Our vacation planning ideas for that first family trip to Brazil provide a 10-day tour of this huge, fascinating country and leave plenty more to do on your second trip.
Those who follow international business know that the so-called BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China) have been among the world’s fastest growing economies, with the resources, infrastructure and skilled workers needed to weather economic crises. For the past 10 years, analysts in the travel industry have predicted that the newly prosperous citizens of these populous countries would become the world’s largest consumers of travel, changing where and how the world takes vacations. And as the Chinese proved in early 2013 when they became the tourism industry's largest spenders, they have.
Recent events are helping Brazil blossom as the next big tourist destination. It is the world’s fifth largest country and covers more than 43% of the South American landmass. With the FIFA World Cup coming to Brazil in 2014, and the Rio de Janeiro Olympics following in 2016, this hospitable, energetic and welcoming country is poised to become the hottest tourist destination in the Americas.
Preparing for the FIFA 2014 World Cup Brazil
With this in mind, we spoke to Miguel Jeronimo, Director for East Coast USA of EMBRATUR, the Brazilian Tourist Board. He explained that Brazil’s focus on major sporting events was a natural result of the successful Pan-American Games held in the country in 2007. At that time, the country invested in improvements to its infrastructure, including the building of stadiums and other sports facilities. The government, now led by the charismatic President Dilma Vana Rousseff, estimates that more than 70% of the facilities needed to host the 2016 Olympics already exist. Mr. Jeronimo added that due to the anticipated impact of the cruise industry, improvements were scheduled in the major ports at Sao Paulo, Rio, and Salvador in Bahia, which serve ships plying the Atlantic between Brazil and neighboring Argentina.
The FIFA World Cup is soccer’s biggest match in what’s arguably soccer’s biggest country. The playoffs and final matches will be held over several weeks in a dozen major cities. Projects underway include many “green” initiatives intended to preserve Brazil’s uniquely bio-diverse environment. Millions of trees are being planted; a railroad is being built between Sao Paulo and Rio; the international airport at Rio de Janeiro is being expanded to accommodate new planes and more passengers. While the economy was growing throughout 2012, government expenditures were condoned, but millions protested during the summer of 2013 that the continual investment should go to improving the daily lives of the people. Today, projects are on track but concerns linger about Brazil's financial stability.
No one doubts its potential as a tourism powerhouse.
Rio & The Amazon Top a 10-Day Itinerary
Given a 10 to 12-day trip for a family with two kids ages 12 to 18, Mr. Jeronimo suggests a mix of destinations, selected according to a family’s interests. He admits that most families will only get to two or three destinations because there is so much to see at each. Review his list of top picks and decide what your family can accomplish in 10 days, allowing plenty of rest for young children.
Rio de Janeiro: Culture & Beach
His first must-see is the city of Rio de Janeiro, where families can enjoy both culture and the beach. In Rio, highlights for families include Corcovado, the hilltop crowned by a 98-foot-tall blazing white statue of Christ the Redeemer that has been chosen as one of new Seven Wonders of the World. The steep railway that takes visitors up to the summit is one thrill; the view of the skyline and coast from the summit of Corcovado is the other attraction. Pao de Acucar or Sugarloaf is another hilltop marvel, whether your family scales it by foot or by cablecar, a two-stage process that affords wonderful views. From the peak, you can see Corcovado, the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema and the whole city panorama. Families will want to see some of the city’s historic forts, the favelas or slums (the film “City of God” made these so famous that there are organized tours to see the city’s poorest neighborhoods), the Museum of Modern Art MAM, samba clubs where kids can try to pick up some steps of their own and many other sights.
Amazon Rain Forest: Eco-Adventures
The Amazon Rain forest is a personal favorite, and Mr. Jeronimo says families should start their visit in Manaus, in the northern state of Amazonas, which has the facilities to support many kinds of adventures. One of the unique places to stay is the Ariau Amazon Towers (888/GO-ARIAU), located about two hours by boat from Manaus on the Rio Negro. This hotel has luxury rooms built within cylindrical towers on stilts connected by three miles of catwalks strung between treetops. In addition to guided rain forest tours with resident naturalists, restaurants, two swimming pools, a theater for folkloric dancing, and the on-site monkeys and other indigenous creatures who like to watch the guests, Mr. Jeronimo notes that this hotel has a nursery where your youngest children can play under supervision, if parents and older siblings want to join a more adventurous expedition to the surrounding rivers or villages.
Minas Gerais & the Royal Route: History
One of the favorite destinations for families is Minas Gerais, in the southeast state that includes Rio, Espirito Santo and São Paulo. The capital of this former gold mining region is Belo Horizonte, yet Ouro Preto, with its old churches, is one of the prettiest villages. This historic town is along the so-called Royal Route or Estrada Real, a self-guided tour of the region that enables families to stay in old posadas, or country inns, that have been renovated. In addition to touring the many traditional buildings, many of which have been repurposed as trendy cafes and boutiques, kids can don the costumes of yesteryear, when Ouro Preto was a colonial capital, and let professional photographers capture this step back in time on film. This region is also known for its excellent Portuguese-inspired cuisine.
