Fasano Boa Vista: The ultimate country estate

Most of the people think of beaches, sun, pretty women wearing sexy bikinis when they think of vacationing in Brazil.  In other words Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro.  Little do they know what they're missing when they choose the beach over the countryside.  Two weekends ago we spent a weekend at FasanoBoa Vista, a country estate at merely one hour and 15 minutes outside of Sao Paulo and my amazement can’t be put into words but, I'll try.  It's without a doubt one of the most beautiful places I've been.  The stunning architecture, which perfectly blends with its site, was accomplished by the very renowned Brazilian architect Isay Weinfeld.  It covers 100 acres of secured and preserved forest with 15 lakes, groves and gardens, 18-hole golf courses, a polo field, stables, tennis and soccer courts and a kids activity center.  The hotel also offers real estate inside the property and a lot of wealthy proprietors owned second or third "French-looking" homes there.  You can see the families relaxing among adults while their babas (nanies) spend time at the kids club where there is usually a lot of fun happening.   There were instances that while we were biking around its beautiful century-old trees-lined-uphill-boulevards I thought I was in Provence.
And if you don’t believe me then believe Hermes.  Yes, "In 2012, Boa Vista hosted the Hermès Cup, in association with the centenary French saddlery, marking the first time the organization has given its approval to an equestrian event outside of France." Fasano Website

 The entrance to the reception of the Hotel is just beautiful.  Couldn't help to take a picture.

 The veranda was one of my favorite spaces of this place.

The infinity swimming pool.

 Love this place for breakfast in the mornings. Below, how it looks.

 The decor has a very Scandinavian influence. 

 

 One of the restaurants. 

 The decor is minimal but so cozy you feel home as soon as you walk in the rooms.

 The view from the room.  All of the rooms have a beautiful view out to the country side.

 My hubby biking with our little one.

 Our little one at the stables.

The Hotel has a huge and great selection of design books.

 Adorable ponies.

The swimming pool restaurant. Below, two of the beautiful homes.

most pictures by me others Fasano website

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Happy Children's Day

It's Dia da Criança here in Brazil and I wanted to wish all children a happy and beautiful day!  It's a national Holiday so no work and no school today.  Children are extremely important to Brazilian and they are truly sweet to them so I was not surprise to find Lucas's school yesterday with balloon arrangements like this one everywhere.  It was really beautiful and magic.  Happy Weekend everyone! 

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Transition

As you read this we're already in Sao Paulo.  The days prior to our flight were crazy busy and overwhelming.  Moving is not an easy job but, moving overseas while trying not to forget the smallest detail takes the whole experience up a few notches.  It was hard to see our home empty again like the first time we walked into it and I have to admit that as exited as I am with our new home, my heart ached a bit, well okay maybe more than a bit!  This home we left behind was the home were we had our fist son, we saw him start walking and talking and we had a great time in it sorrounded by family and friends.
I've been dealing with farewells since I was a little girl but I'll never get used to it.  It's soo painful! On saturday we went to visit my family and we cried a river when it was time to say good bye. Above all I'll miss my mom dearly.  She has always been there for me all my life and it's hard to know that she won't be close by.  As my husband and I say "the best and sweetest baby sitter possible"  My dear friends have been awesome as well, hosting farewell dinners and get togethers for us and it's been extremely moving and comforting.  Some of them already have dates to come and visit.  I know that adjusting to a new country is going to be hard mostly because I don't have anyone in Brazil but, I'm pleased and happy for this new begining and looking forward to the future, as always!

My mom in 1992

Below, shots of our trip.

Crazy LOCO! ah?  And there was more sent by air container!

photos by me

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Moving to Brazil! what!

My hubby has been assigned to an executive position with his company in Brazil and I couldn't be happier for him.  If there is anyone who deserves an opportunity like this, its him.  He is an ethical and hard worker man who has been working for this same company since out of college, and like in everything else he puts his effort on he gives it all.  I remember when our little one was born, I can't believe it's been more than three years, how hard he tried to break himself into three, having to be at work every day, going two and three nights a week to finish his MBA, and wanting to be here to help with the little one. All that meanwhile remodeling our home.  And somehow he magically did, even waking up with me almost every night to help me.  Looking back I know those days were though but thanks to his help and presence it almost felt manageable.  I'm very proud for him!
After weighing all the pros and cons we decided to finally grasp this once in a lifetime opportunity and move to Sao Paulo.  At this point I'm not taking any clients unless the client is willing to work via online but my lovely blog will come with me wherever I go.
At first I was very hesitant although never doubted about the move but it has slowly grown on me and now I'm extremely excited and anxious to see what we will learn in Sao Paulo.  We already have a few plans while being there, such as visiting Buenos Aires and Punta Del Este, two places I've been meaning to go to.
Looking back. Way back, I remember I always wanted to live in different countries and one of our priorities is for our son to grow up with knowledge and awareness of all the different worlds out there and if possible learn different languages.  It scares me to death for him to grow narrowed minded, so this will be an extremely important step in his raising.  My hubby once shared with me something he read about the first 5 years of a child's life being heavily influential in their lives; and I agree.  The environment as much as the people around them is fundamental so we will be paying a visit to Sao Paulo to house hunt soon, and I'll share the process with you.  There is a relocation company who is helping us with this but I'm too hands on to let go so I've been searching about rental properties, and unfortunately like in every other category in search engines, popularity doesn't always match quality.  Too bad there is no Pinterest for real estate.  Why doesn't someone come up with that.  We were also told that rental properties are usually gone in one day.  It's pretty much take it now or never. God help us!

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