From Curitiba to the Atlantic coast, this trip represents a small sample of Brazil’s environmental diversity in an off the beaten path tourist region.
It would be unfair to the rest of the world to coin Brazil the Land of Diversity, but I feel almost constrained to do it. Being born in the southern part of the country gave me two different perspectives of its vast magnificence. The first one was of a Southerner whose perception of the well-known tropical paradise below the equator was blurred and distant. I grew up in a Brazil unrecognized by the rest of the world for being too different from their expectations: cold, European, gray.
The other perspective came when, as a traveler, I had set feet and senses upon this idealized image. Upon arrival in Rio de Janeiro for the first time, I could relate to it as the Cariocas (the Rio Natives) did. I was 16. From then on, even Brazil’s south looked more familiar, sunnier, happier. I realized how much I had been missing because of the incomplete image of my homeland. The South is very rich in scenery too, and its mountains and beaches are genuinely Brazilian.
Southern Brazil is one of the world’s greatest regions of biodiversity, found in the colorful wilderness of the Atlantic Forest and along the sea coast, as well as on the so-called western coast of Paraná State, which is, in fact, a river estuary coast where the Iguaçu Falls and National Park stand.
Curitiba, the capital of Paraná State (the northernmost state of the Southern Region) has long been visited by people on their way to Foz do Iguaçu who are so eager to reach the Falls that they miss a unique Brazilian city with an excellent tourism infrastructure and a character of its own. Not to mention the neighboring stretch of the Atlantic Forest, which is the biggest in the south, from the mountain ranges (Serra do Mar) to the coast. Curitibanos like myself know better and never miss the opportunity to drive the Road of Graciosa down the mountains, as views of the lush forest and sea coast reveal themselves, passing through historic cities, before reaching the nearby coast and its islands. Nothing that different from the idyllic image of Brazil’s tropical paradise we all know so well, but if you did add Curitiba, the image will be a fuller one.
Curitiba
Jean Aimes is a French engineer who lives in Curitiba. Like many of his countrymen, he came to the city to work in a French car company. And like most of them, he has only one complaint: the temperature.
Curitiba is the coldest capital in Brazil, with lows reaching negative Celsius figures during the winter – a rare event by Brazilian standards. According to Jean, the problem is not the cold itself, but that Brazilian buildings are designed for hot weather. Building materials such as ceramic tile and brick can’t keep the warmth in, and central heating is an foreign concept.
That doesn’t stop Jean when he wants to ride his bike through the city and its most treasured element: the parks. Being an enthusiast of outdoor sports and aware of environmental issues, he was happy to discover when he arrived in 1995 that Curitiba is big, but still has one of the highest “green-area per capita” rates in the world.
Its population is estimated at about 1.5 million inhabitants, nearly one fifth of Paraná’s. It is highly regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Brazil and is famous for its environmental-safe policies on recycling, well-planned urban system, efficient mass transportation system and high air quality.
Standing at 3,000 feet above sea level, the city was founded in the second half of the 17th century. Since the 1800’s, Curitiba has attracted immigrants of Slav, German, Italian and Japanese origins. During the 20th century, it became a prosperous capital, but that didn’t change the comfortable life style commonly found in small towns. Curitiba prospered from its role as commercial and processing center for the expanding agricultural and ranch areas in the interior of the state. That’s hardly what the city is known for today. The arts found a progressive ground to flourish there, and the green is everywhere.
From the Park João Paulo II, where traditional Polish buildings are surrounded by tall Araucaria pine trees, and the nearby Pedreira Paulo Leminski, a quarry turned into a park and auditorium of picturesque architecture, to more remote places such as Passauna, a natural park crisscrossed by trails, the city has a variety of outdoor attractions that can be visited throughout the year.
Curitibia’s Family Attractions
There is a public bus line that connects all the parks in the metropolitan area (Jardineira), and families are often seen riding bicycles together from park to park through a well-maintained Bicycle Lane system. You can visit virtually all of Curitiba’s landmarks using these lanes (Ciclovia).
The Ciclovia passes through the Passeio Público. Located in the heart of the city, this park is a meeting point for local children and adults of all ages. Kids will be happy to discover a mini-zoo and playgrounds standing side by side. If you are hungry, try the excellent Restaurante Pasqualle.
