See some of the many parts of Rio, Brazil from a tourist's perspective.
We hope you have enjoyed this month's journey to Brazil. If you found this blog helpful in any way, please let us know by leaving a comment. If you have any travel stories or helpful suggestions please send them along.
Have a wonderful time in Brazil and Boa viagem!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Reading Material
I dunno.....
during my coaching hiatus, these were books I have read in the year "off"...
Mr.Clemens & Mark Twain - Justin Kaplan
The Slave Narrative - Marion Starling
Jefferson's Demons: portrait of a restless mind - Michael Beran
Are We Rome? - Cullen Murphy
Black rednecks and white liberals - Thomas Sowell.
How doctors think - Jerome Groopman.
Predictably irrational : the hidden forces that shape our decisions - Dan Ariely.
Great American Hypocrites - Glenn Greenwald
God is Not Great(How Religion Poisons Everything) - Christopher Hitchens
Negotiation Boot Camp - Ed Brodow
The God Delusion - Richard Dawkins
The Great Deluge: Hurricane Katrina - Douglas Brinkley
Rising Tide (Mississippi Flood of 1927 and how it Changed America) - John Barry
The Ape in the Corner Office - Richard Conniff
Ascent of Money - Niall Ferguson
The kingfish and his realm: the life and times of Huey P. Long - William Ivy Hair
Essential Chomsky - Noam Chomsky
Freakonomics - Steven Levitt,
1776 - David McCullough
American Theocracy - Kevin Phillips
No Asshole Rule - Bob Sutton
American Creation: Triumphs and Tragedies at the Founding of the Republic - Joseph Ellis
Future of the Race - Henry Louis Gates &*Cornell West
Collapse (how societies choose to fail or succeed) - Jared Diamond
The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass - Frederick Douglass
The Sorrows of Empire - Chalmers Johnson
The Cajuns : from Acadia to Louisiana - William Faulkner Rushton
Are You There Vodka? - Chelsea Handler
Pure Drivel - Steve Martin
The Pity of War - Niall Ferguson
The new American militarism : how Americans are seduced by war - Andrew J. Bacevich.
Manufacturing Consent - Noam Chomsky
Fiasco (the American military adventure in Iraq) - Thomas E Ricks
State of Denial - Bob Woodward
The Limits of Power: The End of American Exceptionalism - Andrew Bacevich
Quiet Strength - Tony Dungy
Meat Market - Bruce Feldman
Plan of Attack - Bob Woodward
Hubris - Michael Isikoff & David Corn
Great War for Civilisation - Robert Fisk
How Good Do You Want To Be? - Nick Saban
during my coaching hiatus, these were books I have read in the year "off"...
Mr.Clemens & Mark Twain - Justin Kaplan
The Slave Narrative - Marion Starling
Jefferson's Demons: portrait of a restless mind - Michael Beran
Are We Rome? - Cullen Murphy
Black rednecks and white liberals - Thomas Sowell.
How doctors think - Jerome Groopman.
Predictably irrational : the hidden forces that shape our decisions - Dan Ariely.
Great American Hypocrites - Glenn Greenwald
God is Not Great(How Religion Poisons Everything) - Christopher Hitchens
Negotiation Boot Camp - Ed Brodow
The God Delusion - Richard Dawkins
The Great Deluge: Hurricane Katrina - Douglas Brinkley
Rising Tide (Mississippi Flood of 1927 and how it Changed America) - John Barry
The Ape in the Corner Office - Richard Conniff
Ascent of Money - Niall Ferguson
The kingfish and his realm: the life and times of Huey P. Long - William Ivy Hair
Essential Chomsky - Noam Chomsky
Freakonomics - Steven Levitt,
1776 - David McCullough
American Theocracy - Kevin Phillips
No Asshole Rule - Bob Sutton
American Creation: Triumphs and Tragedies at the Founding of the Republic - Joseph Ellis
Future of the Race - Henry Louis Gates &*Cornell West
Collapse (how societies choose to fail or succeed) - Jared Diamond
The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass - Frederick Douglass
The Sorrows of Empire - Chalmers Johnson
The Cajuns : from Acadia to Louisiana - William Faulkner Rushton
Are You There Vodka? - Chelsea Handler
Pure Drivel - Steve Martin
The Pity of War - Niall Ferguson
The new American militarism : how Americans are seduced by war - Andrew J. Bacevich.
