calling these organizations schools.
Our first stop was the bottom floor, where huge machinery sits. Hidden inside of the gigantic gears that move the platforms, there are driver seats and controls that will move the floats into the stadium and then turn them toward the crowds. Each year a new story is told, and each year the costumes, sets, dances, and music they use must change. The Samba School works as a factory, developing each element and works nearly year round, either preparing for the coming carnival, or developing the next.
We took a freight elevator upstairs and toured a floor where set pieces from the previous year are stored. Against one wall in the corner sat the set for Providencia Favella, which we had toured a couple of days before, with familiar sights painted into the scene, including the church at the top of the hill. The Samba Schools work to include their local neighborhoods in the telling of their stories. The school we visited explained that they have chosen to focus on telling stories of indigenous groups throughout Brazil, focusing on one region at a time.
We had a lot of fun in the costume room. Their professional costumers opened the curtains revealing a rainbow of colorful dresses and robes, and then set out to dress us each. Boo and Jimmy were Queen and King, with Boo wearing a flowing white gown and head piece, while Jimmy game out in a golden robe with a headpiece covered in dreadlocks. We giggled relentlessly every time we looked at him! Jimmy with long flowing hair! Cissy looked like a sun goddess in blazing gold. Janna was a vision of feminine wiles and power in pink, and Jules was dressed in the colors of the deep blue sea.
The curtains opened again and another surprise was revealed: the King of last’s year’s Carnival, and the Queen of 2022’s winning story, dressed gloriously in their costumes. They turned the music on and we followed their steps in a Samba lesson that left us breathless and laughing and extremely appreciative of what it must take to tell their Samba Story each year. It takes dedication, imagination, and strength.
Finally, the last stop was a cooling caipirinha. We thanked our hosts and left with a greater understanding of Carnival, and a connection with this community, who celebrates story.
After a brief rest, we were off again, this time to Ipanema for a cooking class- or perhaps experience- with Chef Alex. We met in front of the fresh supermarket where he took us through a journey of Brazilian cheese, vegetables, and fruits. We walked across the street to the school, where we put on aprons and began making a meal together. Chef Alex would not be cooking for us but coaching us into cooking it ourselves. First things first, we were taught the correct way to make a caipirinha. We were also shown an alternative way, using passion fruit and fresh ginger, by a concierge who joined our class. We all enjoyed the taste of the passion fruit, though it was slightly more tart than the traditional lime drink.
Then, we started with appetizers, the starring member being a sauce stirred by Janna. Her eyes stayed filled with tears as the main ingredient was onion, which she chopped herself, and cooked slowly to caramelize it, not in oil but in water. Other ingredients and spices were added along the way until it became a delicious and tangy kind of spicy barbecue. We each got to make a tapioca cake, like a thin pancake, made with tapioca powder flattened out with a spatula onto a dry, hot griddle. We each flipped it like a flap-jack to turn it over. Other bites for this included the traditional cheese bread, fried kasava, pepper jam, and a light creamy cheese. We then got to work on dinner, where Jimmy earned a new nickname: Jimmy Rice. His job was to fry the rice, and then cook it. He really, really, really wanted to stir the rice, but Alex said, “No! Don’t touch the rice, you will offend it!” But Jimmy wanted to give it a stir, so he used the spoon to give it a stir, then, “No Jimmy! Just watch it! Look at the rice but leave it alone!” So Jimmy’s job after that was to look at the rice, and let us know when it was ready. He took the job seriously, and for the next ten minutes, all he did was look at the rice! The rest of us took turns creating the main course, which was a fish stew made from monk fish, bell peppers, plantain, lime juice, coconut milk, and banana, which we poured over Jimmy’s rice. For dessert, we had delicious, fudge-like bites which were made earlier in the evening by Elliott, so it could have time to cool. Elliott stirred the chocolate concoction over a low flame, which was then spread out onto a plate and placed in the refrigerator. Boo and Janna later rolled the fudgy treats into balls and then dipped them in either white cocoa powder or chocolate sprinkles. They were the perfect, sweet ending to a delicious and daring day of adventure- flying, dancing, and cooking.
