NYC Marathon-Recovery and Rest!

OMG where to begin?

The day started with H walking out the door about 7:00 AM to go catch an Uber, a ferry, then a bus to get to the start line of the NYC Marathon on Staten Island. Team for Kids took care of him at the start. They put the charity folks in a special tent to stay warm briefly before headline a couple of miles to the start (Hart said this was a tough part, walking and waiting at the start line).

I was still at the other end of NYC, knowing I wouldn’t see him again for hours. A block away, our apartment was about 17 miles into the race. We had made a plan to meet there at 1st Ave., around 3:00, H’s projected time to be passing me. He didn’t start until 11:00 AM, as the first wave went of at 8:30, the wheelchair division.

I leisurely took my time getting to the 2nd Avenue Deli, right down the street. It was biting cold outside, in the 40’s, but a beautiful sunny day. It was the perfect marathon race weather with the high in the 50’s. As I sat in the Deli having my omelette and talking to my friend on the phone, they were finishing putting up the barricades on 1st Avenue. I saw probably 100 police cars go by and another 50 cops walking on the street. I certainly felt safe, they were NOT going to let anything happen at this race of 52,000 runners and 1.5 million spectators along the route. I could feel the excitement starting to build and folks started lining up on the street at 9:30 AM. I thought Wow there’s some people getting an early position! I finished up my breakfast then I saw why..The wheelchair division racers were starting to pass. Those racers are fast on those wheels! It looked so difficult wheeling up the hill on 1st Ave. These folks were there to win it! Here is the before on the corner by the Deli:

Here is a few hours after!

After breakfast I thought, “Well I could go back to the apartment and relax since they were not letting folks across 1st Ave., which is towards the shops and Central Park. Or take off for an adventure to the shopping area.” I decided to go for the shopping trek. First time down the street and around to make a 4 mile circle total didn’t seem too bad. I had bandaids in place from blisters on both heels from the day before’s unplanned trek. Breaking in new shoes on a highly anticipated walking vacation, well I knew better but it worked!

I was passing behind people on the sidewalk as more and more spectators were starting to line up against the barriers. The sounds of cheering started like a hum. Drummers started drumming and music playing by bands of 4-5 musicians starting along this couple mile trek. I felt chills already! Swiftly walking the first 3-4 miles, I headed up and around to the other side of 1st Ave, starting my own shopping adventure. 

I found Lululemon first, really not that impressive as I thought it would be. I mean we ARE in NYC, near Madison Ave. and all. I thought it would at least have a bigger store than ABQ. However, it was not and help of the staff was way inferior to ABQ. Their clothes run pretty small on me, unless I have gained 20 lbs in the last 3 days..I had to upsize on my clothes fitting experience. They had chocolate at the door and donuts by the dressing rooms. Does this make sense? I ended up scoring a sweat shirt to wear as I was already cold and because yes, that wouldn’t take up much room in my carry on.. lol 

Off to Francesca’s for cheap jewelry. I either left my jewelry in my little jewelry bag at home on the bed or in the Uber on the way to the airport. Which sucks because I have my Ironman necklace and earrings in it..Praying I left it at home. Anyways, you can get some pretty cheap, almost decent looking jewelry at Francesca’s and they were “having a sale”-ha! I loaded up on the dime store look for NY and Paris..I’ll save my $$ on clothing and experiences.

All of this took about 4 miles of walking plus the big circle up and back along the race course to the apartment. Heading back on 1st Ave., by now, the people cheering were going wild!! I could barely move on the walkway behind the spectators and the cheering, music, yelling..it was all unbelievable! I kept thinking how much fun H must be having because I knew there was much excitement and crowd support like this all along the course through the five Burroughs. He stated later that as he rounded the corner off that bridge onto 1st. Ave, the view was incredible! Thousands of racers in front of him, he could see for miles it seemed. So could I..pics don’t do it justice:

It went on forever it seems. I was crying several times, it was such a spectacle! The music was getting really good too! Rock music, drummers, dancers, everything..Runners looking tired, some excited, some very serious. I totally remembered that determined feeling, a little on the “f#%k everyone” by this point of a marathon. By the time I got back to the corner of mile 17, I had gotten a text from Hart so knew he was doing well and asked me to bring his black long sleeve shirt which in my excitement and because I was cold myself, I thought he said jacket. Well, I had read the text wrong and brought the white fleece jacket, not the shirt he wanted. As you can see, he wasn’t too jubilant to see me at the corner of 75th St.:

Well, I tried. He is looking pretty strong here though not so cheerful. I gave him that, I remembered being pretty grumpy and mad along the marathon at this point of an Ironman, it’s yucky. 