Manufacturing Consent - Noam Chomsky
Fiasco (the American military adventure in Iraq) - Thomas E Ricks
State of Denial - Bob Woodward
The Limits of Power: The End of American Exceptionalism - Andrew Bacevich
Quiet Strength - Tony Dungy
Meat Market - Bruce Feldman
Plan of Attack - Bob Woodward
Hubris - Michael Isikoff & David Corn
Great War for Civilisation - Robert Fisk
How Good Do You Want To Be? - Nick Saban
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Love this feeling .....
This picture makes me tear up just a little bit. This is me and my best friend Ashley at a Jazz game a few years ago. Ash got married just a few weeks after me and she just went through a divorce also. She has been the biggest inspiration to me. She was one of the first people I called when I didn't think I could take much more. She is one of the toughest girls I've ever met and I am so blessed to know her! I look forward to many many more girls nights with her. I couldn't ask for a better 'single again' friend. She is definitely one of my favorites! :)
I was going through a bunch of old pictures and I came across this one ... This is me and one of my best friends Kara! This was taken years ago but I remember it like it was yesterday. I was trying to find a picture so I could do a post and I knew as soon as I saw this one I had something to post about! I remember everything about this night. We were laughing about crazy hair and I asked her if I could rat hers like a country singer and she said yes, however as you can tell she didn't let me do it very big. Even this was too much for her ha ha ha!I found out this last week that my divorce is final, so crazy that it's finally over and done. I can't believe how fast it went. The feelings are a little bit overwhelming and hard to explain but I'll do my best.... You know that feeling when you wake up in the morning and you catch a glimpse of the lovely hair do the hair fairy helped you create last night and you can't help but smile and giggle just a little? That feeling is constant right now ... I find myself smiling all the time and I'm actually enjoying things that I normally don't. The complicated parts of my job like dealing with the insurance companies and the mean customers who think it's your fault that they don't have any refills left don't seem so bad anymore. I'm a lot more excited for the little things like singing at the top on my lungs in traffic just to watch people's reaction .. I love that!
I'm nervous, excited, anxious, and scared to see what is next! The thought of dating again gives me butterflies! I look forward to being able to use and share all the many lessons I've learned in the last couple of years and I hope and pray that I can find someone who will be open to all of them, I know there is someone special out there who will love me no matter what!
My sister Abby brought me dinner on Wednesday night at work to celebrate and we were able to have a good talk. We've been through a lot of similar situations and it's so nice to be able to go to her for advice. She really is the best!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
BRAZIL: Music
Explore Brazil's rich culture and history through its music.
This video from the BBC is 59 minutes long, but worth every second!
This video from the BBC is 59 minutes long, but worth every second!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
A much needed vacation is on it's way ...
About 2 years ago a few members of my adorable family were able to take the trip to the amazing state of Hawaii! The minute they got back my Mom swore she was going to take us all again, it was too gorgeous for us to miss. Ever since then we've been trying to get us all back there. The plan was to go for Christmas of 2008 and when that didn't work out I was sure it was going to be put on hold for a while. My sister Kady called in February and said she had found us a room in Kawai and of course we didn't hesitate! BOOK IT!!!! So we leave for my dream vacation the last week in April and I can not wait! I look at the millions of pictures Kady sent me from their last trip often and I'm so excited for them to show me around.
I'm mostly excited to see those cute grand kids but why not meet up in Hawaii? However it's finals week for two of my siblings so the whole family won't be able to make it but we will be thinking of them while we sit on the beach. :)
These are just a few of my favorite pictures from their trip ... I can't believe how much the kids have grown up since these were taken. So crazy!
I'm mostly excited to see those cute grand kids but why not meet up in Hawaii? However it's finals week for two of my siblings so the whole family won't be able to make it but we will be thinking of them while we sit on the beach. :)
These are just a few of my favorite pictures from their trip ... I can't believe how much the kids have grown up since these were taken. So crazy!
Monday, March 23, 2009
BRAZIL: What to Expect
Here are some frequently asked questions about travel to Brazil:
Q- Will I be able to use my American cell phone in Brazil?
