Robin Sparks

An American woman’s global search for a new country

Reality Bites

Posted: August 28, 2005 Ilha Grande, Brazil I’m pecking this out during a quick pitstop on an island called Ilha Grande just off the coast of Brazil, located halfway between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. My son, his girlfriend, and I have been sailing for two...

Robin in Rio

August 30, 2005 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil I was out till late last night with Ryan and Jessica. We attended a huge street party in Lapa. THIS is what I didn’t get to do when I was in Rio alone last year. There was olundum drumming and bossa nova and people crowded...

Oi. The Only Macs are at MacDonald’s

September 6, 2005 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Oi! (Brazilian Portuguese for hello). I have a computer bloated with stories and photos meant to be passed on from me in South America to you in North America. But there is a language problem. My Mac speaks a different language...

New Digs

September 2, 2005 Rio de Janiero, Brazil I´ve just moved into a castle. No joke! I moved out of a non-descript hotel room in Copacabana, to my own little Rapunzel room high up on a hill in a castle complete with everything but a moat. You can see the Valentin Castle...

FIRST SIGHTING – FORTALEZA

September 9, 2005Fortaleza, Brazil – Maybe I’m just tired from arriving in Fortaleza at 2 AM last night only to be told my hotel was full. Or maybe it’s the constant wind. It could be the random sprouting of multi-story buildings blocking the view of...

FEAR And LOATHING In FORTALEZA, Part 1

September 9, 2005 Fortaleza, Brazil A man in the hotel lobby introduced himself as Steven. He was a stocky American with a Brooklyn accent, mid 60’s, wearing a wife beater shirt, baggy shorts that ended below chubby knees, and teva sandals. He had a voice that...