February 27, 2025

SAO PAULO - BRAZIL

Not knowing when I may ever be in this part of the world again, I made a quick decision without much planning to day trip to SAO PAULO, BRAZIL when we pulled into the port of SANTOS on Monday morning 2/24/25. Scott was of same opinion and he worked out a driver deal, while I started focusing on what we should seek out to see. We also canvased our friends, to see who  wanted to join us on this impulsive adventure. Gary and Christy were game, but had commitments till 10:30 am, so we got a little bit of a late start. Also finding our driver, who was a friend of another driver already engaged, took some time in the busy port, but we squeezed into her Fiat ( tight for 3 in back seat) and arrived in Sao Paulo at our first stop by 1pm. Did I mention driver spoke hardly any English, so we had to translate everything with an app. Regardless, first stop was giant park called Parque Ibirapuera similiar to central park in NYC. Gary wasted no time embracing his coconuts and got the party started!

Next we went to Metropolitan Sao Paulo Cathedral - sadly a lot of homeless and drug addicted in square all around Cathedral.

We then drove by Central Square & Performing Arts center  ( which was covered by a lot of renovation scaffolding) on our way to the Beco do Batman neighborhood. Back in 1980 one artist did a mural of Batman and then more mural started to sprout here, now several blocks are dedicated to street art and their are lots of artisans and cool cafes mixed throughout.

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We grabbed a quick bite in this neighborhood and then went to find the most beautiful church I think I have ever seen Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Brasil. It looks like a fancy hotel at the entry and the ceiling and mosaic tile work are stunning. An evening Mass was just getting ready to start - so we were limited in where we could stroll but the grounds and auxiliary spaces were equally charming. Was such a gorgeous little find.

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Final sights to see on our list was the Whale Sculpture, Baleia Espelhada Metallica and the Octavio Frias de Olivera Bridge.

LAUTOKA, FIJI

By Patricia Patrick • December 1, 2025
The port agent offered several trips to areas around Lautoka . We chose the trip to Serenity Island Resort which included van and boat transfers and lunch. It was a really nice day enjoying the sun, reef, pool, turtles and amenities!

RIVER TUBING DOWN THE NAVUA, SUVA, FIJI

By Patricia Patrick • December 1, 2025
I organized a group tour for a fun day experience. We had a great day despite the rain that decided to join in. We started with a 45 minute van ride out through the city, into the countryside. Then we got in long boats and went up river to a waterfall, some swam or cheered on the guides to cliff dive. Then back in the boats to visit Sabata Village where 50 family members live as a community existing totally off the land, along the river. Next was a quick boat ride to our BBQ lunch spot. After lunch we got to tube down the river, through light rapids, for just about an hour. We ganged our tubes together with the guide - we had a chain of 14 in my group and the guides totally blew us away singing hymns for a good chunk of the journey. It was truly moving in that place with the rain drizzling and all of us linked together. Loved it!

SUVA, FIJI

By Patricia Patrick • December 1, 2025
Guess who's back for another Friends & Family Visit?!? My cousin Cathy and this time she came with Joanne - one of her best friends from 1st grade on! Girls trip!! They arrived for the entire Fiji leg of the trip November 28th thru December 6th. Exciting!! And they brought a whole suitcase of goodies for me and my friends from the states! It was an early Christmas!