Recently, I had been away from the city for a long time, and on my return, wanted to have a great view of it. Jean advised me to go up the Telepar Tower.
From the top I spotted Santa Felicidade, an Italian neighborhood famous for its many restaurants (most bus excursions passing by Curitiba on their way to Iguaçu Falls stop at Santa Felicidade for lunch) and wines. But the element that caught my attention was the mountains, 15 miles away. The next day I headed to the Serra do Mar.
Graciosa
Logging and farming have reduced the Atlantic Forest to 1% of its original size, but in the Paraná section of the Serra do Mar, between Curitiba and the coast, it remains fairly unspoiled.
The sinuous Road of Graciosa (Estrada da Graciosa) crosses the mountain ranges of the Serra do Mar, linking Curitiba to the colonial cities of Antonina and Morretes. It was originally a trail used by Indians from the high planes who often descended to the coast in search of shellfish, or ascended to Curitiba for Pinhão, the seed of the Araucária pine tree(one of the symbols of Paraná.)
When I was a kid, whenever my parents drove along this colorful road, I imagined the sight of a parade of pines passing by. Stop at one of the many recreation areas and viewpoints along the way and ask the kids how many different birds they can hear. Nine hundred bird species, of which 180 are endemic, live in this forest. They may be lucky to spot the same animals those Indians used to see, even the ones who are endangered today, such as the howler monkey and the golden-lion tamarin.
Antonina
In the 17th century Jesuit priests coming from the Port of Paranaguá used this road to reach the interior and founded churches and villages on the way. Today traces of the Jesuit presence are still found, often close to recreation areas strategically built on viewpoints. The Itupava Way is one of them. It is a narrow stone trail that begins on the high planes near Curitiba and goes through the forest, all the way down to Antonina, many times crossing the Road of Graciosa.
The colorful Atlantic forest is inviting and at Graciosa, its most notable feature is the flowers. On that visit, I was impressed by the different scents that invaded my car, and the vibrant colors around me.
Many times I traveled through this “gracious” route (that’s what Graciosa means), and it still astonishes me. At one point I heard the sound of the train and remembered a sunny Sunday when my parents took my brothers and I to ride the train from Litorina to Paranaguá.
Traveling By Train
The 110-kilometer-long railway that stretches between Curitiba and Paranaguá and crosses 14 tunnels, viaducts, and 30 trestle bridges, and is considered to be an engineering marvel of Imperial Brazil. As a kid, the Carvalho Viaduct impressed me. It is held in place against the almost vertical mountainside by five concrete columns. While crossing this structure, with nothing beyond the outside rail but a sheer drop off, the train seems to hang in space before it shoots headlong into the Rochedo Tunnel.
Taking the train trip is the best way to see my all-time favorite: the 1539-meter-high Marumbi Peak, and the 1564-meter-high Mount Lion. Marumbi State Park is a paradise for climbers and hikers, with trails and climbing routes ranging from easy to very difficult. But you don’t have to climb the mountain to enjoy it. Stop at stations Véu da Noiva or Marumbi and have spectacular views of the mountain range, the seacoast and the waterfall of Véu da Noiva.
Take a look at this video of the Pantanal route. For information on train fares and more contact The Serra Verde Express ( 041/323- 4007).
Arriving in Morretes I could still sense floral fragrances coming from all directions, along with a very distinct one: the smell of Barreado. It is a traditional dish made of beef stew, eaten with rice, banana and manioc flour. With so many choices of restaurants, the scenery can make the difference, so I stopped by Restaurante Nhundiaquara, on a bank of the river that has the same name.
Morretes
Morretes has astonishing colonial architecture: it remains a Portuguese village frozen in time despite all the tourist buzz around it.
From Morretes, I drove to Paranaguá, the oldest city of Paraná, colonial town and port of great importance since the 17th century. Already at the coast, the temperatures rise and the scenery is closer to that idyllic Brazilian tropical image I have referred. I get on the boat that will take me to Ilha do Mel.
That’s a good way to see Paranaguá Bay, where islands such as Ilha do Mel guard the entrance while Serra do Mar’s mountains crown the horizon. Dolphins swim near the boat and birds of different species fly overhead.
Beaches of Ilha do Mel
Ilha do Mel completes my short travel from Curitiba. Its beauty is legendary. The island has many beaches, some of them completely deserted. The huge Fort of Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres overlooks the entrance of the bay, as a reminder of unwelcome visitors of the past, like the pirate ships once seen from these shores.
