Every adventure must come to an end, and we began that ending by setting foot in the beautiful country of Brazil. This would be the last South American country on this long journey, and I felt it—not just when we landed, but even now as I write these words. There’s a nostalgic feeling when you’re closing a chapter you always knew would be both difficult and rewarding. The mix of joy and sadness I’m experiencing is overwhelming, and with my heart full of emotions, I want to share how I feel about Brazil—specifically Ilha Grande, or “Big Island.”
Ilha Grande
(Big Island)
After just a couple of nights in Rio (our flight was delayed due to a flat tire), we made our way to Ilha Grande—an island about two hours from the outskirts of Rio. The journey there was a little stressful for me, mostly because the only two countries people constantly warned us about for safety reasons were Ecuador and Brazil. Apparently, those were the “dangerous ones.”
To be honest, I was on edge at first. But after a few days, I realized people often repeat things that might make sense in theory, but lack any real personal experience or data to back them up. Arriving in Rio and Ilha Grande with that mindset kind of tainted the beginning of the experience.
When you spend time worrying about things that might never happen, you put up a wall. You miss out on the thrill, the excitement, and the wonder of new experiences—all because of fear. It took me a few days to understand that I didn’t need that fear, and that it was actually preventing me from having a good time. Once I relaxed and opened myself up, I was able to truly absorb the culture and the people. And there’s no better place for that realization than Ilha Grande.
This place felt like a tiny country, with so much happening behind the scenes. Everyone worked together like a living organism to create joy and life for each visitor. The food was incredible, the drinks were delicious, and the beaches were stunning.
We went on a hike—which, in my opinion, is the best way to connect with nature and the land around you. We hiked for three hours through jungle, over hills, and along hidden beaches. The temperature was a bit hotter than what we’d experienced elsewhere, and even though it wasn’t the longest hike we’ve done, it felt eternal! The heat and humidity made it challenging, but the beauty of the landscape made every drop of sweat worth it. I definitely recommend that anyone visiting Ilha Grande go beyond just taking taxi boats—hike and walk the trails. Suffer a little, and enjoy every step. It’s the best way to give something back to this beautiful place.
Ilha Grande helped me understand that there’s always a balance between danger and safety. Since the start of our travels, I’d been overwhelmed by all the negative comments people had about visiting South America—how we were going to get robbed or worse. Sure, crime exists everywhere, and perhaps it’s more present in some parts of these countries than in Canada or certain U.S. cities. But the truth is, as long as you stay aware of your surroundings and avoid putting yourself in risky situations, you’ll be fine. That fear shouldn’t be a reason to stop you from exploring new places.
I’m not saying you should head into a war zone (unless that’s your thing), but what I’m trying to express is that the world is far more beautiful and complex than people give it credit for. So live it—yourself.
Below you’ll find the videos we made of this vibrant, colorful island. It’s a must-visit!
After Ilha Grande, we returned to Rio. Now, with a better mindset around safety, I was finally ready to dive in and explore this amazing city. Rio will be the first big city I’ve actually blogged about—not because Buenos Aires, Montevideo, or Quito weren’t beautiful, but maybe because of the sea breeze, the Bossa Nova playing in the background, and Sugarloaf Mountain sitting calmly between us and the sunset.
Rio de Janeiro
Maybe it was that combination—or maybe I just felt ready.
Rio filled our bellies with their incredible food-by-the-pound spots. With full stomachs, we explored everything: the beaches, the mountains, and even the big guy in the sky—Christ the Redeemer. We took a short train ride, originally built in the early 1900s but now modernized and well-run, from sea level to 2,300 feet. The air turned crisp, and the views became breathtaking.
We went early in the morning, so the mix of cloud cover and rising sun painted a spectacular scene of light and color over the city. Most people there were more focused on getting the perfect photo than taking in the beauty and effort it took to build that monument—or to simply enjoy the view. But it is a tourist site, and rightfully so. Well done, Rio.
We explored the streets, markets, plazas, and beaches. Everyone wore a big smile, flip-flops, and shorts. T-shirts were optional. The laid-back vibe was contagious—and I embraced it quickly. Now I understand my friend from Rio. He really is “special.”
One of my biggest recommendations is to visit Sugarloaf Mountain at sunset. I had no idea how much there was to do up there—places to shop, eat, drink, and even a magic show! All of it surrounded by wildlife.
We made a video capturing just a portion of what we explored. I discovered that vlogging a city is even harder than writing about one. But you’ve got to start somewhere—so any comments are welcome!
Then, we headed north, to what would be our final adventure in the south. We were feeling all sorts of emotions on our way, but once we arrived and took in the sheer magnitude of the landscape, our emotions merged into one—gratitude.
Lençóis Maranhenses
(Sand Dune Oasis)
Another jaw-dropping setting. Even though freshwater lagoons and sand dunes might seem like nature’s opposites, here they live in perfect harmony—an array of colors and shapes forming a surreal backdrop.
But this harmony isn’t just something to look at—it’s something to feel. To run through the dunes. To leap into the water.
The place is vast, yet full of people. It’s not easy to get to, but many make the journey to witness this magical balance. These lagoons aren’t permanent—they appear and vanish with the seasons. So if you’re planning to visit, make sure to come during the rainy season to see them at their peak.
The cool water and the hot sand offer the perfect balance for the body. And for the mind? Maybe this final adventure brought me my own kind of balance.
I’m not sure if it was the adrenaline from the journey, or the weight of knowing it was our last adventure—but something clicked. Like a warm blanket, a sense of clarity wrapped around me and answered a long-standing question I’d been carrying: “What do I want in life?”
The short answer: What I want—I already have.
I have a beautiful life, full of recent adventures. A journey I once thought impossible. A path that gave Fallon and me the foundation to build a life even better than we imagined. A life with someone I trust and love fully.
All this just by stepping away from the routine—giving myself space to think, rather than constantly pleasing others. For the first time since childhood, I detached from the material world and refocused on myself and nature.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. It was never just about the photos or the places. It was always about something deeper—about growth, love, and discovery.
This marks the end of our South American chapter, but not the end of the story. In fact, it was in “the in between”—those quiet moments between destinations, in airports and buses, over long walks and probably until we settle and have kids?—that I found something worth sharing. Fallon and I are now turning that journey into a book called The In Between. It’s about love, uncertainty, adventure, and everything that happens in the space between when we got married and whenever we decide to settle in.
If you’ve been moved by any part of this trip, I think you’ll find something in this next chapter too. More on that soon.
Until then, here’s a glimpse of the final beauty we captured in this magical landscape—watch the video below.