A- There is no easy answer to this question. Some carriers do provide service in the major cities of Brazil and some do not. Most phone companies have roaming fees that get pretty steep after a few calls home. Another option is to bring with you an old GSM (Global System for Mobile communications: originally from Groupe Spécial Mobile) cell phone. Make sure it is unlocked and you can purchase a new sim card in Brazil to go in it. Electronics are taxed high and are very expensive in Brazil, so bringing your own (preferrably an old one that does not cause PTSD if lost) will save you money and time. If you have friends or family that you are visiting in Brazil, you should probably get a phone on the same network. Most phone companies have lower rates for calls and messaging within the same network. OR you could simply ask the taxi driver or another local Brazilian what cell company they use. More info.
Q- I am going to Brazil for the first time and I dont speak Portuguese (and very little Spanish). How do I communicate?
Q- I know that my looks and accent give away the fact that I am a tourist and can make me a target for theft in Brazil. How do I blend in as much as possible so I can avoid any unwanted attention?
A- Don't wear conspicuous clothing. If everyone is wearing dark, formal clothing and you show up in a Hawaiian print shirt and socks with sandals, you will instantly stand out, especially to a street thief. Make yourself and your valuables as inaccessible as possible. Be aware of your surroundings, carry your money and valuables in a front pocket of your pants or a flat pouch worn under your clothing. Don't weigh yourself down with too many purchases and bags, especially if you are traveling on public transportation or walking through crowded streets.
Q- Will I be able to use my American cell phone in Brazil?
A- There is no easy answer to this question. Some carriers do provide service in the major cities of Brazil and some do not. Most phone companies have roaming fees that get pretty steep after a few calls home. Another option is to bring with you an old GSM (Global System for Mobile communications: originally from Groupe Spécial Mobile) cell phone. Make sure it is unlocked and you can purchase a new sim card in Brazil to go in it. Electronics are taxed high and are very expensive in Brazil, so bringing your own (preferrably an old one that does not cause PTSD if lost) will save you money and time. If you have friends or family that you are visiting in Brazil, you should probably get a phone on the same network. Most phone companies have lower rates for calls and messaging within the same network. OR you could simply ask the taxi driver or another local Brazilian what cell company they use. More info.
Q- I am going to Brazil for the first time and I dont speak Portuguese (and very little Spanish). How do I communicate?
Q- I know that my looks and accent give away the fact that I am a tourist and can make me a target for theft in Brazil. How do I blend in as much as possible so I can avoid any unwanted attention?
A- Don't wear conspicuous clothing. If everyone is wearing dark, formal clothing and you show up in a Hawaiian print shirt and socks with sandals, you will instantly stand out, especially to a street thief. Make yourself and your valuables as inaccessible as possible. Be aware of your surroundings, carry your money and valuables in a front pocket of your pants or a flat pouch worn under your clothing. Don't weigh yourself down with too many purchases and bags, especially if you are traveling on public transportation or walking through crowded streets.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Another Chapter
Getting ready for another season with another team, and an even more refeshing outlook on coaching.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Brazil: Food!
One of the best reasons to visit Brazil is the FOOD!
The Brazilian cuisine is versatile. The Brazilian culture results from a mixture of European, Amerindian, African and Asian cultures and this is reflected in its food.
Brazil can be subdivided in 5 regions with their own distinct culinary traditions:
Feijoada is often called the national dish of Brazil. It is a delicious stew made of beans and various types of meat. It is eaten with white rice and side dishes like farofa and couve mineira. As feijoada contains a lot of fat, it is often eaten with slices of pineapple or orange. In many restaurants, feijoada is served daily at lunch time. Traditionally, every part of the pig was used for feijoada, including the tail and the trotter.
Flan, or crème caramel, is one of the most common dessert dishes in the Latin world. Coming originally from the border area of France and Spain, this simple yet elegant dessert has spread in popularity as far as the Philippines and Japan.
As always you must keep in mind that food safety standards and regulations are different for each country. You definitely want to make sure you know where your food and drink are coming from and that they were prepared safely. To do so in Brazil be sure to only eat at inspected and certified restaurants. If you decided to take your chances at any street vendors or non-regulated restaurants, beware! It may be cheap and taste delicious, but you may also PAY a much higher price with your health later.
