Canoe Adventures: Exploring the Beauty of Búzios
Connections and Momentum
Thursday unfolded as a beautiful day of building connections and making progress. The morning began with the excitement of solidifying a partnership. After our initial conversation, she messaged me back with enthusiasm, ready to move forward with the plan. I loved her passion for canoeing and how open she was to collaboration. We agreed I’d promote her classes and travel adventures through the app, website, and social media.
Feeling inspired, I decided to immerse myself in the rhythm of the town. Walking through Búzios was like a delightful mix of old memories and fresh perspectives. The quaint cobblestone streets of Rua das Pedras were as charming as ever. I strolled past the iconic Bridget Bardot statue, a tribute to the town’s glamorous history, and even revisited some familiar places like Casa Branca. Seeing these old spots, now with more greenery and life, made me feel nostalgic and grateful for how far I’d come since my earlier visits.
The shops were irresistible—filled with shoes, hats, sarongs, bikinis, and stunning jewelry. I was tempted to buy everything, but I stayed practical, treating myself to a turquoise bracelet and a seashell plate. It felt good to bring home small treasures that reflected Búzios’ vibrant spirit.
Later, Neiva invited me to join her for a quick shopping trip to prepare for the next day’s barbecue. She’s such a force of energy, introducing me to people and sharing her contagious enthusiasm for life and business. We picked up flowers and some other essentials, and she shared tips for the Women Entrepreneurs event, encouraging me to embrace every opportunity. Her support made me feel even more confident about my plans.
Friday: Paddling, Parties, and a Path to Adventure
Friday started with Sol picking me up for another canoeing session, and I couldn’t have been more excited. The morning was warm and sunny, the perfect backdrop for an adventure on the water. When we arrived, Claudia greeted us with her usual radiant energy, and the group of women was ready to paddle.
Being out on the turquoise waters of Búzios with these incredible women felt surreal. We glided past hidden beaches, spotting turtles swimming gracefully beneath us and hearing the songs of tropical birds overhead. Claudia shared tips on technique, reminding us that paddling was about more than just strength—it was about rhythm and connection.
After a few hours of paddling, we dove into the ocean for a swim. The water was refreshing and invigorating, and we floated there, laughing and chatting about life, boys, and the joys of being in this paradise. It was one of those moments where time seemed to stand still, and I felt deeply grateful for the connection I was building with these women.
An Invitation to Adventure
After canoeing, Neiva was hosting a BBQ later that day at her pousada. It was a chance to relax, celebrate, and connect with more of the amazing people I’d been meeting. The barbecue was intimate but lively, with Neiva’s employees and a few close friends. I brought a bottle of bubbly, which didn’t last long, and helped with the final touches.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange, the energy shifted to pure joy. We danced to some of my favorite songs, from Whitney Houston to girly anthems, and shared stories that had us laughing until our sides hurt. Neiva’s friends were fabulous, and being in their company felt like being part of something special.
Then came the road trip invitation. Sol mentioned they were planning a trip to a beautiful waterfall on Saturday and asked if I wanted to join. At first, I hesitated because I’d also been invited by a guest to hang out in Búzios. They were planning to visit some posh spots in town, and it seemed like a good way to explore more of the area. But as the night went on, I felt a strong intuition pulling me toward the road trip. Something about the idea of leaving Búzios for a day and seeing a new place felt right.
A Moment of Intuition
The decision wasn’t easy, but I trusted my gut. There was something about this trip that felt serendipitous, as though I was meant to go. The idea of a road trip with Sol and a group of new friends, exploring waterfalls and bamboo forests, seemed too magical to pass up. I told Sol I’d join, and the excitement in her voice confirmed I’d made the right choice.
Looking back, Friday was a perfect mix of adventure, connection, and clarity. Each moment, from paddling on the ocean to dancing at the barbecue, felt like a step forward on this incredible journey. The road trip ahead promised even more, and I couldn’t wait to see where it would take me.