Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Well, I've never been to Spain Bali...

...But I imagine this wasn't that much of a stretch. Pousada Taman Baru lived up to it's claim of providing a unique, Balinese-inspired experience.

The lush grounds seemed perfectly plucked out of Southeast Asia.
My favorite - the inviting swimming pool, with its green granite bottom. With the tiles set in my favorite running pattern..
Once past the suburbs and satellite cities of Brasilia, the drive out wasn't too shabby, either. One of the many Cachoeiras that dot the landscape of this tropical savannah.
We were pleased to find our charming cabana fitted out with my two requirements: a clean bathroom with a hot shower, and cold air conditioning in the bedroom.
Mini-me got a kick out of the netted bed.
Once settled in, we made a quick trip to town. PirenĂ³polis is designated with an historical marker in Brazil. All of the streets are cobbled with the stone that is quarried in the area. For the most part, it is a quiet and low-key town. Here is the 'old bridge' that connects the areas of the city separated by a small river. The single-car structure reminds me of a ride they used to have at Six Flags that mimicked a runaway mining cart!
There are dozens of pousadas in the area. Traditionally, pousadas were quaint establishments that offered housing and meals, typically located in rural or farmland. Today, the style of pousadas runs the gamut from very simple to eco-luxurious.
Here, a peek down an alley leading towards one of the many in PirenĂ³polis. Saturday, we took an off-road excursion to find yet another waterfall - this one promised a nice swimming spot. What we didn't bargain for was an hour's worth of very steep, very rough terrain. And the Brazilians drive like it's like the freakin' Autobahn!
This pic doesn't nearly do justice to one of the scenes we encountered that made my heart just a wee bit nervous. Mind you, we have a compact sedan.
It was worth it, though. The waterfall was splendid.
...and Avery had a great time splashing around.
Despite our adventures, for the most part, we did a lot of this...
and this...
It was the perfect respite, and just what I needed to begin mental preparations for the 10+ hour flight Home that we'll take on this Friday.

P.S. - I finally saw New Moon last night, and was not the least bit disappointed! I've read many recaps and critiques, so I won't add my non-film-critic two cents, but I WILL say that I was an emotional mess through 3/4 of the film. Edward + Devastating Breakup + Hotty McHotty Jacob + Pregnancy Hormones = Potentially Impaired Mommy. Go see it - again!

12 comments:

Tricia said...

What a fun getaway and beautiful pics!

Tricia said...

What a fun getaway and beautiful pics!

Averill said...

What a wonderful getaway -- I'm so jealous, Alison!

That wood slated bridge definitely looks questionable. I'm not sure I'd have the nerve to walk across it (let alone drive!).

Vintage Living Magazine said...

This post brings back old memories of the days I lived in the Far East and visited Indonesia. Thank you for sharing, Alison. :-)

Shannon

My Passport to Style said...

What gorgeous pics looks like you had such a fabulous time!Thanks for sharing.Sharon xx

Taylor said...

soooo gorgeous! I now "want to go to there" in the words of Tina Fey :)

Lindsey E. said...

What a fabulous vacay! Thanks for sharing. Safe travels back to the homeland and looking so very forward to seeing ya'll at Christmas!

Erin {pughs' news} said...

Saw New Moon myself this weekend. Loved it, but was totally emotionally drained by the entire thing!

Melanie said...

How beautiful and I think doing a bunch of 'nothing' sounds good to me,

Cottage Dreamers said...

Oh my goodness! It's cold and dreary here in Missouri today. I'd like to move into your pictures you've posted! It looks wonderful! I hope you're feeling alright and resting plenty btw. ;)

ChicChickadee said...

That vacation looks just about perfect! Thanks for sharing.

Beth Connolly said...

Kate and I saw New Moon on Thanksgiving. Loved it.