Completing the four-day hike to Machu Picchu was like everything, and like nothing, that I thought it would be. I read about the journey, attended the orientation, and talked to a number of people before setting off for the trek. During that process I received a lot of conflicting information. None of this detracted from … Read more
We recently spent a month in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Before we got there, we had heard all of the things that most of you have probably heard: it can be unsafe, dirty and full of partiers. And to be honest we did find some of those things. But after spending some time there we have … Read more
Feijoada is arguably Brazil’s national dish, a lofty position for what is basically bean and pork stew. What’s important about having a good feijoada is less about the dish itself and more about everything that surrounds it. When you eat feijoada you are headed to a party. It’s a social occasion with lots of food … Read more
Before traveling to Peru we heard that it was a widely recognized foodie destination. We had traveled around South America and found that in many places the food can be described as uninspired – even a little bland. So we hoped that we would be in for a treat during our month-long stay. As it … Read more
Have you ever eaten in a Brazilian steakhouse (referred to as a Churrascaria in Brazil)? I’ve been to several and there are a few typical features. I thought I understood what they were all about, until I actually went to one in Brazil. But why should that have been a surprise? The Churrascaria Palace in … Read more
High above the beaches of Rio De Janeiro sits Santa Teresa, a formerly upper class neighborhood that fell into disrepair after its height in the mid 20th century and is now embraced by artists (and tourists). This district is markedly different from the well-known areas beachside areas of Copacabana and Ipanema. It has a bohemian vibe, with colorful street … Read more
Riding a bike through Rio de Janeiro may be one of the best ways to take in the sights of this beautiful city. When you think about Rio, the image that likely first pops up in your mind is of the Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) which juts up seemingly out of nowhere. In order … Read more
Favelas, the famously gritty neighborhoods that ascend Rio de Janeiro’s steep hillsides are nothing new – they’ve been here for over a hundred years. But they’ve are getting lots of attention these days. Some of these congested shanty towns (which often boast the best views of Rio) are getting new paint jobs and are being “gentrified” with hostels and hotels … Read more
One of my favorite things about traveling through South America is that you can be in the middle a bustling metropolis one minute, and about 30 minutes later finding yourself in a forest setting with few others in sight. You get all of the comforts of a great city – ease of getting around, great … Read more
I read the email twice. It said “You will have a great time with Chef Simone, she is crazy fun.” That’s a lot to live up to (or down to, depending on how you define crazy). Our Chef, we learned, specializes in cooking with alcohol, flambé style. Whether she also cooks with alcohol IN her is … Read more