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Claudia Looi

Running Out of Steam in Quito Ecuador

Running Out of Steam in Quito Ecuador

By Claudia Looi Leave a Comment

Sometimes dreams and plans need some adjustments along the way. That was what we did as we sat at the…
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The Restaurant With a View in Quito: El Ventanal

The Restaurant With a View in Quito: El Ventanal

By Claudia Looi Leave a Comment

I love a great view. If I had a choice, I would choose a view over the size of a…
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Souvenir Shopping in Cuenca- San Francisco and Casa de Mujer

Souvenir Shopping in Cuenca- San Francisco and Casa de Mujer

By Claudia Looi Leave a Comment

If a local gives me a tip about places to shop in Cuenca, I listen. It’s almost certain she or…
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Fishing on a Rainy Day at El Cajas National Park

Fishing on a Rainy Day at El Cajas National Park

By Claudia Looi Leave a Comment

Our new Ecuadorian friend Santiago and his wife had been planning to take the four of us on a day…
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Hacienda Cusin – Serene, Laid-Back and Spiritual

Hacienda Cusin – Serene, Laid-Back and Spiritual

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

This is a place of calmness and unhurriedness. Hacienda Cusin, a 17th century country estate located in northern Ecuador, brings…
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Looking for things to do at night in Salvador, Bra Looking for things to do at night in Salvador, Brazil? Spend an evening watching the Balé Folclórico da Bahia in Pelourinho.

Live drumming, singing, and dance bring Bahia’s Afro-Brazilian heritage to the stage. Between exploring the historic streets and trying the local food, this is another way to experience Salvador.

📍 Teatro Miguel Santana
Rua Maciel de Baixo, 49, Pelourinho
🗓 Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7 p.m.
🎟 We paid R$120 per person.

My tip: ask your hotel to confirm the schedule and current price and book your tickets for you.

Who would you bring to this show? Send them this for your Salvador itinerary.

#SalvadorBrazil #SalvadorBahia #Pelourinho #BrazilTravel #globetrotter100club
You’ll notice these colorful ribbons all over Salv You’ll notice these colorful ribbons all over Salvador, Brazil. But what do they mean?

They’re called fitinhas do Bonfim, symbols of faith, hope, and devotion associated with Bonfim Church. The tradition is to tie one around your wrist with three knots, making a wish with each knot.

At the church, they cover the fence in waves of color. But you’ll find them beyond the church, too.

At my hotel, a staff member gave me a handful in different colors. Another hotel used them to tie the bath towels and hand towels, adding a little touch of Salvador to the room.

That’s what makes these ribbons such a memorable symbol of the city. You encounter them as an expression of faith, a welcome, and a detail woven into your stay.

📍 Igreja do Senhor do Bonfim, Salvador, Bahia.

Have you brought one home from Brazil?

#SalvadorBrazil #SalvadorBahia #BonfimChurch #BrazilTravel #globetrotter100club
Before booking a beach stay in Salvador, check mor Before booking a beach stay in Salvador, check more than the ocean view. Find out how you actually get onto the beach.

I stayed at Mercure Rio Vermelho, where the swimming pool was amazing. I could see the water, but the easy beach access I had pictured wasn’t part of my experience.

The hotel was okay for a short stay. For a longer trip focused on beach time, I would choose somewhere else with direct beach access and more of a resort atmosphere.

My tip: check the walking route from the hotel to an accessible beach before you book. A waterfront location doesn’t tell you the whole story.

Save this for your Brazil trip, and share it with your travel partner. Would you choose a beautiful pool or direct beach access?

#SalvadorBahia #BrazilTravelTips #RioVermelho #BeachVacation #globetrotter100club
I didn’t know this library existed until I saw it I didn’t know this library existed until I saw it on Instagram while planning this Rio trip. Then I had to see it for myself.

Some call it a hidden gem. The Real Gabinete Português de Leitura, or Royal Portuguese Reading Room, is considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Once inside, you understand why.

Its story began in 1837, when 43 Portuguese immigrants founded a library to promote learning and Portuguese culture in Brazil.

The present building opened in 1887, inaugurated by Princess Isabel. Designed in Portugal’s ornate Neo-Manueline style, it even has a limestone façade brought from Portugal.

Inside, towering bookshelves, intricate ironwork, and a stained-glass skylight compete for your attention. Take your time and remember to look up.

Planning a visit? Here’s what to know:

📍 Rua Luís de Camões, 30, Centro, Rio de Janeiro, near Praça Tiradentes.

🎟️ Regular admission is free.

🕙 Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check holiday closures before going.

🚇 Take the metro to Uruguaiana, then walk to the library. For less navigating, take a taxi or rideshare directly to the address.

I found it difficult to locate, and some streets along our walking route made me uncomfortable. My recommendation: visit during the day, go with a companion or group, and plan your route beforehand.

There was a long line outside when we visited. Allow time to wait, then give yourself time to appreciate the interior. For me, it was worth it.

Save this for your Rio trip. Have you ever discovered a place on Instagram that you just had to visit?

#RealGabinetePortuguesDeLeitura #RioDeJaneiro #BeautifulLibraries #BrazilTravelTips #globetrotter100club
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