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Claudia Looi

14-Year-Old Homeschool Kid Musings [ Special Edition]

14-Year-Old Homeschool Kid Musings [ Special Edition]

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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
Staying in Santa Teresa? Sort out your tram ticket Staying in Santa Teresa? Sort out your tram ticket before you plan to ride downhill.

There was no ticket counter at our stop. Following our guide’s advice, we bought ours at Carioca tram station in Centro the day before, then used the ticket to travel down and back up. Confirm your planned travel date at the counter when buying.

Here’s what to know:

The fare is R$20 per person, including the outward and return journeys. Keep your ticket.

The main ticket office is at Estação Carioca, Rua Lélio Gama, 2, Centro, near Carioca metro station. Ticket sales at Curvelo depend on availability, so don’t assume you can buy at your stop in Santa Teresa.

Go early. Each tram carries just 32 passengers, and ticket sales can close early on busy days. You’ll see the crowd we encountered at Centro waiting to head uphill at the end of this video.

You can pay with cash, debit, or credit card.

Why take it? Rio’s famous yellow tram crosses the top of the Arcos da Lapa aqueduct before winding through Santa Teresa’s hillside streets. The views and the aqueduct crossing make the journey part of the attraction.

The full Centro–Silvestre route stretches about 5.8 kilometres and takes roughly 30 minutes each way. Confirm the destination before boarding, as services vary by branch.

Save this for your Rio trip. Would you take the tram for the views?

#SantaTeresa #RioDeJaneiro #SantaTeresaTram #BrazilTravelTips #globetrotter100club
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