Now would be the best time to remind you of some products you can take with you to ease your pain in the event "tummy trouble" does hit. Hopefully you wont need them at all.
Thank you to goodiesfirst.typepad.com, foodnetwork.com and donabrasil.com for the great info in this post.
The Brazilian cuisine is versatile. The Brazilian culture results from a mixture of European, Amerindian, African and Asian cultures and this is reflected in its food.
Brazil can be subdivided in 5 regions with their own distinct culinary traditions:
| 1-The Central West was opened up relatively recently and the cuisines of hunters, fishers and ranchers are gradually being replaced by the cuisines of other Brazilian regions. 2-The cuisine of the Northeast is heavily influenced by the African and Portuguese cuisines. |
| 3-The North is covered by the Amazon rainforest. Its biodiversity results in a unique availability of ingredients and the Amazon river provides abundant stocks of fish. |
| 4-In the Southeast lives the major share of the Brazilian population. When people talk about the Brazilian cuisine, they often mean the cuisine of this region. |
| 5-The cuisine of the South is heavily influenced by the cuisines of European immigrants and the abundance of high quality meat produced on the pampa's. |
Roast Suckling Pig
The southeast features delicious roast suckling pig and cracklings of fried pork skin.
Feijoada is often called the national dish of Brazil. It is a delicious stew made of beans and various types of meat. It is eaten with white rice and side dishes like farofa and couve mineira. As feijoada contains a lot of fat, it is often eaten with slices of pineapple or orange. In many restaurants, feijoada is served daily at lunch time. Traditionally, every part of the pig was used for feijoada, including the tail and the trotter.Flan, or crème caramel, is one of the most common dessert dishes in the Latin world. Coming originally from the border area of France and Spain, this simple yet elegant dessert has spread in popularity as far as the Philippines and Japan.As always you must keep in mind that food safety standards and regulations are different for each country. You definitely want to make sure you know where your food and drink are coming from and that they were prepared safely. To do so in Brazil be sure to only eat at inspected and certified restaurants. If you decided to take your chances at any street vendors or non-regulated restaurants, beware! It may be cheap and taste delicious, but you may also PAY a much higher price with your health later.
Now would be the best time to remind you of some products you can take with you to ease your pain in the event "tummy trouble" does hit. Hopefully you wont need them at all.
Thank you to goodiesfirst.typepad.com, foodnetwork.com and donabrasil.com for the great info in this post.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
One step at a time ...
Be warned ... This blog is becoming my journal and this next post is just that ... a page from my journal!
This picture is one of my favorites! Bentley has been such a good dog since we moved to my Mom's house and it has made the transition a whole lot easier. He is my whole world and he never fails to put a smile on my face
I found out this afternoon that the 90-day waiver on the divorce had been granted and I nearly collapsed ... I was so sure the judge was going to deny it and I'd be married until mid-June. I had convinced myself the worst had already happened and didn't even let myself hope for the best. The thought of having another set back lost me a lot of sleep last night. Not the best medicine for a 13.5 hour day but somehow I managed! To be honest I couldn't concentrate at work until I heard the good news and then I couldn't see the computer screen, I couldn't help but shed a few tears of joy. So, we're one step closer to the end of this chapter and the beginning of the next. Hopefully just a few more days ....
I'm incredibly sad that things had to come to this and I'm trying really hard not to have any regrets. I've found myself again in the last few months and it makes my heart ache to know that I was someone else for a few months, someone who wasn't happy, didn't care and most importantly didn't treat their amazing family with the love and respect that they deserve.
The day I moved out the only person I could tell was my Mom. I knew there was no way I could get the words out twice and I was so scared of what everyone would think. After a LONG day at ShopKo I received a phone call from my sister Abby, I answered but don't remember saying much. She told me that Mom had told her everything and then she paused. I could hear her start to cry and I was scared to hear what she had to say next. Finally she said "I'm so glad to have you back." I replay that small conversation over and over in my head everyday. I honestly and truly don't know where I would be without the love and support from my family. Everyday I thank Heavenly Father for my trials and hope that someday I can learn and grow from each and every one of them.
