Brazil is a large country, 5th in the world actually. So we couldn’t bring ourselves to only see the south. We found someone online looking for help on a farm up north, so that’s where we headed next. The trip there was a long one. Three buses, one lost towel and about 45 beers later we arrived in the Brazilian Province of Rondonia, a newer province known for it’s agriculture and the separator of the Brazilian and Bolivian Amazons.
Our new friend picked us up from the bus station and we knew right away that we were going to get along great. He taught us new Portugese words like “Boga” and “Prosgie” on the hour and a half drive to his hometown, Cabixi.
The residents of Cabixi call it a city, and Google Maps calls it a village, so we’ll settle on it being a town. Cabixi is a small town with a huge heart. It’s a place where everyone knows everyone, but with out all the gossip. The family we stayed with was amazing. The son that posted for help was the only one that could speak English, and our Portuguese is worse than our tap dancing, so he had to translate for us the entire time we were there, and he was completely patient and made sure we were in on all the jokes. His sister introduced us to all the baby animals on the farm, made us delicious snacks, and even gave us parting gifts. She tricked me into trying chicken stomach, but I still adore her. His brother didn’t let the language barrier get in the way at all. He communicated with us the best he could and when he couldn’t He put our translator to work. He made sure we learned lots about the area and showed us some incredible things. More on that to come. He had his own charming family who were great as well. The parents (I still don’t know why they even allowed two dummy Canadians into their home) we’re completely welcoming, introduced us to all their friends and made us delicious meals of bbqed meats, fish, and traditional Brazilian dishes. Sorry to get so long winded, but this is a family that you meet once in a life time, and I will never forget them.
The first night we arrived they had a gathering for us, there were about 30 people in attendance. We ate yummy foods an drank all night. Everyone was eager to learn about Canada and what brought us to their small town. The first full day we arrived was when I realized that we didn’t actually have to work. Yes, you read that correctly, these people brought us into their home for nothing in return. Tom headed off with the brothers to purchase some cattle. They even let him brand some which he thought was great. I wouldn’t have been able to do it, but I guess that’s why we make such a great travel team. That night we went to a friends birthday party that our family slaughtered a sheep for. It was so delicious. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. That’s when Tom and I got to thinking, we can’t just take from this generous family, we have to give back. So we decided to do one of the only things we’re good at, cook. We knew we’d be cooking for a lot of people, as there were always a lot of people at meal time, but we were happy to do it. Tom made his signature piña collider burgers, and I made coleslaw, pasta salad, and pan fries. It was a hit! Phewf! Now it was time to see the Amazon.
As you may know, the wet season in Brazil brings a lot of water, so the grandfather lives in a house on stilts beside a river (now flooded) that feeds into the Amazon river. We headed there by boat with the two brothers and dad. We dropped dad off at the house where we immediately saw a family of howler monkeys, and went on an adventure. We headed down the river to see a cliff that look like “The Wall” but with trees. We went into the forest and found a crystal clear stream. We sat in the there in the middle of this lush green jungle and let fish nibble on our toes. We went across into Bolivia were we learned a neat party trick with tree thorns. We saw rare birds and jumped into the river where pirañas live. It was one of the most incredible days of our trip. The highlight for me was seeing a PINK, freshwater dolphin. Of course he had to have fun with us and would pop up far away, and then close, and then on the other side of the river. That little trickster was something I never though I would get to see in this life. We headed back to the house to watch the sunset an eat fried catfish. On our way back to the car we could see eyes glowing. Caiman! The older brother thought we should get a closer look. He grabbed a baby and tried to throw it in the boat! It bounced off my arm and splashed back in the water. Just a little terrifying.
When Saturday night arrived we headed to a near by town to see some live music. I found out when I got there that tequila was free for the ladies. I don’t think they knew I was coming. Needless to say, we had a fun night and a terrible morning.
Because the family liked our food so much we decided to cook again, but this time took advantage of their Italian roots and got everyone’s help to make fresh pasta. The best meals are those made by lots of loving hands… or just my moms hands.
We were so sad to leave Cabixi, but we’ve found a home away from home that we promised to return to. And we hope our new friends come to visit us someday.