Oh well, I tried! I texted the kids “uh, I need a young person to be here right now!” They laughed. The kids were following Hart online, as well as were friends-I got several texts throughout the day. which made it feel like I had people around me as support persons as well. Somewhere in there I had changed my clothes to my warm coat. Funny it was sunny and in the 50’s, I maybe saw the sun twice-the buildings are massive here! But that wasn’t hindering any spectators from yelling and screaming for these sometimes weary looking runners. The Marathon winners were way done by now so these were the “regular people” at mile 15-17. I turned around and quickly made my way back down and around to Central Park. Then I realized “ah-ha, I have my little tan light fleece vest! I can get that to Hart!” So texted him I could bring that and he said “great!” So off I went and walk/ran from one end of Central Park to the other to catch H at mile 22 before he ran into the park..with the puffy vest. I was feeling excited and proud of myself to finally fix his “getting cold” problem. I had given him my warm IM hat though so hope that helped. At this point I went from “support”to “fix it” support person/wife. I texted him where I’d be. At this point of the race as runners were rounding into Central Park, they were looking WAY more cheerful, excited, several giving high fives to everyone which only made the crowd go wilder. Alas at this point, the marathon tracking App stopped working, GPS coverage sucks in Central Park! I waited and waited, then thought he passed me. After some confusion running back and fourth, I finally saw him running and eagerly tried handing him the vest. Well we had miscommunicated by text (during a marathon, understandably) and he said “ I don’t want that, I want my black shirt!” Ok, I really gave up then as he had 3 miles to go and was looking dazed and tired. I bit my tongue! I talked to some NYPD cops for a bit, they assured me hubby may be annoyed now, but in a couple days he would be like “Oh honey I’ll do anything for you, you were so there for me.” We all had a good laugh! Figured I’d get a good shopping trip out of it. :)

When I finally saw on the tracker that he was at the finish line and really booking it into the chute I cheered and had chills as the kids texted a photo of his finish off the internet!

I couldn’t get close to the Finish Line or didn’t want to attempt after our debacle the day before. So I went to our meeting place we had decided on beforehand. He sounded great on the phone! Told me he could keep running,which he always says at the end of a race, time for a 50 miler? I waited until cafe closed, then sat on a park bench outside Central Park to wait for him, chatting with some ladies there to support their person..I looked at my watch and damn! I had walked/ran a half marathon myself that day..I had my own little finish half Marathon party internally, then plopped down on a park bench and didn’t move!!

When I finally saw Hart walking slowly towards me, I was so happy and excited for him!! He wa grinning ear to ear and “I’M HUNGRY!” was the message, for both of us. We climbed into a cab, changed briefly at apartment and walked slowly a block away for a slice of pizza. Then suddenly behind what looked like a slice of pizza display, we saw a whole Italian Restuarant hiding in the back..OMG, that was the best meal I think we’d both ever had!! That oasis appeared just in time-we were famished!

Here is the man and his medal!

Eventually, after food and wine made everything better, (as it usually does) we went back to the apartment and literally plopped into bed. 

It was such a long, exciting, emotionally draining day! I was so proud of Hart. At dinner, as he described running through Brooklyn amongst the places he grew up and memories it brought back, I felt tears running down my face. I felt so emotional and happy he got to experience that and I was able to witness just a piece of it. 

Hart said it was the best race by far than any others, including Ironman.  Supporting Team for Kids was icing on the cake and I’m so grateful we did that...