As I was sitting in Sunday school with my Mom this last Sunday she mentioned that she had left her scriptures in the car and asked if I would share. We opened them up and on the very first page I saw Josh's handwriting and I knew immediately that it was the testimony he had shared with me when he gave me those scriptures for my birthday just a few years ago. Although I couldn't bring myself to read it I felt the spirit so strong and I was given a big answer to so so many prayers. Like many other days I started to cry and I couldn't control it. It didn't last long but I immediately regretted the idea of sitting in the front row ha ha ha ha ha! Eh I'm pretty sure nobody noticed so we're good .... We came home from church and I was finally able to tell my Mom what I was feeling and the thoughts that I was having. It felt so good tell her everything that was on my mind and to have her understand every bit of it.. The Lord has a plan for me, something greater than I could even begin to imagine, and all I have to do is trust in him.
I've had the chance to surround myself with some very special people this last little while and it's really uplifting to know that even at 1 am I'm welcome and they are willing to listen to it me and support me through it all. My life has taken some crazy turns since Christmas and I would have never guessed what the Lord had in store for me. I have an amazing friend who I'm constantly placing bets with and I'm positive I wouldn't have put my Lucky dollar on this one. :)
It amazes be every minute of everyday how much the Lord knows me. He knows my strengths, my weaknesses, my joys, my sorrows, every laugh and every smile! I'm so excited to see what he has is store for me next!
This picture is one of my favorites! Bentley has been such a good dog since we moved to my Mom's house and it has made the transition a whole lot easier. He is my whole world and he never fails to put a smile on my face
I found out this afternoon that the 90-day waiver on the divorce had been granted and I nearly collapsed ... I was so sure the judge was going to deny it and I'd be married until mid-June. I had convinced myself the worst had already happened and didn't even let myself hope for the best. The thought of having another set back lost me a lot of sleep last night. Not the best medicine for a 13.5 hour day but somehow I managed! To be honest I couldn't concentrate at work until I heard the good news and then I couldn't see the computer screen, I couldn't help but shed a few tears of joy. So, we're one step closer to the end of this chapter and the beginning of the next. Hopefully just a few more days ....
I'm incredibly sad that things had to come to this and I'm trying really hard not to have any regrets. I've found myself again in the last few months and it makes my heart ache to know that I was someone else for a few months, someone who wasn't happy, didn't care and most importantly didn't treat their amazing family with the love and respect that they deserve.
The day I moved out the only person I could tell was my Mom. I knew there was no way I could get the words out twice and I was so scared of what everyone would think. After a LONG day at ShopKo I received a phone call from my sister Abby, I answered but don't remember saying much. She told me that Mom had told her everything and then she paused. I could hear her start to cry and I was scared to hear what she had to say next. Finally she said "I'm so glad to have you back." I replay that small conversation over and over in my head everyday. I honestly and truly don't know where I would be without the love and support from my family. Everyday I thank Heavenly Father for my trials and hope that someday I can learn and grow from each and every one of them.
As I was sitting in Sunday school with my Mom this last Sunday she mentioned that she had left her scriptures in the car and asked if I would share. We opened them up and on the very first page I saw Josh's handwriting and I knew immediately that it was the testimony he had shared with me when he gave me those scriptures for my birthday just a few years ago. Although I couldn't bring myself to read it I felt the spirit so strong and I was given a big answer to so so many prayers. Like many other days I started to cry and I couldn't control it. It didn't last long but I immediately regretted the idea of sitting in the front row ha ha ha ha ha! Eh I'm pretty sure nobody noticed so we're good .... We came home from church and I was finally able to tell my Mom what I was feeling and the thoughts that I was having. It felt so good tell her everything that was on my mind and to have her understand every bit of it.. The Lord has a plan for me, something greater than I could even begin to imagine, and all I have to do is trust in him.
I've had the chance to surround myself with some very special people this last little while and it's really uplifting to know that even at 1 am I'm welcome and they are willing to listen to it me and support me through it all. My life has taken some crazy turns since Christmas and I would have never guessed what the Lord had in store for me. I have an amazing friend who I'm constantly placing bets with and I'm positive I wouldn't have put my Lucky dollar on this one. :)
It amazes be every minute of everyday how much the Lord knows me. He knows my strengths, my weaknesses, my joys, my sorrows, every laugh and every smile! I'm so excited to see what he has is store for me next!
Brazil :What do I pack?
