Friday morning entry...chilaxing continues

I scrambled on Wednesday to make a post with pictures, but wanted to take some extra time to elaborate on our story. We lined up a dune buggy tour which picked us up at the hotel, navigated the city streets for 45 minutes and then made it to the dunes. Going through the city streets in a dune buggy is interesting. First, you are in a dune buggy...no seat belts, no roof. Secondly, to avoid anyone riding by on a bike or running swiftly by the buggy, all personal belongings need to be hidden at your feet or put away (something the driver reminded us of quite often).  But overall the dune buggy experience was pretty darn cool. Because of the World Cup, we are pretty sure the prices are jacked up a bit (about $150 per person), but it was worth and lasted the entire day. We hit some tiny water holes, big beaches, guys selling lobster on a stick (tasty!), beers along the way and beautiful scenery. Not a bad way to spend the day. 

Thursday was a different day. Not awful, just different. First, it was a tad rainy. Second, we went on a wild goose chase to find a rental car and struck out. Third, to Leah's disappointment, it was a national holiday and many of the shops were closed. (Side note...have any of you ever shopped with Leah? You'd understand what I am talking about. While I will give her credit that she can sometimes find a good deal or really cool item, the process is excruciating. Can feel like a meandering walk in the Sahari with no end in sight or expectation for when the torture will evaporate).  Good news was we found a few shops open, beer stands to help make the experience more enjoyable for all, a neat little BBQ buffet with a local guy manning the grill...and plenty of World Cup soccer on TVs everywhere we went. This country loves soccer...(thanks Captain Obvious).  But they have TVs in the Pharmacy, TVs all over the mall, TVs in shops, TVs in nice restaurants. The USA could learn something from Brazil in my opinion. 

But the big news of the day was that my sister Kelsey and brother-in-law, Kevin, welcomed into the world their first born...Kenzie Bourquin at 8.4 lbs. I knew that we would likely be in Brazil when she arrived, but the texts and pics flying in while watching England vs Uruguay made Leah and I pause...raise a glass...and share a few words of welcome from 5000 miles away to Kenzie and the Bourquin family. Pretty cool and so happy for Kelsey and Kevin. 

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