Day 12 - People Watching & 4th of July Back Home

 Today was a recovery day where we were free to go off on our own or just regroup.  I slept in and then went down to have breakfast.  I had tapioca com manteiga, of course, juice, and chocolate cake. Yummy!!  Then I decided I wanted to spend some time swimming and laying out by the pool.  Everyone else had gone around the city in different groups so I had the place to myself.  It was very nice.  I could just sit in my thoughts and soak in this experience.

I sat over at the park across from the hotel for a bit just to observe and ponder.  A hawk just flew down right next to me. It didn't even notice I was sitting there.

These streets are so peaceful. 

I took this picture to show how they are trying to beautify their little city.  I found art all over.  

I love that there are random cute animals all over the island.  They seem super chill, too.

This was my lunch.  Yep, that's chicken.... again!  They cook it so well here.  It's super tasty!

Back on the home front in Utah, my little grand daughter won the most Patriotic Baby contest!

I miss these two little cuties but I am thankful I have this opportunity in Brazil so I can share stories with them over the years of everything that I learned.  

Back to Brazil...

I next found myself wandering the streets of Marajó alone, trying to get a better feel of what life might be like for those who lived here.  To my surprise, I was passed by a large group of people marching in the streets wearing the same shirts and playing loud music.  There was laughter, merriment, and a feeling of community.  The next group of pictures represent how all encompassing this can be.  I followed this group for over a mile.  They stopped suddenly in front of a home where they all started cheering and celebrating.  I loved how this made me feel.  It was as if I was witnessing something very special, even though I had no idea, at that time, what it all meant.  In this little town, it may seem like these people don't have very much in the material aspects that we may be used to but from what I could sense, that doesn't matter at all.  They have made this community a family.  

And another picture of a boat in the middle of the trees. I feel like this could be framed and hung up in a gallery somewhere.

Later, a group of us went on a little shopping trip around town.

Have I mentioned how much I love Guaraná?  I've had this almost every day!!  It is so delicious and refreshing!

Don't forget to "Pare"!

These are not my favorite treat in Brazil but they are a nice little chocolate candy if you are in the mood.  I know that my Portuguese teacher, Sônia, from UVU loves these.  She brought some for us one day. 

And.... since it's a state holiday, my son got permission to give me a quick phone call.  I just love this boy and am so happy I get to experience a little bit of the country he has grown to love.