Pack everything you think you need and then remove half. After you have carefully removed that half, take out some more!
TRAVEL LIGHT, buy the necessities when you arrive. With the airline restrictions getting more and more strict it will cost you more than its worth in the long run anyway. Keep a change of clothes (or at least clean underwear) in your carry on baggage just in case you arrive in Brazil BEFORE your checked baggage. Be aware that most luggage holds on planes are not pressurized so things like aerosols and camera lenses may be subject to ruin if left to the fate of the cargo hold (not to mention the tough journey through baggage handlers and conveyor belts before it even makes it to the plane!)
The airport in Rio De Janeiro is fully equipped with shops to purchase the necessities, exchange money, disabled accessible, and plenty of information desks to direct you where to go. There are several choices of transportation to and from the airport to many of the hotels and tourist attractions along the beach road. All major airports in Brazil most likely offer these same services.
Remember all those copies you made when you were planning your trip? (copies of all legal documents, hotel reservations, tour bookings etc.) They should each get a special place in every one of your bags, all your travel companions' bags and, depending upon how irreplaceable, on your person as well. If you find yourself separated from your baggage (or your travel companions) and in need of explaining who you are and why you are here to a Brazilian official, you definitely want your documents with you to back you up. Especially if you don't speak Portuguese! IF you and your companion are separated and you both have a copy of the hotel reservation, it will be much easier to reconnect without losing time and money traveling back and forth trying to locate one another.
TRAVEL LIGHT, buy the necessities when you arrive. With the airline restrictions getting more and more strict it will cost you more than its worth in the long run anyway. Keep a change of clothes (or at least clean underwear) in your carry on baggage just in case you arrive in Brazil BEFORE your checked baggage. Be aware that most luggage holds on planes are not pressurized so things like aerosols and camera lenses may be subject to ruin if left to the fate of the cargo hold (not to mention the tough journey through baggage handlers and conveyor belts before it even makes it to the plane!)
The airport in Rio De Janeiro is fully equipped with shops to purchase the necessities, exchange money, disabled accessible, and plenty of information desks to direct you where to go. There are several choices of transportation to and from the airport to many of the hotels and tourist attractions along the beach road. All major airports in Brazil most likely offer these same services.
Remember all those copies you made when you were planning your trip? (copies of all legal documents, hotel reservations, tour bookings etc.) They should each get a special place in every one of your bags, all your travel companions' bags and, depending upon how irreplaceable, on your person as well. If you find yourself separated from your baggage (or your travel companions) and in need of explaining who you are and why you are here to a Brazilian official, you definitely want your documents with you to back you up. Especially if you don't speak Portuguese! IF you and your companion are separated and you both have a copy of the hotel reservation, it will be much easier to reconnect without losing time and money traveling back and forth trying to locate one another.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Lovin It ...
How cute is this little guy ..
I know I look pretty retarded here but I love his face ...
Taft and Lesha came up for dinner again yesterday and of course it was so good to see them. They spiked Lincoln's hair and I couldn't help but take a million pictures of this cute baby. I have more pictures of Linc on my camera then anything else and we don't get to see him that often, pretty funny! I can't wait to get all the grand kids together hopefully next month. They are all growing up so fast and I feel like I'm missing so much. Maybe someday they will all live a little closer and I can see them whenever I want! (HINT HINT ...) We miss you Peterson Family .. Maybe we should meet up in Hawaii next month??
Brazil: Stay Healthy on vacation!
With all the stress and worry of booking flights, finding hotels, coordinating schedules, getting the proper legal documents in hand and on time, arranging time off work or school, finishing that big project, closing that final deal, finding a house sitter, dog sitter, learning important Portuguese phrases etc. it is easy to understand how busy you will be from the moment you start planning your travel to Brazil.
How would your boss feel if you couldn't close the new overseas business because you were too sick to attend the board meeting? What good would all the planning for your vacation of a lifetime be if you spent 90% of it in the hotel bathroom, missing all the sights? Don't let your best friends' pictures and stories be the only way you have to experience Brazil.
Planning to stay healthy while you travel is the MOST important part of planning for your trip.
The best ways to ensure a safe and healthy trip are to be educated about the health risks in Brazil and get vaccinated.