The New York City Marathon is the largest one in the world. I met and chatted with nothing but wonderful people, felt welcomed by the New Yorkers all over. If you can ever experience this event, even as a spectator, DO IT!! 

Yesterday, (Monday) we literally laid around all day, mustered up enough energy to get out in the rain to walk a block for local Thai food for dinner, which was yummy, then I went to bed early. I was as tired as the Marathon Boy and legs hurting just as bad I think! It’s supposed to rain all day today. It’s amazing, the only beautiful sunny day since we have been here was Sunday, the day of the race..I still have tears in my eyes thinking about the day I had and the accomplishment of my beautiful, handsome, strong husband finishing the NYC Marathon!!

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Day 3 in NYC

We made it! Took a little more time to get here Friday after delays in Chicago, lots of sitting on runways, an hour Uber ride from the airport to our little flat we are renting for the week in rush hour traffic. We got here and what a surprise..The apt. is on the Upper East Side just East of Central Park. It’s a pretty spacious place as NY apartments go. Right on 77th Street, everything you could possibly need to live on, you can probably find in a one square mile walking distance. The first night we went to a brilliant shopping store where everything fresh or otherwise can be found. Deli’s, fresh and cooked meats and shrimp, veges, fruit plus all the regular grocery stuff. Good thing we only had 2 backpacks or we would have gone crazy shopping there! Out of our delicious discoveries, after a long day of travel we ate dinner at the apartment and were in wonder of what a different world we had stepped into. It’s like we are in a different country. All the life and energy of NYC is palpable and it’s hard not for me to be crazy excited to be here...

Of course, even though we brought only carry ons for our 20 day journey, I have already realized I overpacked and it is warmer in NYC than I thought. Fortunately, there is a Lululemon Store about .5 miles away to get shorts.. 🤔 (more stuff to pack?) In Paris all the warm clothes may be needed but after repacking about 4 times, I realize so far, I could have taken half again out of my suitcase!

Yesterday (Saturday), H and I got up and got going early to go to Central Park where the “Team for Kids” breakfast was being served in a special area. Team for Kids is the charity Hart donated to in order to get into the NYC Marathon after he missed getting into the lottery. They have a special place for Hart to wait for the start in Staten Island this AM, a special area for spectators later today and a nice big warm tent for H to go at the Finish Line upon completion of the marathon today. We got hopelessly lost in Central Park trying to find breakfast yesterday as they were have a 5k pre-race Race in the Park. There were thousands of people and closed areas. We ended up walking (fast for first 3 miles) for 5 miles. Not the day before race day warmup H was supposed to do. In walking shoes. My legs hurt after walking 7 miles total yesterday so hope he didn’t overdo it to affect his race today! The breakfast,which was attended by hundreds of racers and family,  brought much excitement and cheering as different folks were introduced related to the Charity. We felt much better after eating and headed to the Expo by Uber. Another HUGE event, but registration was very organized. I wanted to go into Expo to shop a bit however, it was a big cluster, massively large and overwhelming. After our Central Park Oddessy, we opted to take a cab back to our place. Hart put his race number on his team Shirt, got all ready to go. He looked so good, in shape and race ready! I became only more excited for him..had a bit of jealousy I was not doing the Race for a split second but that was short lived as I remembered all the training he has done in the last several weeks. Ten weeks ago he tore his hamstring in two places and it was doubtful he would be at the Start Line. Damn, my husband heals quickly! He fought his way back, with the help of Michael our coach and through cross training and building up his running strength, alas he is ready! No aches and pains in hammy or knee (which has given him problems) so it’s go time...yay!

So the time changed a few hours ago and I have been up since 2:30 after turning our clocks ⏰ back..Can’t sleep so made the Starbucks coffee I went and scored last night a block away from our place. I am trying to figure out if it’s worth trying to take the subway adventure to go and try and cheer H on at certain parts of the race but not sure if I can do it with the crowds and even if I did, H probably won’t be able to see me. I can maybe see him at mile 19 and mile 24 that is close to the apartment at the end of the race so may opt for that. His race starts at 11:00 so most likely he will end in the dark, since sun sets at 4:40 PM today after the time change.

