Back to Brasil

We had a great end to our extended vacation in NYC and Phoenix, and with our previous weather karma, Jay was hoping to delay our departure to Manaus by another day, too. We didn't get so lucky though, and we left NY during the afternoon on Super Bowl Sunday. Unfortunately for Jay, by the time we landed in Atlanta for our first short layover, it was half-time! Not only did he miss the first half of the game, we had to board right before the second half started. We thought maybe they'd be playing it on satellite tv on the plane, but they didn't. Good thing his team wasn't playing... well, sort of.
About a week before we decided to go to the states in January, we had planned on being there February through March. As annoying as it was to be forced to change our plans because of visa issues, I am so grateful to have traveled at that earlier point in the pregnancy. The going there was not so bad at 22 weeks or so, but the 20+ hours, 2 day trip back at 27 weeks was a little much for this lady. We had 2 short, 3.5 hour flights at the start and end of our trip which weren't too bad. I had to get up and walk around a bit and use the bathroom, but they were nothing compared to the 9 hour flight from Atlanta to Brasilia. Talk about uncomfortable. While the guy next to me at the window seat slept the entire time, neither Jay nor I could sleep at all. I had to get up so much to stretch and walk around, and never felt comfortable enough to doze off. Fortunately, Jay is super supportive and rubbed my legs for me, but there was really no relief until we got off the plane.
That relief was rather short-lived once we got back to our place in Manaus and discovered that there was mold everywhere! Having no previous experience traveling at this rainy time of year, we didn't think it would be a problem. We were seriously wrong on that one. We spent the whole afternoon back cleaning the couch, pillows, floors, bathroom, fridge, and cabinets.
Not exactly the welcome home we were expecting, but then again, somehow it didn't surprise us!