Santa Caterina & Florianopolis: Style & Surfing
Santa Caterina is in the very southern part of the country, along with the states of Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul. The region has absorbed the influence of many European cultures, and is a favorite for Brazilian families because of that. Florianopolis, the picturesque capital, is on an island in the Atlantic and is popular with tourists for its great beaches and chic, laid back lifestyle. There are other wonderful beaches and many places to learn how to surf, as well as opportunities for outdoors adventure and recreation. Here, Italian and Portuguese explorers set the tone for the local cuisine, again making it very popular with visitors and locals alike.
Bahia & Salvador: Ethnic Heritage
In contrast, the coastal province of Bahia has a more exotic tradition based on the former slave trade and the African Santerria religion. The capital of Salvador on Bahia de Todos Santos is a popular cruise port for day-trippers who enjoy the bustling marketplace, displays of superbly crafted regional ceramics, dolls and folk arts, and famous drumming. Salvador’s 18th century neighborhood of Pelourinho is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Bahia Tourism will provide more information for families who can stay a few days and tour the old town, dine in one of the excellent restaurants, learn about the port’s place in the slave trade, and appreciate the African music at the root of the “Brazilian sound.” These rhythms have been popularized by Paul Simon, the Talking Heads and many other North American bands; kids are sure to recognize and enjoy the beat.
Welcoming Families & Newcomers to Brazil
In discussing tourism, Mr. Jeronimo proudly talked about his country’s natural assets, not the least of which is a 4,000-mile-long coastline with 2, 045 identified beaches. Most North American families will be traveling to Brazil to experience its culture, history, environment and unique sights such as the Amazon rain forest, rather than beaches that can be found much closer to home.
That’s why, in addition to sports tourism, the Brazilian Tourist Board sells Brazil’s culture: its remarkably diverse ethnic groups, music, performing arts, galleries and museums, and the regional cuisines – the African spices used in Bahia, fresh seafood of the south, grilled meats served at churascarias, and Portuguese flavors that infuse many dishes – that have found followers around the world.
Trip Planning Resources
In addition to browsing the internet for more information about Mr. Jeronimo’s suggested stops, kids can go the Brazil Consulate website and download two brochures intended for them: “Brazil for Kids” and “Brazil Map,” so they can keep parents on course in the family trip-planning.
Although many families will be limited by school holidays in planning their Brazil vacation, in fact this vast country with its many different geographical areas and altitudes has a wide variety of climates. According to the Brazilian Tourist Board, most of Brazil lies in the inter-tropical zone between the equator and the Tropic of Capricorn, and wet climates predominate. The average temperature for the country as a whole is 20º C (68º F), with little variation in any one region on any given day. Brazil’s main climates are the Equatorial (in the Amazon Region), with all-year rain, high average temperatures between 77º and 80.6º F; and the Tropical (Central Brazil and part of the Northeastern Region), with high average temperatures between 64.4º and 82.4º F and well-defined dry (mid-year) and wet (early in the year) seasons. The south is colder than the rest of Brazil (average temperature of 64.4º F; during winter temperature may fall below freezing point).
Of course, seasons in the southern hemisphere are the opposite of those in the northern hemisphere, so that the Christmas/New Year’s break falls in the January to March summer; April through June is fall; July to September is winter and October to December is spring.
Getting to Brazil & Getting Around
TAM is the international airline that connects Brazil with major cities around the world. In order to enter Brazilian territory, all foreign nationals must carry a passport valid for a minimum of six months from the date of intended arrival in Brazil (except Argentinean, Chilean, Uruguayan and Paraguayan citizens entering Brazil by land, who need only a photo ID). Additionally, a tourist visa is required for U.S. passport holders to enter Brazil; business travelers must meet other requirements. The website of the Brazilian Consulate in New York (917-777-7777) has a list of resources for families who need to arrange for tourist or business visas. By the way, nationals of most Western European and South American countries are not required to get a Brazilian visa to enter Brazil for the purpose of tourism.
Brazil is closer to North America than many families might think. For example, TAM flies daily from Miami to Manaus, the main city in the Amazon, in just four hours and serves 40 destinations in the country from 25 US cities. Delta is another carrier that serves this route, although less frequently.
For getting around, the Brazilian Tourist Board suggests that families use a mix of taxis and a car/driver recommended by their hotel to tour cities and surrounding attractions. The most economical and time-efficient way to move between destinations is to purchase a TAM Airpass that permits four stops within Brazil, including port of arrival and departure.
Families who prefer a fully escorted tour may check out the Brazilian Incoming Travel Organization or BITO website, which lists all of the tour operators who have met the government’s licensing requirements. Each of the BITO member websites highlights that company’s specialties.
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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.