Yellow Romper in Brazil

November 12, 2022

Q: Why is this post starting with a “Q”!?

A: Short but epic, this trip to Brazil packed some crazy, interesting, unique, impactful memories. Instead of writing essays as per usual, I want to try a new easy-to-read travel recap format of an interview I will be conducting myself with myself, to give you the most interesting easy-to-find bits of our travels.

Q: Who made these clothes?

A: Day 3 of our 4-day trip, I was done wearing gowns or leggings – it was all about comfortable sporty chic (at least in my vision). The short knit romper is by a Ukrainian brand O.Taje, the backpack is my travel bag by a Ukrainian brand Udler and the sneakers are by United Nude purchased on Wolf & Badger. Taking small breaks from supporting Ukrainian brands, I support small sustainable ones.

Q: Gowns?

A: Second time back in Rio, 10 years after visit 1.0, Matt and I were here for a wedding – my friend all the way back from college was getting married! Ceremony held in the beautiful Igreja de São Francisco de Paula – a 150+ year church in the heart of Rio’s historic center, followed by a reception in Mansao Santa Teresa, a gorgeous mansion with panoramic views of Rio. Go Google these 2 spots – both are breathtaking. So yes, an Amanda Uprichard gown was the outfit of the day.

Q: How was the food?

A: 10 years ago, I could chase steak down with 10 sugar-filled caipirinhas, wake up early and go exploring – today alcohol triggers a 2-day hangover, sugar swells up hands to the point where rings don’t fit, steak gives heartburn for weeks… So this means we were kind to our bodies, selective, and cautious with what food and drinks we consumed… is something I would say if we actually used our brains a little more. But we didn’t – so we ate out 4 times a day, no big deal. Gastronomical highlights to recommend included a cozy steakhouse Churrascaria Palace and an Asian cuisine restaurant Mee inside Copacabana Palace.

Q: What about prices?

A: Super affordable for anyone visiting from money pits like NYC – all our Rio Ubers together, including to/from the airport totaled $60. For comparison – sometimes it costs me $60 to go one way to visit my mom (we both live in Manhattan). Our fancy steak dinner with a bottle of wine, endless appetizers & desert cost $110 each, approximately the same for our dinner at Mee.

Q: And finally – how was the weather?

A: October falls on the “low season” in Rio – but the weather was still wonderful – not painfully hot or uncomfortably chilly. Curveball came from thick fog covering most tourist attractions located at the high points of the city – visiting Christ the Redeemer, not only could we not see the monument itself, but approximately 4 feet in front of us. Hot tip: stay on the beaches on foggy days.