I’m ready to go!!! Being a support person is fun, I am so looking forward to tracking H in the race on the App, watching it on TV as it is showing nonstop on NBC here all day..I can only imagine him at different parts of the race and wish I was a little fly that could sit on his shoulder all day! Will try and take and post some pics of the race from my vantage point, we will see what the BIG day brings..

Zip Lining in Costa Rica...More than I Bargained For!

I was afraid to Zip Line..sorta..I guess it helped that nine other people were going along from the Yoga Retreat. We laughed and chatted in the bumpy 25 minute van ride on a dirt road leading to the Zip Line office. Once there, I got outfitted in our gear for the 13 Zip Lines I was about to embark on, with some intrepidation. The leaders of the adventure looked about 17 years old but they were full of energy and seemed to be all about safety. This made me feel better. We then piled up in the back of a metal pickup truck, where we were taken up, up, up on another bumpy dirt road. OK, I was relaxing a bit now, knowing I was fully harnessed in doubled up safety gear. Don't touch anything on your harness, we were told. OK, I can do that! We finally arrived at the first Zip line. Someone casually asked if it starts raining, lightening, thundering what would we do? They explained the only way to get down out of the jungle was to use the Zip Lines so basically no backup plan..I felt a little concerned but not too much at that point.


One by one, the guys connected folks to the first Zip Line and wheeee! Off they went.. I was last. I said I was nervous and the guy said, do you want me to go with you? At first I said yes, but then I told myself to put my big girl pants on and just go! So I did..it was scary but fun flying through the trees to the next platform where I was met with cheering from my fellow compadres in crime.  Ok, I got the scary one over with, the next 12 should be fun!! And they indeed proceeded to be up until we were met with some unexpected challenges later on. We were hooked up to each line one by one and sped over the beautiful canopy of trees, river below, gorgeous views. I whooped and hollered through the trees. It was invigorating! I was doing something so out of the box for me. Seven Ironman Triathlons under my belt and this felt more challenging than all of that in the beginning..but I overcame my fear-woot!


Some folks had iPhones, cameras-which I was envious of for awhile. I was too scared I would lose my phone so didn't take mine. I was in some photos though and thought I would get them later. We laughed at each platform. The "Zip Guys" would hook up tandem with some people and this is where the real fun began. They would turn the folks around, let them fly upside down, backwards and it really did look like fun. I said I was game, why not? The young fella hooked me up with him and off we went. I let go..I leaned back and yelled and screamed with joy, feeling like a little kid! What fun!

The folks with cameras had pouches given to them by the Zip staff that hooked onto their harness. They looked secure enough but then around zip line number 7, one of the peeps' pouches ripped and fell off, to be lost somewhere hundreds of feet below in the vast thick jungle. It had two iPhones and someone else's nice Canon camera-whoops!! Crap, I thought-that really sucks!! They (Zip Guys) assured our friends they would look for it later..yea, right! I guess miracles happen, right? I felt so bad for these people. I would have freaked out but they seemed to take it rather calmly as we had bigger fish to fry by this point.

