SSA-GIG-ATL

When I first looked into booking the travel to Brazil, I tried to find the least expensive tickets with the fewest connections. Ultimately, the trip that appealed to me the most was a trip from Atlanta to Salvador with a stop in Rio de Janeiro. This trip was not the shortest trip but it had the fewest connections and was a relatively good price. The biggest challenge was that the trip had a 9 hour layover both ways. I knew that we could possibly go into Rio de Janeiro even if only for a brief time with this layover. Thanks to our caring friends in Salvador, both Fred and Clara, we were able to organize a 4 hour trip into Rio on our way back to the states. Two things hit me upon arriving in Rio (which I had only been to once before about 15 years ago): it is immense and it is very different from Salvador. That shouldn’t surprise me as I would say that about two different cities in the United States. However, the trip into Rio de Janeiro made me realize why I like taking students to Salvador. Salvador is a city that will wrap its arms around you, give you a grande abraço and you will come away with a different perspective on things (at least it is like that for me). Perhaps I feel this way in part because of all the wonderful people that I have come to know there. I also believe it is part of Bahian culture and style that separates it from other parts of Brazil.

Me, Prof. Magee and Pounce at the top of Corcovado.
Me, Prof. Magee and Pounce at the top of Corcovado.

Nonetheless, our trip to Rio (and 4 hours away from GIG airport) was a great time. And I was finally happy to rest once we all arrived back in Atlanta safely!

One thought on “SSA-GIG-ATL”

  1. Rio was a great treat for us to see, but we also felt the difference from Salvador and discussed it on the ride back to the airport. Salvador and our friends there are dear to our hearts!

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