For travel to Brazil, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends the following vaccinations:
Now that you know about all the diseases and viruses that have preventive vaccines, you are free to take other preventive measures for the rest of the "icky" things that can effect your trip.
Thank you to the CDC and our Travel Medicine Specialists for their contribution to this post.
How would your boss feel if you couldn't close the new overseas business because you were too sick to attend the board meeting? What good would all the planning for your vacation of a lifetime be if you spent 90% of it in the hotel bathroom, missing all the sights? Don't let your best friends' pictures and stories be the only way you have to experience Brazil.
Planning to stay healthy while you travel is the MOST important part of planning for your trip.
The best ways to ensure a safe and healthy trip are to be educated about the health risks in Brazil and get vaccinated.
For travel to Brazil, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends the following vaccinations:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis
- Rabies
- Influenza
- Pneumococcal
- Measles/Mumps/Rubella
- Varicella (Chicken Pox)
- Typhoid
- Polio
- Yellow Fever
Now that you know about all the diseases and viruses that have preventive vaccines, you are free to take other preventive measures for the rest of the "icky" things that can effect your trip.
- Insect-Borne Diseases(Dengue Fever, Malaria): use appropriate repellents containing DEET, and prescribed Malaria medication.
- Travelers' Diarrhea: use antibiotics and re hydration powders (diarrhea kit available at Passport Health)
- Intestinal Infections: Swim only in properly chlorinated or salt water, wear shoes at all times (even on the beach), follow food and water precautions given by an expert.
- Jet-Lag, Motion sickness, Altitude sickness: several different medications available
- Deep Vein Thrombosis: Remain properly hydrated during flight, get up frequently to stretch your legs to maintain circulation, consider wearing pressure gradient Travel Socks
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: Obtain appropriate Travel and Evacuation Insurance
Thank you to the CDC and our Travel Medicine Specialists for their contribution to this post.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Brazil: Visa, Passport, Copies, Copies, Copies
Ready to go to Brazil... right now?
Too bad. You can't just tell your boss you will be gone for the next 3 weeks, book your flight and go. (So much for spontaneity!)
So, if you have decided that you would like to take a trip to Brazil in a few months, or even a year from now you should start NOW to make sure all your legal documents are ready to go.
A passport and visa are required for U.S. citizens traveling to Brazil for any purpose.
You can apply for a passport at most local post offices. Be sure to bring a picture with you (or they may provide that service for you for an extra $15) and around $100 is a good estimate for the total cost for 1 adult. Download the passport application forms ahead of time to speed up your visit. It can take a few weeks up to a few months to get your passport approved and sent to you. If you need it right away you can pay an extra fee of $60 and have it expedited.
Brazilian visas must be obtained in advance from the Brazilian Embassy or consulate nearest to the traveler's place of residence. Immigration authorities will refuse entry to Brazil to anyone not possessing a valid visa. Obtaining a visa in person can take anywhere from 5 minutes to 5 business days and up to a few months if requested by mail.
All Brazilian visas, regardless of the length of validity, must initially be used within 90 days of the issuance date or will no longer be valid.
Timing the issuance of your visa correctly to be sure you are covered for the entirety of your trip is hopefully the biggest headache you will have to face when planning your trip. If you will be gone for longer than 90 days then you will need to renew your visa while in Brazil at a consulate or embassy there. It would be best to research all the locations you can get that accomplished BEFORE you leave. Start with asking the embassy or consulate in your home country.
The requirements for a visa for Brazil are as follows:
The most important thing to remember is to MAKE COPIES!! Copy all your legal documents, trip itineraries, hotel reservations etc. Leave one set at home, have another set in each suitcase you pack and carry a set with you. You must show your original passport, but copies of other legal documents may be good enough to prove what's necessary to Brazilian officials, so you can leave the originals in a very safe place. Double check with the Embassy about the documents to which this may apply.
Travelers are reminded that they are subject to local law. Showing contempt to a Brazilian government official at the port of entry, or elsewhere, is a serious offense. (And, let's face it, aggravating government officials never got anyone good favor, so just don't do it... no matter where you are. )
Thank you to Express Travel Services, the Department of State, and the USPS for their contribution to this post.
Too bad. You can't just tell your boss you will be gone for the next 3 weeks, book your flight and go. (So much for spontaneity!)