Then it started raining. I mean sort of raining at first, then the skies opened up and it was pouring....sideways! I wasn't cold, it was the hot jungle after all. But around Zip Line number 9, it started lightening and thundering. Oh, shit! I thought..it was thrilling and scary in an adventurous sort of way. I would wait til the thunder came and went then take off on the Zip line, praying I wouldn't get struck by lightening as I traveled along a metal cable, which seemed like more of a lightening rod at this point! By Zip Line 11, it was raining so hard, I couldn't even see when I was on the Line. It seemed they were hurrying us up through the process at that point. The guys didn't look too concerned just business like probably praying none of their clients would get electrocuted..I think we all were kinda numb at that point. Wet, thoroughly soaked, I tried to enjoy the last couple of Zip Lines but really just wanted to get out of the thunderstorm by now to somewhere safe. Nope, wasn't gonna happen..after the last one I ran up the hill to the truck. No amount of training could prepare me to sprint up a very steep wet, hill with thunder getting closer and closer. Shit, this is starting to suck a bit now.. I finally made it to the back of the open metal pickup truck bed, where we all started huddling together, totally exposed to the elements, lightening getting closer and closer. I don't know why I raced up to get there. I suppose I was thinking the hot chocolate and shelter was up there..not! Eventually, all were in the back of the truck and this is where the real fun started. For the next 35-40 minutes, we were taken down a bumpy, dirt (now mud) road, which by now had rivers of water flowing down it. Thunder and lightening everywhere. We could see the lightening hitting the ground close by. I was nervous, scared, grasping the women sitting next to me. We were giggling nervously, screaming when the really close lightening hit. Wow, this truck ride is taking forever...My waterproof hiking shoes were soaked through to my socks by now it was pouring rain so much. My rain jacket was folded nicely back in my room at the Resort, of course! Apparently, there were drop off cliffs along the road that I didn't see, thank goodness-that would have put me over the edge. We passed by a house where the people looked at us with kind of horror in their eyes. Wtf? Why aren't we stopping to seek shelter there?? I guess they just wanted to descend and get us to the Zip office as quickly as possible. I turned to a friend at one point and said this right here would NEVER happen in the U.S.! However, we are in a foreign country, where the same rules don't apply, I guess. We did sign a waiver releasing the staff from all liability after all..did this include electrocution, I wondered? I tried to comfort myself thinking the lightening should hit the trees first, right? Oh but wait there are friggin' powerlines directly above us-crap!

Finally, at last we arrived at the office, soaked, relieved..just happy to be loaded into a dry van where we were not sitting ducks in an open metal lightening rod encased potential death trap..geez!!

One guy said on the last Zip Line as the guide was hooking him up, he (the guide) got a minor jolt from the lightening. He was OK and asked the guest if he wanted to walk down the last part on a path to the truck. Our friend said no, I will go, if you are game!  So they both Zipped down the last cable probably thinking this may be the last thing they do in life..whew, they made it.
On the way back to the Resort in the van, we all talked about how we didn't die, that was good. How the phones and camera were lost, what a bummer..But we were alive!

I guess this was one of those experiences, adventures that is hard to describe to anyone who wasn't there.. We were helpless to do anything to anything to get ourselves to safety for about 90 minutes but being in a group was comforting on some level for me. Hartley did not go on this adventure and boy was he glad! I knew he would be worried about me out there in the lightening and all. When I got back to Blue Spirit, indeed he said he was..

What a day, what an adventure, what a life I have! This week has already been life changing in so many ways, Yoga 2-3 times a day, walking on the beach, eating totally vegetarian healthy food, getting to know new friends. The Zip Lining was part of it all. I am so lucky and blessed to be here, even in a lightening storm on a Cable flying through the jungle...

Ohm...
   

And so it is...

 After 69 days in South America, we have been to 4 countries, at least 14 cities, endless running, cycling, swimming, sunning, eating....we are finally packed and ready for our return to our beloved United States..
We have had our last sunset:

Enjoyed our last dinner in South America...

Saw our last full moon..

Observed our last sand castle..

Ran our last run...

Ate our last breakfast..

Took our last swim..

 When it is all said and done, we have thorougly enjoyed the journey, the beauty, the laughter, the cultures....the amazing people we have met along the way..
A perfect ending to a perfect trip..
Until our next adventure..
Hasta que nos encontremos otra vez...

Buzios, Brazil-the Wess' are here!

 "Originally settled by European pirates and slave traders, this happy mixture of many bloods prospered and became a picturesque fishing village, elected one of the 10 most beautiful areas in the world, famous for its unique combination of rustic charm, architectural harmony, incredible beauty and sophisticated boutiques and restaurants frequented by discerning visitors who come from all over the world to savour its magic."
This, in short is Buzios. It is a group of 20+ beaches that attract the rich and beautiful Brazilians plus travelers all over the world. It is included in the world's top ten beaches according to many travel sources. As of noon today, we had only gone to one beach probably because It is so nice just to veg at our Pousada here. The hotel we are in is a taste of heaven in itself. We hardly can pry ourselves away from the poolside, a mere 2 minute walk from our room. Breakfast is served here at the pool and we have not moved since we ate this morning. I swam 600 yds. just now in the little 15 yard pool.

