Brazil baby! Day ONE

Miami airport laid out the red carpet for my departure! Well at least that’s what it felt like.. My cousin works at the airport (he’s the guy that gives you a ticket for leaving cars unattended – aka make him your new BFF-LOL) and got the head of curbside to check me in. Let’s just say I got away with more than if I were to go inside and deal with the mess that American Airlines had within their international check-in. Once I checked my luggage, I went to security and NO ONE WAS IN LINE. I had to confirm I was in the right side of the airport because I just never… After security I decided to use my coupon granting me a free entrance to American Airlines Admiral club, but for what I needed I would be just fine waiting at the gate. It was now time to board and I walked into what seemed like a zoo, at gate E8. People were everywhere, bumping into me and everyone and I just rolled my eyes (ahh gotta love traveling to 3rd world countries). Luckily I still have status with AA and got to board right after biz class folks did, yay!

The flight left relatively on time, trip was smooth (thanks to 2 bottles of Jack Daniels) and I arrived on-time and thanks to my status I got to sit right behind biz-class, hence got to customs first. Actually, that was also weird because there is usually a flight ahead of us and we would have to wait behind them but again, I walked right to a customs agent and headed to my luggage. I was the first to get both my pieces and as soon as I walked outside Alessandro was walking towards me, talk about perfect timing! (and talk about the perfect flight!)

So who’s Alessandro? I met him in 2001, when we both worked for the same company. I in Atlanta; he in Rio de Janeiro. He came to the US for 3 months to learn how we operate in the states. To make long story short, we became instant bro’s. Since then, I would either go to Brazil or he and his wife would come to the US. A few years ago, I became his only son’s godfather, making us family! On my last trip, I finally decided to come out to him because I knew that he either already knew or just wouldn’t judge/care and I was right. Our friendship continues to grow and I continue to become closer to his family, especially his little ones. I just can’t believe how big they continue to get, just makes me feel old really LOL (but it’s aiight).

After the airport, we went to pick up his wife and kids and headed home to have lunch, which the maid prepared. That’s right, “maid” gurllll, holler! As soon as I was done with lunch I picked up my plate and headed towards the kitchen, but was stopped by Alessandro as he told me to leave it there, the maid will get it. OH I CAN GET USE TO THIS! LOL. After lunch, I had a shot of cachaza and took my much needed afternoon nap but not before showering because I have NOT STOPPED SWEATING!! For those that don’t know, Rio is south of the equator AKA it is summer here while it is winter in the US. I mean my skin feels so thick/moist and my sweat glands apparently have an ON switch. I can totally understand why most people I saw today on the streets were wearing close to nothing and I APPROVE! (teehee)

The day is slowly coming to an end and I am now sitting next to Alessandro blogging away, while he tries to fix this wireless issue we’re having. Ate logo gente!