Where in the world are Grandma and Grandpa?

I'll give you a hint...
The water in the toilet bowl goes counter clockwise! That's what Grandpa told us all upon his arrival.

Another hint...
There is a big Carnival in this part of the country every year and it doesn't include clowns. Well, maybe it does but not in a big tent kind of way.

One more hint...
They speak Portuguese.

Give up?


That's right..it's been close to 50 years since MY Grandparents hosted a foreign exchange student named Ester to whom my mother befriended right away. Since then my mother has remained friends with Ester. Ester and her family have been to the states several times to visit, but my folks have never had the chance to go to Brazil. Until now that is...

My dad was able to see a few places outside of the US when he was in the Navy, but I don't believe mom has ever ventured beyond our boundaries. My memory could be failing me, but I believe that is a correct statement. Canada and Mexico don't count.
I'm so excited for them! Not only are they going on vacation to an incredible locale, but they are going for a month and a half. Yes, you heard me right! I believe this trip is going to be somewhat of a life changing event for them. Well, maybe not so much life changing as well deserved. My folks have spent much of their life making sure that everyone else is taken care of. If it wasn't their kids or their parents, it was a church community, neighbors and friends. They are a pretty selfless couple. That's what makes this trip so much more exciting for me. I finally get to see my folks doing something they have always talked about but never had the time or money. Though they still have neither at least they are understanding the importance of just saying 'what the heck' what's time and money. Hopefully they will relax and enjoy themselves without the worries of anything back home.
They spent weeks prior to the trip getting everything in order so that they didn't have to worry while they were gone. The church stuff is in order, the bills are set up to be paid, Brad's collecting the mail and watching the house, Grandma is being well taken care of by Dad's sisters and lastly they took care of all the administrative stuff for their trip (ie. passports, shots, Dramamine and notifying the bank). A couple of days before the trip I could tell the preparation had paid off because they already seemed relaxed yet anxious to be traveling to another country. They were giddy with excitement. It was great to hear it in their voices. Everyone needs a break every now and again and theirs has been long overdue.

They are in Rio now with their neighbors the Napoleons and then it's back to Campinas for the remainder of the trip. Once they are back in Campinas they will have internet connection again and I'm sure we'll hear from them. I'll keep you updated...until then wish them a joyful, relaxing and safe trip.