Checking things off the bucket list
So, as is rather well known at this point, I'm in Brazil. And what is one of the most famous things about Brazil? (no. not zika/dengue/chikungunya. and, yes, I'm wearing bug repellent and taking every recommended precaution) CARNAVAL!!!! Arguably the craziest party on Earth. So, how could I not head to Rio de Janeiro when I'm already in the country and have a friend there to stay with??? The view from the room I stayed in. So the evening I arrived, I went with Bryan (the YASCer in Rio for the year) and Ellen (the YASCer in Porto Alegre in south Brazil for the year) to the apartment of Bryan's priest, Rev Luiz. His apartment is in an old converted convent and was totally gorgeous! Sunflowers in front of the original convent windows Luiz told gave Bryan a key so we could come and go as we pleased, and invited us to join him and some friends for a "hike in the morning". The three of us talked it over and decided that we could go in the mor...