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TBT to StoryWander’s visit to Monde Village near Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. 🇿🇼 It was amazing to visit with this family and learn about their life in their homestead. These experiences are always among the favorite parts of our trips! #uniqueexperience #visitlocal #culturalexchange #culturaltourism #africanvillage #africanlife #zimbabwe #zimbabwe🇿🇼 #travelafrica #travelwithme #travelwithus #offthebeatenpath #storywander #storywandertravel #wanderer #authentic #authentictravel #authenticexperience #meetthelocals #villagelife #discoverafrica #africantravel #peopletopeople #smallgrouptours #smallgrouptravel #escortedtours #tbt #throwbackthursday #throwbacktravel #travelingram
Discover the charm of Dublin beyond the landmarks! From quirky history to local flavors, this city has so many stories to tell. 🍀✨ #DublinAdventures #CityOfStories #TravelIreland #storywander #storywandertravel #dublin #visitdublin #dublincity #dublinlife #irishcharm #visitireland #loveireland #irishhistory #traveleurope #smallgrouptravel #smallgrouptours #wanderireland #wanderer #irish_daily #europeantravel #cityofstories #irishheritage #cityhighlights #dubliners #dublinireland #irishpride #dublin🍀 #travelwithme #irelandtravel #discoverdublin
Flight over Victoria Falls 🚁 #victoriafalls #zimbabwe #zambia #zambezi #storywander #storywandertravel #wanderlust #adventuretravel #zambia🇿🇲 #zimbabwe🇿🇼 #africanlandscape #discoverafrica #smallgrouptours #smallgrouptravel #travelwithme #travelwithus #helicopterride #travellife #soar #chasingwaterfalls #waterfallphotography #waterfalllovers #waterfallchasing #wonderoftheworld #wondersoftheworld #wanderandwonder #waterfallsofinstagram #africatravel #desertoasis #birdseyeview
We loved having The Appalachian Irish Dance Company at our Irish Night at The Opossums Tale! They bring the Irish heritage in Appalachia to life! #irishdance #irishdancer #stepdance #irishstepdancing #hardshoe #heavyshoes #clogging #appalachiandance #appalachia #appalachians #storywander #storywandertravel #probablythebestpubinjonesborough #publife #pubdance #tourireland #irishtravel #irishlife #appalachiangrown #travelwithme #discoverireland #irishculture #irishroots #folkways #heritage #appalachianirishdancecompany #theopossumstale #stpatricksday #danceislife #irelandtravel
We had a wonderful time last night @theopossumstale talking about our upcoming tour of Ireland! And Roxanne McDaniel is magic on the dulcimer! #theopossumstale #probablythebestpubinjonesborough #storywander #storywandertravel #roxannemcdaniel #dulcimer #dulcimerplayer #pubmusic #irishmusic #appalachian #appalachianmusic #appalachianmountains #oldtimemusic #livemusic #publife #irishnight #tourireland #travelwithus #smallgrouptours #smallgrouptravel #discoverireland #eatlocal #onlyinjonesborough #jonesboroughtn #bluegrass #bluegrassmusic #greatnight #localpub #publichouse #irishlife
A year ago, this cow elephant was separated from her herd and was not happy to see us in the way! #storywandertravel #StoryWander #chobenationalpark #elephant #africanelephant #elephantlovers #visitafrica #visitbotswana #travelwithus #africanwildlife #wildlifeonearth #wildlifeofinstagram #safari #safarilife #safariafrica #elephantlove #elephant🐘 #naturetravel #nationalparks #wildanimals #animalencounter #africa #africanimals #adventuretravel #big5 #exploreafrica #gofurther #planetearth #wildlifesafari #wildlifeonearth #travelgram
TBT: StoryWander Travel visited Victoria Falls! This was on the Zambia side of the falls. It was amazing to witness the awe-inspiring power of nature at Victoria Falls, where the mighty Zambezi River plunges into the abyss, creating one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Soon, we will be off to see her rival, Iguazu Falls, in Brazil and Argentina! #victoriafalls #victoriafallszimbabwe #victoriafallszambia #chasingwaterfalls #MosiOaTunya #ZambeziRiver #NaturalWonder #TravelAfrica #ExploreZambia #ExploreZimbabwe #WaterfallViews #NatureLovers #BucketListTravel #AdventureAwaits #TravelGoals #WorldWonders #africatravel #TravelInspiration #TravelDestinations #exploretheworld #storywander #storywandertravel #TravelGram #Wanderlust #BeautifulDestinations #AdventureTravel #UNESCOWorldHeritage #TravelAddict #ExploreMore #naturelovers
🚗🌅 Driving Through the Charming Streets of Positano! 🌅🚗 Positano, a mostly pedestrian town, is best explored on foot, but for those with a permit, driving through its colorful streets is a unique experience. As you navigate the winding roads, you’ll encounter vibrant shops, picturesque buildings, and the lively buzz of pedestrians strolling through this enchanting coastal gem. Every twist and turn reveals breathtaking views and hidden treasures. 🇮🇹🌴 Who’s ready to take a scenic drive through Positano? 🚗✨ #positano #positanoitaly #almaficoast #italytravel #scenicdrive #positano🇮🇹 #positanocoast #italianriviera #windingroad #coastalvillage #italiancharm #travelgram #instatravel #mediterranean #mediterraneanlife #picturesque #positanoview #storywander #storywandertravel #italianlife #cuteshops #coastalcharm #pedestrians #beautifuldrive #scenicroute #travelitaly #travelwithme #exploremore #italylife #narrowstreets