Green hills meet the sea on some parts of the island, protecting small sandy beaches between them. On one of those hills stands the Lighthouse. From its top, the view is incredible, as your eyes can see as far as the island of Superagui, a tropical national park and biologically diverse sanctuary.
One can hardly believe this scenery is found so close to the high planes’ temperate climate. Some 60 miles from Curitiba, even the people from the coast appear to be slightly different in their traditions and backgrounds. Still, there’s unity between Curitibanos and the Caiçaras (the coast inhabitants of mixed indigenous and Portuguese backgrounds). For me, that’s another reminder of Brazilian diversity.
The route I took from Curitiba to the Ilha do Mel is very popular among locals, and it’s increasingly explored by outsiders, who are happy to discover a small example of what Brazil really is in a virtually unknown part of the country. Rediscovering my homeland, it made me feel more Brazilian than ever.
For more information (in English), visit the Official State of Paraná Tourism Site at Visit Brazil.
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On January 15, 2015, Google announced that it would stop selling the Google Glass product to consumers — who became its “Explorers” — while it makes more improvements to the technology and hardware. Simultaneously, the product will move from its test phase at Google X and become its own department within the giant technology company.
For complete details, please see this story: Google Glass Sales Halted.
This is a great summary of emerging family travel trends in 2015. I am very excited to see ecotourism evolving to include the youngest travelers as well as multi-gen travelers. Very interesting to see uber attempt to dig into the family market. As for all-inclusive hotels, after years of resisiting, I am finally a convert. My kids have always loved them and now their parents finally see the ease and economy of the pay-one-price concept. Happy Travels in 2015!
great feedback on what we’re seeing for 2015; agree that ecotourism has become so mainstream that it’s time all ages and all abilities (including those with disabilities) are included in nature-focused travel.
And yes, disruptive technologies like uber and airbnb are usually started by young people and grow by appealing to young travelers, but as we all know, they too will settle down and have kids and then look at new ways to make their services more “family-friendly.” So that’s an area where we see tremendous growth potential and hope for fresh ideas.
excited about what’s coming in 2015! Thanks for your comments.
I’m in, would love to win a stay at the Camelback water park in Pennsylvania. Close to my NJ home and sounds like a fun snowy or rainy day break with my boys. Sign me up!
After returning from a vacation with her daughter, C.S. shared this review of the Dreams Punta Cana resort in the Dominican Republic.
“Hi, we did not get sick at Dreams Punta Cana, stuck to bottled water, they were nice there not really attentive at concierge or lobby not knowledgeable and internet not working well, entertainment was okay and food just okay beach nice, tours not organized very well for swim with dolphins and no shopping for malls provided.
Yes the food was not great at all, hoping for better at gourmet restaurants, they always burnt the steak and not great the food, the world café was fine, buffet.
Kids club for my 8 year old she was bored, most of the kids were younger and not a lot to do for the 8 to 9 year olds, riviera maya dreams does a better job with kids club and takes them out to the real pool for kid games that is always nice.
I like Riviera Maya Mexico still a lot better.”
“The Singing Tower.” Bok Towers Gardens. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 July 2014.
The Vera Bradley outlet sale sounds like a midwestern version on Filene’s Running of the Brides! It sounds like a paisley lovers dream and a fun Mother/Daughter bonding event. Thanks for sharing!
How’s the weather up there now? Would it be warm enough to swim outdoors in late April, or still chilly? Seems like a fun spring break getaway since we only have a few days. Thanks for sharing.
I love Rocky Mountain National park! It’s great for all Colorado seasons. In the winter, when other parts of the park are closed down, they open up sledding areas. When I went, we shared the hill with just one other small group. A great afternoon for all ages!
In spite of all the cold weather we have been experiencing, this story makes me want to head up to Montreal for a frosty weekend of fun. The Montreal en Lumiere festival sounds like a winner, as does the hotel. Thank you for the terrific seasonal suggestions!
Skiing is such a wonderful way to experience Colorado’s beauty! There is such pride in that state and I love that so many resorts really cater to children too.
Eldora Mountain Resort wasn’t mentioned on this list, but on Saturday, March 8, they are hosting a scavenger hunt to raise money for Leave No Trace, an organization dedicated to teaching people to take care of the world around them, while also having fun. How awesome is that?! Can’t wait to hear more about it.
