Final Thoughts and Thank Yous

All joking and hangover induced crankiness aside, Brazil was a pretty incredible place. I can see why Carolina cries when she leaves. Scenery is scenery, but as Ray mentioned in his reception toast, it was the Brazilian people we met along the way that made it memorable. Carolina’s family was as gracious and warm and welcoming as anything I could ever imagine. And I’m not even related. It is impossible to think that we could ever return the treatment in kind if things were reversed, and, frankly, that embarrasses me.

A special thanks to Cassiano for silently and gracefully pulling all the strings together to make it all work. I sensed that he was doing and did a lot behind the scenes. It didn’t go unnoticed.

A hearty nod to Christiane and Roberto and the rest of the immediate family who stuck close and translated Arrogant American into Peaceful Portuguese and vice versa. You are welcome in our homes anytime. Book a ticket!

And a big, huge muchos gracious to Soninha. Since her English is better than mine, I’m sure she’ll have no problem translating this site, my sarcasm, and my gratitude to the entire Teixeira gang. For someone whom we spent a relatively short amount of time with, Patty and I both miss her dearly. It would have been a fraction of the experience without her. Obrigado!

A special thanks to the entire American contingent. Some of you I’ve known for about forever. Many of you I met in Brazil. It was a good group. Let’s do it again. I call shotgun next to Max.

Finally, kudos to Todd. I’ve known Todd since he was a three-foot tall pain in my ass. However, the Todd that I hung with in Brazil was an appreciative, collected, and mature newly wed. I was truly impressed. Todd’s a little brother that I don’t need to worry about anymore. I think Carolina has something to do with that. Thanks to the both of you for the invite. We had a blast!

Back Next