In a way, Brazil is my second home. All of my husband’s family lives there, and we visit them about once a year for a few weeks. I am very fortunate to have in-laws who are loving and generous and who have always welcomed me as part of the family. When we visit, we spend most of our time at my sister-in-law’s house in rural Brazil, in a small city called Bragança Paulista, and I always take lots of photos because all the little things are beautiful to me.
I happened to notice that the theme for #FriFotos this week on Twitter is “homes” and I realized that this was the perfect opportunity to finally use my photos of daily life at a home in Brazil. When I think about “home” in Brazil, these are the images that come to mind:
What do you imagine home in Brazil is like? Of course, there are many, many different types, and this is just one! But I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into what home is like for my in-laws. For more posts about Brazil, check out the Brazil category.
What lovely photos Jenna. They really inspire me to go back to Brazil. The last time I was there was back in 2004. The colours, nature and wildlife are just so vibrant and fully of energy. I know I always say say this to you, but your children are also just too adorable.
Thanks, Nathalie! I hope you get to meet them one day! You were planning to go to Brazil this year, if I remember correctly. I hope you get to go again soon. It has changed a lot, mostly for the good, since 2004 (and is much more expensive!), and with your love of seeing less common destinations and staying in boutique hotels, I’m sure you will have a wonderful experience.
Tucans, owls and banana blossoms – got it all! Careful though, at some point in the banana blossom’s life span it really starts to smell bad.
Enjoying the shots, keep ’em comin’!
I didn’t know that about the banana flower. They are so beautiful.
And this is why Brasil is my favorite country in the world! 🙂
this may be my favorite post. i absolutely love the details of daily life and how things are the same as home and how they are different. this is one of the main reasons i love traveling – to experience these minor delicious differences while feeling comforted by the everydayness of it all.
the photos perfectly capture the feelings of home. the boys are so lucky to have a second home and kudos to you for making sure they experience it often.
i’m hoping to get to taiwan enough that ruby feels it is her second home some day.
Tami, so glad this post resonated with you. The experience of being there every year is a special one, one I have a hard time explaining and one that has greatly evolved over the years. I look forward to hearing about Ruby’s time in Taiwan as she gets older 🙂
Love this post! We lived in central Parana for 3 years, but it was very much a city experience. There is so much more of the rural/homestead side of Brazil that I’d like to experience. Like fruit from the backyard! 🙂 Thanks for bringing back some good memories.
So glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
what a wonderful taste of brazil – your kids are very lucky to call it a second home! The drinking coconut water pic is adorable.
Thanks, Monique!
Such lovely colourful photos! Thank you for giving us a little taste of Brazil.
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed them.
I love how all the fruits come from the backyard if not nearby and there’s so much wildlife for your kids to see. I am sure it is an educational trip for them as well as a homecoming.
The food looks delicious too. I just watched an Antony Bourdain episode where he travels to Brazil and his #1 recommendation was to be sure you know someone before you arrive to ensure a locals experience with great food and to get to know the country better.
Murissa
The wildlife is really special. I actually spend a lot of time looking for the birds because I enjoy them so much. When the toucans show up, I go out and look for them as they make their way around the neighborhood. I have seen an Anthony Bourdain in Brazil (maybe the same one?), but I agree that it’s good advice to get to know the locals there. They are a warm, fun bunch.
I love the idea of these “home away from home” type places. Not quite exotic as Brazil but we have the same thing at my husband’s parents place in Australia.
Having something like that at the kids’ grandparents’ house, or any relative, is special for them, that’s for sure.
Nice photo essay Jenna. I don’t think I’ve ever seen an owl – let alone have one live across the street. I do have resident hedgehogs in my neighborhood though!
Thanks, Kate!
Your trip “home” to Brazil looks like a little slice of heaven. I bet the sounds of home in Brazil are very different from California. What a joy it would be to wake up to a plate of freshly picked tropical fruits and to listen to the exotic sounding birds.
Looks to me like you have a wonderful second family.
Your photos are glorious too Jenna.
Thanks, Leigh! One of the main sounds there is the sound of the roosters starting around 4 a.m.! But yes, I love the birds, fruits, and other simple pleasures, plus the time with these special people.
Oh wow – toucans in your yard? This looks simply amazing…I have always wanted to visit Brazil but these simple charms make it look even more enticing…
I think you will love it! Try to get to some of the more rural areas when you do go there.
Love these photos! I haven;t visited Brasil but when I do I will be sure to turn to you for recommendations!
Thanks, Charu! I look forward to talking with you about Brazil someday!
Jenna, the 19th image is called “Bumba Meu Boi” or “Boi-Bumbá”. Greetings from São Paulo, Brazil – love your blog!
Thanks for the correction! I changed it. I’m surprised my husband didn’t say anything 😛