36 hrs in Rio de Janeiro & surprise awards to Sofia

My last business trip this FY was short and sweet. I arrived Sunday 7pm and took 6am flight on Tuesday morning to come back for an important event.

Monday I woke up feeling fresh and excited to explore ipanema morning running scene. It was the weekend of Rio marathon and the city was packed. This is the view when I stepped out, vibrant, energetic, beautiful sunrise.

I stayed at Fairmount hotel, super chic and well located. The room looked just like any other 5 star hotel. But one funny detail, the bathroom provided free condoms! This is the first time ever I found this in a hotel. I guess because Rio is a party city?!

The view by the beach was stunning! the pic doesn’t do its justice.

after the run I had breakfast with this AMAZING view.

then we had a packed day of meetings and finished at 10pm after a great dinner. I did the check out early as I was planning to leave 4am. Why? To catch the first flight back to surprise Sofia at the award ceremony at school.

I was contacted by the school about her receiving awards (didn’t know which ones). Although my business trip only ends Tuesday evening, I told my boss I needed to leave early to be there for my daughter. She understood and was supportive (not that I was asking for permission, I’d go back no matter what). I landed 7:30am and the ceremony started 1pm.

I entered the auditorium and found a seat where she wouldn’t see me. She got two awards: one on being the most reflective 7 grader, and the winner of the Math Olympia competition for middle school, placing 20% worldwide.

She was surprised and shy when went to receive the awards. Then I went to say congrats to her, and she looked confused as I was supposed to be in Rio. 😉

What a proud moment for any parent, witnessing our kids’ effort being recognized.

Also in the morning I received the email notifying that Sofia passed the ABRSM grade 7 piano exam. What a relief!!! She had to submit the recording before we leave Brasilia, or she’d regress 3 months at least and start again.

What a wonderful day.

Tonight husband leaves for China and I have started single parenting. I am excited for being fully responsible of the girls for a while, and for husband to spend time with his parents. They will do some domestic traveling too.