Ola do Bonito!

Hello from Bonito! I know you have all been anxiously awaiting some pictures and news from us! We left Bauru at 4:00am and drove 3 hours back to Sao Paulo to catch a flight to Campo Grande, where we rented a car and drove 4 hours to Bonito. We are in The Middle of Nowhere, Brazil, and have not had any access to internet. We are not complaining :)

We have so much to share and tell! Our last day in Bauru (Monday) we drove out into the beautiful country side to an incredible restaurant and antique market called Vila Capo. We enjoyed food with friends and perused the beautiful antiques. We purchased a vessel that we fell in love with. It is carefully packaged so we look forward to sharing photos if it makes it home safely. Fingers crossed! Sandy, you would have died! Can't wait to share pictures.

Our first day in Bonito we arrived at our hotel, Santa Esmerelda, with acres and acres of property with private bungalows. Hammocks and little nooks for lounging are sprinkled over the land. Dan and I enjoyed exploring the river that runs through the property and we swam in the pool together while Artemis rested after the long drive. All three of us lounged together by the pool while snacking and drinking and watching the wild monkeys come swinging in the trees looking for fruit and nuts!

Today we woke up to pouring rain (go figure), but we made lemonade out of lemons. We enjoyed a long breakfast by an open door and then swam in the pool under the pouring rain. I was in heaven! Dan got out of the water to explore photography of rain drops. The rain was coming down hard. I made use of the time with some water aerobics. Pure ecstasy in my opinion. We have now moved hotels and are staying at Hotel Cabana. Another gorgeous hotel with beautiful landscape. Rivers trickle under bridges on paths leading to the reception area and pool from your room. Bonito! We've seen toucans, ostriches, and plenty other tropical animals we never dreamed we'd see in the wild. We have also floated down a river with some rapids on innertubes today.

We are having a great time. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. So far we are safe and relaxed! Looking forward to sharing more when we can!

Love,

Dan and Annika