I must admit it felt good swimming again. After staying up to the wee hours of the morning to watch the Super Bowl in the lobby of the hotel last night, we slept in until 10:00. I did not last the whole game but H stayed up and whispered to me when he got back that NY won-he was a happy camper! I guess this puts us a little more on ABQ time so perhaps we will feel less jet lagged at home in 3 days...
H enjoying a rest outside the hotel lobby:

The hotel lobby

We have gone to dinner twice in the little town area about a 10 minute walk from our place. The party apparently comes alive at midnite but we will most likely never experience this..like "old" people here, we are doing dinner quite early by Buzios standards. Last night we ate at a buffet that charged us by the kilo of food we put on our plate. This was kind of interesting compared to the night before where I got a chicken dish that would feed a family of four...probably twice...
This afternoon, we finally got off our butts and took a bus tour of the Buzios area and saw briefly 10-12 beach areas out of the 20. It was a quick overview of bustling Buzios. Large and small, the beaches are simply beautiful, some crowded with tourists, some not.
Pictures of just a few of the many sights we enjoyed today:

Many many cruise ships docking here

                                                         Statues of three fishermen

 Bridget Bardot apparently left her mark on the beaches of Buzios back in the 60s:

Another very pleasant day...2 days until the big bird takes us home!

On The Home Stretch..

Laying on the beach in Copacabana is an experience in itself. We can't go 5 minutes without a vendor coming by to sell their wares-hats, drinks, beach clothes, hammocks, shrimp on a skewer-you name it, they got it, even tattoos!

It is Saturday morning and the beach is probably twice as packed already, mostly with locals. Our hotel has it's own special section with chairs and towels,,I am still clutching my IPad for dear life as the threat of thievery is still very present. Then again, I keep looking around and thinking which one of these innocent faces might mug me? I am very grateful we have had a safe time here in Rio. We were able to get around without issue, despite warnings from many, many people. There are some folks that will not even travel to Brazil just because of the potential danger. I am so glad we ventured out of our comfort zone coming here-it was well worth it!
Yesterday, we took our long run. It was really, really hot! I was drained by mile 3 or so. We stopped and got some coconut water, straight from the coconut in one of the many water/snack stands along the beach. Coconut water, it seems is the magic bullet for 100% humidity and 80 degree temps. I immediately perked up within 15 minute, thank goodness. I really wanted complete one more long run in Rio. I think we ran 38 miles in the 5 days we have been in Rio. I no longer feel like a slug eating and eating without energy being put out. I have managed to only put on maybe 5 lbs along the way. I am slowly weaning off of desserts, which have been part of my maintenance diet in the last 9 weeks..hopefully I'll not go into too much shock getting back to healthy foods at home next week.
Our last night in Rio we went to a very special restaurant in St. Tereza. The hotel there was previously a coffee plantation which was renovated into a beautiful hotel and artist community. It was strange to take the cab ride through the favelas (slums) to get to the beautiful little oasis in their midst. The views, the greenery and decor of the hotel were distinctly different than the other parts of Rio we have seen. As we watched the sunset in the bar of the hotel, I can only describe it as beautiful, amazing-I am running out of adjectives!

The bar we had a drink at sunset

Interesting bathroom sign..

We took another short cab ride to the restaurant, which was 5 star by all accounts and it lived up to its reputation! Up a very steep cobblestone street, down a flight of narrow stairs, we stepped into a taste of paradise. Surrounded by large trees and plants and a view to die for, we were tucked into a niche for dinner. We had the best appetizer so far on the trip, a huge portion of Hearts of Palm. I can't exactly describe the taste but anyone who has ever had HofP can imagine the most amazing flavor, accompanied by a sauce that made it melt in your mouth. I ordered a sirloin beef dinner, which came out cold. When I complained, it came back hot and over done. It was still delicious. We watched the sky grow dark and stars come out with the city lights finally shining. No bugs, perfect temperature, it really was one of our top meals of the trip..so hard to pick my favorite meal and restaurant on the trip! We took a "VIP" taxi home which is basically a black car instead of yellow and three times the price. Oh well, it was worth it in my mind as we were safely and comfortably chauffeured home. The beach last night was bustling when we got back.

