Brazil

Growing up I was hooked on National Geographic Magazines and travel books. The world was so big and I have only seen such a small part of it. I've got so many places I've been longing to see in person. To know them intimately rather than just wishing I could be there. 

I've worked consistently since I was 17, much of that time I was going to school and working, or working two jobs. At the age of 31 I finally had a job that was not only challenging, but it also gave me the opportunity to sustain myself. When I was given vacation time I knew there was only one thing to do. I was going to travel. 

I went to my boyfriend's hometown of Recife, Brazil. 

The first breathtaking view of South America. 

My first taste of Brazilian food: an adorable little mocha and a coxinha. Coxinhas are popular Brazilian snacks filled with meat and cheese shaped into a breaded cone. 

William overlooking Recife from the top of our hotel. 

The rooftop pool with a view of the beach. 

The city of Recife gets its name from the rocky remnants of a reef that runs parallel to the beach a few feet past were the ocean meets the shore. At low tide you can easily walk along the reef. 

Recife at dusk. 

Modern voodoo. 

One day William took me to see Old Downtown Recife and its stunning European architecture. 

Marco Zero - this spot in the downtown area marks the place where the Portuguese founded Recife in 1537. It overlooks the Parque das Esculturas, a monumental sculpture park created by Brazilian artist Francisco Brennand. 

William and I decided to take a boat ride over to the sculpture park to see it up close. When we arrived on the other side I spotted this adorable little cat sleeping by the boat ramp. 

The sunset over Old Downtown Recife. 

Rocks tagged with graffiti. 

The sculpture park sits on a narrow strip of land between the ocean and the harbor. I loved the contrast between the rough ocean waves and the still waters of the old harbor. 

The lovely evening sky on our boat ride back to the old downtown area. 

The night life of the downtown area. 

A dance party of mixed ages in full swing. 

Graffiti hidden on the sides of the old european architecture. 

View of the city skyline from a grocery store window. 

Vibrant flowers blooming in Jaqueira Park. 

Sunset over the Capibaribe River. 

Boa Viagem church during the evening open market. 

Sunrise at Boa Viagem Beach.