This is an excellent article. Well researched, thoughtful and motivating. I know as a parent right now considering a family cruise this Spring Break in March, kids drowning will be on my mind even though my son is on a swim team and swims two miles five nights a week for practice. Drowning can happen to anyone, any time, at any age. As a former swim instructor and lifeguard myself for many years to earn summr spending money and put myself through college, I know how water is dangerous — whether in a pool, lake, baeach or bathtub. But we all need reminding and education about what drowning looks like. And that is what you’ve done for me today. Thank you.
As a teen life guard, I saved a kid at our local pool who was “just floating.” It was a crowded pool on a sticky, hot Midwest day. A swimmer in the middle of the packed giant kids’ pool started yelling at me and pointing to the child “floating.” I’ll never forget doing mouth-to-mouth, his wide vacant eyes, his limp body, and then him catapulting upwards, spitting, sputtering to life. I tear up as I write this. What if he hadn’t lived? The guilt, the fright, the parents, the park district, the system…who to blame if the child had died? Would I be blamed for not seeing him inactive sooner? Would the pool be blamed for allowing too many people in? Would the park district be blamed for booking the swimming event? Did anything change after this incident? Yes. I got fired. And went to work for another pool heading up their swimming lessons program.
Thank you for writing this and your call to action for everyone to take responsibility for children around water at all hours of the day and night. Your “unthinkable” article has given us all much to think about.
Would be a fun vacation if you could really save money by doing it too!
What an adventure, I would love to do embark on a journey like this with my teens. The flora and fauna seem incredible, the guides professional. Thank you for sharing!
We’ve heard the Boeing factory tour is really interesting – wondering now if there any exhibits or parts areas that relate to the new Dreamliner. Would love to see one up close, especially being assembled after all the battery snafus.
Wish we all could have been there, Morocco looks fabulous and during the winter it would be a very productive coder’s retreat.
Congratulations to ALL of the students who entered in the FTF Writing Scholarship contest :3 Of course a big "congrats" should be merited to our winners, but I think every student who entered deserves a pat on the back–hopefully they'll be inspired to continue writing, too!
This sounds like a great resort for my all-inlusive loving teen children, who have a " bigger is better" attitude. I love that it is so close to the Cancun Airport, so you can get right to the fun as soon as you land.
I love the idea that guests at the hotel can "assemble" their own favorite meals from a variety of healthy offerings. Sounds like a great idea. If only I had time to cook so many different options every night at home!
This looks like a fascinating experience to remember and to go too! I have always wanted to go to Dubai and going there is a vacation never to forget!
Enjoy
One of the best states to come visit!
You make me want to go there and spend weeks on end, reconnecting with nature and making friends. And blobbing too. Thanks for sharing this.
Cincinnati, Ohio. Just another city in the Mid-West, right? Wrong. Cincinnati is one of the greatest cities in Ohio. With our stunning river front view, our bustling downtown, and the newly gentrified Over-the-Rhine, what else could we have in store?
For starters, Cincinnati has the 7th best zoo in the nation.Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a great location for exploration and learning. People of all ages can appreciate the wide variety of animals found in the Zoo. Not only are the animals astounding, but guests get the chance for a hands on experience with many of the animals. For example, in Giraffe Ridge, guests can purchase a snack for the Giraffes and then feed them over the balcony. These moments will be remembered and cherished for the rest of a person's life.
Another great accessory Cincinnati has is the new, urban planned area called "The Banks. The Banks features apartments on the second floor of the buildings and restaurants and music venues on the first floor. This is a great area for younger couples to hang out at night.
Findlay Market is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or weekend. Findlay Market is the oldest public market in the state of Ohio. The market is open every day but Monday and is one of the best places to find locally and organically grown foods. Another great feature about Findlay Market is that the area surrounding the market is newly gentrified, meaning that it has been refurbished. This makes the area even more desirable.
