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.

ROTORUA CITY HIGHLIGHTS - NEW ZEALAND

By Patricia Patrick • March 3, 2026
Rotorua became a bonus city for us. Our Port stay in Tauranga got cut down to one day, due to NZ biosecurity regulations and since we really wanted to do Hobbiton, we decided to get off the ship and stay in hotels and get back on the ship, in a few days. Due to a variety of factors, the Ship ended up doing a quick pick up of us in Tauranga, three days later. The Kiwi's we encountered along the way, who helped with all our last minute details, were amazingly kind, hospitable and generous. Below is our tired, chilly group huddled at the security shed, outside the Port in the wee hours (1:30 am) Monday morning, awaiting our final hurdle of getting back on our Home. Home sweet home! What an adventure!

ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND

By Patricia Patrick • March 3, 2026
Rotorua, New Zealand is known for it's geothermal activity ( geysers, mud pools, hot springs) and rich Maori culture . I saw lots of that last time I was here in 2016, so this time I wanted to see their Redwoods in Whakarewarewa Forest. John and Colleen joined me in exploring. Their redwoods are smaller than the ones in Muir Woods California, but still impressive. Both are planted forest dating back to around 1908.

ALONG THE ROAD - TAURANGA TO ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND

By Patricia Patrick • March 2, 2026
Love the unexpected, along the road, sights we get to see and discover. Along the way from Hobbiton to Rotorua we came across these three unique large buildings. I believe the town was Tirau and lots of cars and buses were stopping to observe the buildings, use the public restrooms, (which are housed in one of them) and grab some snacks, gas and / or souvenirs.