Fun Fact Friday! Did you know? The Paris 2024 Olympics are officially starting today, marking the third time the City of Light has hosted the Summer Games! From the Eiffel Tower to the Seine, Paris is set to dazzle the world with its iconic venues and rich history. Let the games begin! 🎉🏅 #FunFactFriday #Paris2024 #olympicgames #cityoflights #eiffel #parisolympics #summerolympics #summergames #parislover #sportingevents #olympic #parishistory #olympichistory #historicalevents #sportsmanadventures #exploreparis #discoverparis #travelfrance #travelagent #summerinparis #summerinfrance #olympicchampion #olympicspirit #travelanddestinations #worldsport #storywander #storywandertravel #sportsfan #parisvibes #parisianlife
TBT: It was a relaxing and beautiful day on a small private island in Belize! 🌴🌊 #unbelizeable #youbetterbelizeit #belize #belizetravel #belizevacation #belizebarrierreef #travelbelize #belizelife #explorebelize #beachlife #beachswing #beachtime #vacayvibes #vacayready #summervibes #storywander #storywandertravel #smallgrouptours #travelwithfriends #saltlife #beachtrip #justhangingaround #swinging #relax☀️ #caribbeanlife #caribbeantravel #caribbeanvacation #sunnyisles #islandlife #islandliving
Lelo gets emotional as he tells us about his favorite song, Ci Vorrebbe Il Mare. Below are the lyrics in English: It would take the sea Caressing feet While walking to a point you do not see It would take the sea On this concrete It would take the sun with its gold and silver And for this love Son of unestate It would take salt. To heal wounds White smiles Between the pink lips Counting Stars As the sky rests It would take the sea To get to the bottom of it Now that you leave me Like a package for the world It would take the sea With its storms That it still clapped hard on your Windows It would take the sea About our life Leave your fingers out like a flower So that your love I could seize and save But to do it again I swear, it would take the sea It would take a sea Where to shipwreck Like those weird dolphin stories They go ashore to die nearby And you do not know why As I would like to do again My love, with you It would take the sea To get to the bottom of it Now that you leave me Like a package for the world It would take the sea With its storms That it still clapped hard on your windows It would take the sea where there is no love Sea In this world to be redone It would take the sea It would take the sea It would take the sea It would take the sea #songslyrics #italianmusic #favoritesong #songtranslation #musicitaly #italiansong #emotionalsong #dolphins #dietogether #rideordie #personalstory #listening #listen🎵 #culturalexchange #gettoknoweachother #lovesong #dolphinlove #itwouldtakethesea #seasong #personalconnection #songfromtheheart #italiana #mare #storywandertravel #storywander #wanderwithme #singit #universallanguage #culturaltourism #culturaltravel
Ci Vorrebbe Il Mare
Lelo gets emotional as he tells us about his favorite song, Ci Vorrebbe Il Mare. Below are the lyrics in English: It would take the sea Caressing feet While walking to a point you do not see It would take the sea On this concrete It would take the sun with its gold and silver And for this love Son of unestate It would take salt. To heal wounds White smiles Between the pink lips Counting Stars As the sky rests It would take the sea To get to the bottom of it Now that you leave me Like a package for the world It would take the sea With its storms That it still clapped hard on your Windows It would take the sea About our life Leave your fingers out like a flower So that your love I could seize and save But to do it again I swear, it would take the sea It would take a sea Where to shipwreck Like those weird dolphin stories They go ashore to die nearby And you do not know why As I would like to do again My love, with you It would take the sea To get to the bottom of it Now that you leave me Like a package for the world It would take the sea With its storms That it still clapped hard on your windows It would take the sea where there is no love Sea In this world to be redone It would take the sea It would take the sea It would take the sea It would take the sea #songslyrics #italianmusic #favoritesong #songtranslation #musicitaly #italiansong #emotionalsong #dolphins #dietogether #rideordie #personalstory #listening #listen🎵 #culturalexchange #gettoknoweachother #lovesong #dolphinlove #itwouldtakethesea #seasong #personalconnection #songfromtheheart #italiana #mare #storywandertravel #storywander #wanderwithme #singit #universallanguage #culturaltourism #culturaltravel