The restaurant at St. Tereza

We spent our last night out on our little deck watching the crowds enjoying the beginning of the weekend..reminiscing about the last 9 weeks; our favorite parts, sights, hotels, restaurants..we basically "ran" around South America-jogging in Chile, Argentina, Brazil-we did it all! I am overwhelmed with gratefulness we can experience these amazing journeys..It is straight out of a fairy tale in my mind. Never in my wildest dreams growing up did I ever imagine I would be galavanting around the planet as we have been doing..I am one lucky girl! My Aunt Bernice would be proud! (family joke) :)..

Night view from our hotel room deck

We await our carriage to take us to Buzios, Brazil-yet another beach area or several beaches located within a 3 hour drive south of Rio. We figured by the last few days of our adventure, we would want to chill on a beach and chill we shall...in between runs that is! Buzios is suppose to be the safest place in our travels, except the Cruise of course. I look forward to letting my guard down a bit..finally..
 I have mixed feelings these last couple of days in South America. I am weary of trying to communicate several times a day, my limited Spanish conversational nouns are not getting me too far here in Brazil. Some folks working in shops or restaurants seem annoyed at our lack of Portugese. That's OK, we are too! I miss my family and friends, training buds..I miss American TV. We have not watched any TV since we left Buneos Aires, I never have figured out the TV stations in Brazil. Once we tried to find Fox and American Idol but to no avail..H is really, really hoping the small town of Buzios will have the Super Bowl on this Sunday. I guess it will be around 9:00 PM Brazil time. Surely there are some S.Americans that like football as much as soccer? We will find out I guess...I do love the way we have had not much structure for the most part of our trip. At home, I feel so much more pressure to do stuff on a daily basis. This is my leftover work self I suppose, a need to be productive..On extended vacations, for some reason my brain lets go and allows me to relax...ahhh... I do however miss my home cooked meals(I guess that would be Hartley's home cooking that is).. Don't get me wrong, dining in restaurants as we have, has been lovely. H & I were just saying last night-we have been so fortunate in that department. Very little crappy food on our trip..plus-I do not want to jinx ourselves-but we have been really, really healthy for the most part. We both experienced a touch of Traveler's diarrhea but the miracle drug Cipro came to the rescue!! H's short lived leg running issue resolved itself quickly. We now are more aware of the importance of "warming up" pre-running because we are ahem..."older athletes". It's not a bad reality to have in the scheme of things! I miss my IPhone..there I said it! Also my PC computer and at times my bed and pillows. I really miss our mountains of New Mexico intermittently, especially running in the Foothills. I don't miss the cold winter at the moment. Good lord, I also miss my hairdresser! I have also run out of contacts-it has been a real hassle to find lenses in Brazil that fit me. Oh well, back to reading glasses for a short while. I have run my running shoes into the ground. The soles look like gym shoes from the 60s whose tread has completely worn down to the sole. I will be saying bye-bye to them in a few days. I miss my wedding rings, any nice jewelry for that matter! Going out to nice restaurants with no jewelry on has been somewhat annoying..
For the most part, I conclude I am ready to go home. I have simply and thoroughly LOVED this trip, hands down. H planned the trip perfectly, the places we have stayed, the amount of time stayed, everything. I would not have the patience he had to put it all together-I am married to the best travel agent ever! 
One last look at Rio De Janeiro; the rooftop pool and gym, the views surrounding the treadmills, breathtaking..I know-Shocker!

Many more peeps on the beach on a Saturday

My view from The treadmill

Dare I say, the weather has been perfect! We figured out we have had only 2 days of rain in 68 days-not bad! Again, our luck in adventuring has been amazing..
I sure do love my life!! On to Buzios..