The Newport Aquarium</a>is not located in the city of Cincinnati itself but it is an awesome place for family fun. Newport, Kentucky is only a 10 minute drive from downtown Cincinnati and has other amenities. Other places to visit while in Newport would be Dewey's Pizza, Brothers, Brio, and the Haufbrau House. All these restaurants give a different essence to the name "Cincinnati". Dewey's is a local pizza joint that runs the gamut in available options. Clever names and quick service make for a great time. Brothers and Brio are Italian restaurants that serve authentic Italian cuisine (Brothers is the less expensive option). The Haufbrau House is a German Bier Garten style restaurant that offers a large selection of beers and sandwiches. Along with normal options, the HaufBrau House also provides authentic German food. After you eat, the chicken dance is played, giving patrons the opportunity to dance on the table tops.
Other Cincinnati food traditions are Goetta and Skyline. When German immigrants came over to America, they settled along the Ohio River, then called the "Rhine". The Germans created a meat similar to sausage called Goetta. Goetta consists of ground pork or beef, oats, and a variety of spices. This specific meat can only be found in Cincinnati and occasionally there are large festivals for Goetta and German heritage. On the other hand Skyline is chili, created by Greek immigrants. The name "Skyline" originates from the owner believing that the Cincinnati skyline was the most beautiful he had ever seen. Skyline chili has a unique flavor due to the large amount of chocolate used in the chili.
Come one come all! Memphis is the breeding grounds to fun and adventure!
I truly love my City of Houston. Though I don't know where my education will take me, Houston will always be my home.
Austin is a great place to live, love, and visit. It has wonderful sites, people, and things to do. Everybody should visit Austin.
Say what you will. An open mind is insightful.
Thank you for this spot-on mini-review of Greve and Panzano, two of the most scenic and charming towns in Chianti. Daniel Ferro's summer music program only adds to the area's beauty, with music in the piazza to entertain locals and visitors alike. The rental property sounds like an excellent choice for families who choose to vacation in and explore the area. Thanks for sharing!
Ames, Iowa provides many opportunities to experience American culture and become immersed in American history. Since the mid 1800s, Ames has become a booming college town. Culture has had lots of time to flourish in this time, and evidence of the age of this town can be found everywhere. Tourists coming to Ames can also feel safe and enjoy Ames' attractions without fear of crime. Gun fights in Ames are practically unheard of, and the friendly people never hesitate to wave, even at newcomers to the area. Any tourist can appreciate the age and personality of Ames, as well as its safety.
To experience the culture in Ames, tourists must visit Stephen's Auditorium on Iowa State University's campus. This theater hosts a variety of concerts, plays, musicals, and other theatrical performances. Comfortable seating and awesome acoustics make this location a worthy contender for a relaxing night out. Big acts such as Bill Nye the Science Guy and the band Needtobreathe have to known to reserve this venue so one feels included in a special and popular event, but the space does not have an overwhelming size, so overcrowding and overheating will not deduct from the experience. Stephen's Auditorium will help in discovering the culture of Ames.
Tourists wishing to discover some of Ames' culture would greatly benefit from attending Ames' Farmer's Market on Saturdays on Main Street. Vendors have local and homegrown produce, meat, eggs, pastries, jewelry, art and many other items for sale that offer a taste of Iowan culture. Musicians often perform for shoppers, so they can be entertained while shopping. Ames' Farmer's Market provides an excellent opportunity to experience the culture of Ames and Iowa.
Evidence of Ames' history can be found in a visit to Iowa State University's campus. Founded in 1858, Iowa State University was the sight where George Washington Carver decided to do much of his botany research. Visitors to the college will see evidence of the age of this college in the buildings from this era that still exist. Iowa State University also housed the master minds who created the first computer. Tourists to Ames can take a trip to Durham Center in Iowa State and view the replica of this first computer. Main Street offers a taste of history also. The buildings in this area of Ames give a taste of what architecture looked like back in the early 20th century. A mural on Main Street depicts some of the founders of Ames. History holds great importance in Ames, and tourists can experience this without too much trouble.
To curb tourist's hunger, Ames offers many excellent places for dining. No tourist should visit Ames without eating at Hickory Park. This restaurant is famous not only for its deliciously moist chicken but also its tangy barbecue sandwiches. After the main meal, enjoy sweet and creamy ice cream. Dublin Bay offers wonderful Irish cuisine for tourists to enjoy. Try the moist Shepherd's Pie with perfectly salted fries for contentment. For fans of Mexican food, El Azteca guarantees friendly service, free chips, and delectably flavorful food. Many restaurants with amiable service and food that delights the taste buds are available for hungry tourists.