So, if you have decided that you would like to take a trip to Brazil in a few months, or even a year from now you should start NOW to make sure all your legal documents are ready to go.
A passport and visa are required for U.S. citizens traveling to Brazil for any purpose.
You can apply for a passport at most local post offices. Be sure to bring a picture with you (or they may provide that service for you for an extra $15) and around $100 is a good estimate for the total cost for 1 adult. Download the passport application forms ahead of time to speed up your visit. It can take a few weeks up to a few months to get your passport approved and sent to you. If you need it right away you can pay an extra fee of $60 and have it expedited.
Brazilian visas must be obtained in advance from the Brazilian Embassy or consulate nearest to the traveler's place of residence. Immigration authorities will refuse entry to Brazil to anyone not possessing a valid visa. Obtaining a visa in person can take anywhere from 5 minutes to 5 business days and up to a few months if requested by mail.
All Brazilian visas, regardless of the length of validity, must initially be used within 90 days of the issuance date or will no longer be valid.
Timing the issuance of your visa correctly to be sure you are covered for the entirety of your trip is hopefully the biggest headache you will have to face when planning your trip. If you will be gone for longer than 90 days then you will need to renew your visa while in Brazil at a consulate or embassy there. It would be best to research all the locations you can get that accomplished BEFORE you leave. Start with asking the embassy or consulate in your home country.
The requirements for a visa for Brazil are as follows:
- Application form
- 1 Passport-size photo(2" x 2", white background)
- Valid passport with 1 full blank page
- Return ticket
- Evidence of sufficient funds for stay
- Visa fee payment
- Clear copy of driver's license or ID card
The most important thing to remember is to MAKE COPIES!! Copy all your legal documents, trip itineraries, hotel reservations etc. Leave one set at home, have another set in each suitcase you pack and carry a set with you. You must show your original passport, but copies of other legal documents may be good enough to prove what's necessary to Brazilian officials, so you can leave the originals in a very safe place. Double check with the Embassy about the documents to which this may apply.
Travelers are reminded that they are subject to local law. Showing contempt to a Brazilian government official at the port of entry, or elsewhere, is a serious offense. (And, let's face it, aggravating government officials never got anyone good favor, so just don't do it... no matter where you are. )
Thank you to Express Travel Services, the Department of State, and the USPS for their contribution to this post.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Already missed ..
These last few days have been a whirl wind for our family and so many of our dear friends. We lost an amazing man who will be forever missed. Bruce Marietti suffered a heart attack and died very shortly after. It took about 3 days before it hit me that it was real. We were able to attend a very spiritual service today and it was nothing short of perfect! My Mom got the chance to speak and she did great! The grave side service was incredible and we decided that close to 2,000 people attended the viewing last night. We left just before 9:00 and there was still a line out the door.
I know that he is in a better place and that he is know longer suffering and that is such a good feeling. It's a great blessing to know the Lord's plan and to have the comfort we get from the plan of salvation.
We miss you more than you will ever know and we're so thankful for your amazing example. Thanks for being you and for letting us be apart of your life, You will always be in our thoughts! We Love you!
I know that he is in a better place and that he is know longer suffering and that is such a good feeling. It's a great blessing to know the Lord's plan and to have the comfort we get from the plan of salvation.
We miss you more than you will ever know and we're so thankful for your amazing example. Thanks for being you and for letting us be apart of your life, You will always be in our thoughts! We Love you!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Family Pictures
I absolutely love this picture ... I wish The Petersons could have been there so we could have a new whole family picture but this one will do for now ...! We took this at Lesha's parents house after Lincoln's baby blessing. Taft did such a good job in blessing him and Lesha shared her amazing testimony. I love watching them interact with Linc and they are the cutest parents!
Thanks guys for having a baby so we could have lots of excuses to get together! We love that baby boy!
Rascal Flatts ...
I had the chance to go to the Rascall Flatts concert with a few of my favorite girls and we had so much fun! Jessica Simpson opened for them and I think she might have had a little bit to drink before she went on stage but she still good, I love her! We had really good seats and we were pretty close to Joe Don most of the concert. I didn't take a whole lot of pictures but here are a couple. I don't think I'd pay that much money again but it was a good experience.
Me, Natalie, & Ashley
Me & Nat
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