Araxá - Day 2

At exactly 4:15 AM, it felt as though every rooster in the neighborhood had received the same secret signal. One by one, they chimed in, building a five-minute chorus that drifted through the soft morning air. Half asleep, I listened to this unexpected concert; something I hadn’t experienced in a very long time. It was nature’s own alarm clock, far earlier than I would have chosen, yet impossible not to appreciate. Even in my drowsy state, it left me smiling on the awakening of our second day in Araxá 🐓.

We decided to keep the day leisurely. Wally and Marli enjoyed opening a few more of the gifts we had brought along. Soon after, Wally prepared simple but satisfying ham-and-cheese sandwiches, while Marli served fresh mango slices 🥭.

After helping Wally tackle a few computer challenges, Ursula and I felt the need to stretch our legs. We took a short walk around the block, snapping a few photos along the way. It was a beautiful Monday; blue skies, a scattering of clouds, and pleasantly low humidity.

Wally continues to impress with how well he communicates in Portuguese. I, on the other hand, am still wrestling with the pronunciation of Brazilian Portuguese and sometimes struggle to follow Marli’s melodic local accent. Still, I’m getting used to it—at this rate, I might just be fluent by the time we leave 😂.

Their home on Ruas das Candeias #380 is a modern two-bedroom house with an open-plan living room, kitchen, and dining area. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows at the front and back fill the space with light, while high ceilings give it an airy, spacious feel. There are three bathrooms, a laundry and utility room, and a grassy backyard complete with an outdoor shower.

As sunset approached and our appetites returned, Wally drove us to a nearby Buteco (an informal outdoor bar and restaurant) for a couple of beers and a light bite. I couldn’t resist ordering dessert, and Wally was more than happy to follow suit, ending the evening with a delicious caramel flan.

Several locals stopped by our table, recognizing Wally and Marli. They took the opportunity to introduce us .... the couple from Dallas, who also speak Swiss and German 😂.Read more