Though a relatively small town, Ames offers visitors a chance to learn about the history and culture of not only Ames, but the state of Iowa without fear of crime. Numerous attractions exist for this purpose. Visitors can also talk to the mayor of Ames, Ann Campbell, about the culture of history of Ames. City council members happily will answer questions from tourists. Tourists will not be sorry for visiting this town.
Northern Nevada never stops to amaze.
Sunday River has been on my radar for a potential family ski trip for quite a while. This story is so loaded with good information, it seems like it is worth the extra time spent in the car to ski at such an excellent family resort. Thanks!
Wow, this sounds likea great merging of chocolate and history, two of my favorite subjects.
I am looking forward to experiencing this for myself, thank you for the informative post.
I love this post so much! I hope I will come here one day!
This is a terrific article that I am so glad to have read. I didn't know there was a car-free way to appreciate the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Sounds like a fun, scenic and eco-friendly option.
Your essay moved me to tears. I am also a finalist in the scholarship and I wrote about visiting Poland’s concentration camps. I would love your opinion on my essay.
I wrote this essay hoping to bring people closer to understanding, as close to understanding as we can get. I want to share an experience that had an impact on me. This trip truly changed me, and what I want do with my life. I suggest if you have the means or are able to visit Poland or go on March of the Living. I know there are teen and family trips with BBYO.
Thank you so much for what you said. I truly appreciate what you said. I also visited the picture of your family. Your family is beautiful and I am so glad that they were able to make it through such a devastating time.
I loved reading about your romantic return to what sounds like a beatiful and vibrant island. Thanks for sharing some of its treasures.
This is a great story, thank you for sharing the glories of Octoberfest in lesser known Nerumberg. My mouth was atering reading about all of the regional delicacies that accompany the beer!
Oh goodness, this is so sad! Thanks for sharing all of this information, a lot of these things I did not know until just now. We're taught about the Holocaust at school, but I'm sure that there is nothing like actually being at a concentration camp to understand how it actually was. Thanks for sharing.
wow! This sounds like such a wonderful experience. I'm sure it was very enlightening, and it really makes me happy to read that last paragraph. I think it's beautiful that you see things that way, and I hope to some day personally come to that realization through my own experiences. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Hi Debbie,
You will want he Medical Authorization Form from each child's parents with a photocopy of their insurance card.
Then you can use the last form which is for group tours, school outings etc. It is fine for domestic travel, Include travel info for each child so that parents assign you guardianship for certain period of time only.
Get these forms notarized. Make several photocopies in case an adventure tour operator wants to keep one. Or, if you all travel on same flights, get one long form, like a petition, and be sure both of each child's parents or guardians sign it.
You should be fine with it. Does the hotel know? Many states say it is illegal for a minor to occupy a room without an adult present. You may need connecting rooms guaranteed.
Enjoy the trip and write about what you did!
JaguarZ writes to the Admin with a very good question:
I will be traveling to Hawaii, originating on the eastcoast, with 4 minors (only 1 is my child) – they will all be 17 at the time of travel. I need to be able to "act as their guardian" — for example, sign waiver forms for activities, seek medical coverage if necessary.
I found a form or two on the site, but they seem geared toward international travel and do not seem to include the ability to "sign the waiver forms" I mention above. Any suggestions? I realize I may be able to get some of these forms signed before we leave, BUT for those activities they decide on when we are there — H E L P!
Thank you so much for your anticipated support
Debbie
This is really incredible. It is a dream of mine to visit Alaska, and I hope that if I ever do get to go, that I can experience what you did. My dad and I are avid kayakers, so it was somewhat relatable, although I doubt that Miami waters are NEARLY as cool (haha) as those in Alaska.This truly sounds like the trip of a lifetime.
I wanted to add that I loved the way you described everything, it was so beautiful and real.
Aw, I'm so sorry that happened to your dad but I'm glad something good came out of it. My family was actually planning on going to Gatlinburg next summer but we're all way too chicken to do this white water rafting haha. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you for sharing this! That sounds like a truly beautiful experience. I love the bit about never underestimating yourself the most, very true.
*2009 not 2008
This is about my trip to South Dakota.
This trip was indeed and enriching expreience.
If you copy and paste the URL at the bottom of the post into your browser, it will take you to a video clip of the event, and if you skip to the last 12 seconds of the video you will see myself and one of my good friends sprinting in to the finish. We ended up tieing for 9th place.