Toronto Trip

Here are some more pictures from Ricardo's trip to Toronto with Justin & Beth.

Our view during lunch at Niagara Falls (on Friday).


Better have a good barrel.




Then, on Saturday morning, walking around U of T, a very pretty University down-town.






Across from our greasy spoon breakfast diner, on Queens.


The gang and Pepe.

Brasil Brasil Brasil!

Ricardo drove up to Toronto last weekend (8 hrs+) with some friends, to watch two FIVB World League matches between Canada and Brazil.

Brazil is the undisputed Best Team in the world for the last few years, and Canada is ranked 12th. Many of the Brazilian players are probably the best at their position. The games were a little disappointing, since Brazil won so easily, but it is always impressive to see such quality volleyball in person. Canada fought much better on Saturday than on Friday, but still lost in 3 straight sets... There are some bright spots (Dan Lewis, for one, and Mark Dodds), but there's a long way to go.

Here are some random pictures from our seats:

Substitute Samuel getting high, with Brinkman late to close the block.


One of Brazil's weapons: Dante's serve. Almost as good as his back-court attacks.


Setter Koskie didn't seem sharp, and Grapentine was quiet during the game, but they could still be impressive.


Celebrity spotting...


Substitute setter Munday came in briefly, and connected well with Brinkman.


The best setter in the world...


... where's the ball going? Only one person knows for sure.


Another Brazilian substitute, Heller.


Winters was a little inconsistent, but he sure can jump...

Our Trip: Flowers From the Algarve

(this is probably our last post from this trip...)

Our Trip: Tavira

One day, we managed to drag ourselves away from the beach, we drove a few kilometers West to spend an afternoon in Tavira...



... famous for its distinctive rooftops.


Full of beautiful flower gardens...








...and an excellent farmer's market.

Our Trip: Life is a Beach

A few more pictures from Praia Verde.... we miss it already.

The walk to the beach.


Near the cafe.


Julia being careful with the UV.




Now getting a little sun.


Laughing with daddy.


Fun in the Sun.


Sunset view from the terrace.

Our Trip: Arrival in Paradise

After getting up at 4:00am, and following 2 flights (including a few hours in the magnificent Munich airport), and a 3-hour drive, we finally arrived in Paradise, around 7:00pm (actually 9:00pm, Bucharest time). It was a long tiring day, but well worth it.

Thanks again to Rita, Bé & family for letting us stay there. :)

The ladies arriving:


Praia Verde.


First thing, Julia went to the beach, to dip her little toes in the Atlantic.




She even got a little piece of seaweed on her foot...






The view from the top of our palace, at dusk.