I often wonder at what age it becomes inappropriate for a person to be naked in a public forum. This of course leads to wondering why I failed to take more advantage of this very special time in my own life. Oftentimes the urge to get into my birthday suit overpowers my rationality and I find
Brazilian Beach Etiquette: How To Blend In
Let's face it - it won't be a secret that you are a gringo in Brazil. It is fairly obvious separating the locals from the tourists, but the process becomes even easier at the beach. Luckily, by following the simple code of Brazilian beach etiquette you will be able to (attempt) to blend in amongst
A Canga: Why You Want One
The canga (also known as a sarong), as used in Brazil, has to be one of the most versatile pieces of fabric I have ever come across. Usually used as something to sit on at the beach in lieu of a towel (big no-no, that towel), it can be so much more: it's something to dry off with, something to
Ocean Beach: The Land of “No”
About a mile down the road from Ocean Bay Park there is a place on Fire Island known as Ocean Beach. The largest town on the Island of Fire (in terms of population), Ocean Beach draws quite the crowd and has no shortage of bars, restaurants, shops or rules. Yes, rules (or maybe laws, although the
Spikeball: More Fun Than You Think
The beach. A place for families, a place for the wealthy. A place for hobos, a place for marijuana enthusiasts. A place for fun and a place for games. What games you ask? Well besides the usual volleyball, football, soccer, frisbee, saddlebacking and burnlegging there exists something known in some
Sand Dunes: Fire Island’s Only Asset
The sheer amount of excitement here on this Island of Fire can sometimes be too much to handle. Between the absence of cars, the constantly changing populous and the daily siren tests (one blast for ranger's returning, two for wildlings) I can hardly find time to explore the Sunken Forest or make
Fried Beach Cheese In Rio de Janeiro
Whenever I find myself on the beach in Rio (every day) I feel as though I am a preferred guest as a five-star hotel or a high-roller at a Vegas casino (at least what I imagine it's like): there are people who setup my chair and umbrella, people to make sure I have things to eat and drink (beer
Brazil Beachwear: The Sunga
Before arriving in Rio de Janeiro I was convinced that I would never find myself wearing anything smaller than a pair of board shorts whilst at the beach. Nothing you could have said would have changed that fact; but Brazil proved a formidable catalyst for change in the bathing suit
Florianópolis Part III: Lagoinha do Leste
This is Part 3 or a three-part story of my trip to Florianópolis. To get yourself up to speed, start with Part 1. Brazil has some beautiful beaches; Brazil also has some beautiful people. Usually these two things can be found together, but sometimes you find yourself wanting only one of these