Uma Cidade Muita Linda

Well, I am back in the US. And I am having my standard return from abroad hangover.
People are cutting me off in traffic............I am missing having a driver.

People in the airport around me are talking about the dumbest things just to make small talk.............I am missing having background noise in a language I am only intermediately proficient in.

Well, at least there is McDonald's. I stopped there on the way home.

Oh man, I just realized my last meal prior to departure (thanks to Ravi) and my first meal upon arrival was at the arches. A sad, yet introspective look into my true self.

The few days I had in Rio were awesome! This was my second visit to this great city and it was much more fun. I mostly knew where I was going, I knew more Portuguese, and had some local contacts (mad props to Steve) and friends who were staying there (Rob and Vikas) to help show me around and meet people.

I went to my first professional futebol match, hung out at the nightly street party in Lapa, rolled to house parties and clubs while avoiding sleep for almost three days, caught great views of the city from almost everywhere, and explored the historic neighborhood of Santa Tereza during a local art festival (obrigado, amiga).

I can totally see myself heading back to Rio soon. There is a special feeling you get when you establish connections with locals, find yourself able to speak the language, and get around without too much trouble. And, I have more of this large country to see.