Cooking is a celebration everyday in Italy! Anna Maria, Gianluigi, and Luigi welcomed us into their kitchen with open arms and full glasses. We had such a wonderful time cooking and an even more wonderful time eating the fruits of our labor! 🇮🇹 🍝 #grazie #cookingclass #cookingclasses #immersivetravel #authenticexperience #authenticexperiences #culinarytravel #gastronomicjournal #gastronomicexperience #foodiegram #foodietravel #foodietravels #cookingram #cookingtime #letscook #letscooktogether #foodtravel #foodtraveler #italiancuisine #italiancooking #sorrento #almaficoast #travelitaly #visititaly #visititaly🇮🇹 #discoveritaly #foodways #foodadventure #foodadventures #storywandertravel
The Aran Islands are located just off Galway and Doolin. A true Irish experience awaits, locals speak Irish as well as English in a setting of Celtic churches of historical significance including World Heritage site Dun Aonghasa which is set on dramatic 300 ft cliff edge. The Aran Islands are a great choice for special experience. Your day will include unique cultural experiences, local food producers and pubs and restaurants that ooze character and personality. The emphasis will be on providing a local experience and frequenting areas not widely known to mass tourism. Genuine local people who will share their experience in a very personal and up front manor! Join us on our tour: Enchanted Ireland: Myths, Magick, and Hauntings of the Emerald Isle, Oct 20tg - Nov 1st! Visit our website for the full itinerary. #comewithus #tourireland #aranislands #irishtourism #realireland #authentictravel #authenticexperience #authenticexperiences #offthebeatenpath #travelwithme #visitireland #irishlanguage #emeraldisle #storywander #storywandertravel #smallgrouptours #smallgrouptravel #kissmeimirish #irishlife #bansheeofinisheerin #celticmythology #wheretonext #traveltime #irelandtravel #discoverireland #irelandcalling #ireland🇮🇪 #destination_wild #wildatlanticway #wayoflife
Destination Highlight: The Aran Islands!
The Aran Islands are located just off Galway and Doolin. A true Irish experience awaits, locals speak Irish as well as English in a setting of Celtic churches of historical significance including World Heritage site Dun Aonghasa which is set on dramatic 300 ft cliff edge. The Aran Islands are a great choice for special experience. Your day will include unique cultural experiences, local food producers and pubs and restaurants that ooze character and personality. The emphasis will be on providing a local experience and frequenting areas not widely known to mass tourism. Genuine local people who will share their experience in a very personal and up front manor! Join us on our tour: Enchanted Ireland: Myths, Magick, and Hauntings of the Emerald Isle, Oct 20tg - Nov 1st! Visit our website for the full itinerary. #comewithus #tourireland #aranislands #irishtourism #realireland #authentictravel #authenticexperience #authenticexperiences #offthebeatenpath #travelwithme #visitireland #irishlanguage #emeraldisle #storywander #storywandertravel #smallgrouptours #smallgrouptravel #kissmeimirish #irishlife #bansheeofinisheerin #celticmythology #wheretonext #traveltime #irelandtravel #discoverireland #irelandcalling #ireland🇮🇪 #destination_wild #wildatlanticway #wayoflife
🌍✨ Discover the majestic wonder of IGUAZU FALLS, where nature’s raw power and breathtaking beauty converge! Nestled on the border of Brazil and Argentina, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a true testament to the awe-inspiring forces of our planet. With over 275 individual waterfalls cascading in a magnificent display, Iguazu Falls is a spectacle that must be seen to be believed. 🌊🌿 Legend has it that the falls were created by a jealous god who split the river in anger, separating two lovers—Tarobá and Naipi—forever. As you stand before this natural wonder, you can almost feel the mythical energy and passion that gave birth to this stunning landscape. 💔✨ Embark on an adventure through the lush rainforest, feel the mist on your face, and let the thunderous roar of the falls fill your soul with wonder. Whether you’re exploring the Brazilian side’s panoramic views or the Argentine side’s up-close encounters, Iguazu Falls promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature. 🌈🌿 #destinationhighlight #iguazufallsmagic #iguazufalls #fozdoiguaçu #unescoworldheritage #unescoworldheritagesite #waterfalls #waterfallwonders #naturalbeauty #adventureawaits #travelinspiration #storywander #storywandertravel #mythandlegend #naturelovers #bucketlistadventures #bucketlisttravel #globaltravel #chasingwaterfalls #southamericatrip #travelgoals #discoverearth #seizethemoment #postcardperfect #waterfalllovers #naturalwonders #wondersoftheworld #smallgrouptours #waterfall #gotravel
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