PARAMUS, N.J. — Andrea Holmes's driver's license may say Paramus, but she is truly a citizen of the world.
Andrea Holmes in Brazil.
Photo Credit: Andrea HolmesI flew into Rio De Janeiro (which means “River of January”) with my friends Sylvia and Chuck to participate in Carnival (which means “no meat”). Our hotel was wonderful – right on Coco Cabaña Beach. They sold bikinis hanging from a beach umbrella.
Photo Credit: Andrea HolmesEveryone was marching in the street parades (Bloco de Lama) for days before and after, chanting, drinking and laughing. I decided to join the parade one day and they welcomed me with open arms. I marched, danced and sang.
Photo Credit: Andrea HolmesChuck arranged for us to have a beautiful box over the Samba School Parade (Carnival Parade) which was private with about 15 people, appetizers, drinks and a type of dinner, complete with couches for relaxing.
Photo Credit: Andrea HolmesAnother parade shot!
Photo Credit: Andrea HolmesI didn’t see much topless-ness, but of my, the butts! We all agreed on one marcher who had the absolutely “perfect butt”. In Brazil, it’s all about the "base" or "bass," however you spell it.
Photo Credit: Andrea HolmesWe were lucky enough to score tickets to the fabulous Scala Ball thanks to Chuck and his Rio connections and we dressed to the hilt, coordinating ourselves in gold and black. I had a black and gold boa which kept shedding black feathers all over.
Photo Credit: Andrea HolmesEvery type of character was at the Scala Ball; it was a trip unto itself! Transvestites, drag queens and every sex you could imagine. When we arrived in our gala costumes, we had to walk the purple carpet and we were cheered by onlookers.
Photo Credit: Andrea HolmesWhen inside we were greeted by all (some a little bit too friendly) and at one point I decided to do the can-can, unknowingly flashing my Haines Her Way undies to the party. Ah, well, I am French you know.
Photo Credit: Andrea HolmesLastly, we travelled up to Christ the Redeemer overlooking the Brazilian coastline, we got to see him but shortly after our arrival, a fog rolled in and he disappeared. So I bought I bought a Light Up Christ the Redeemer keychain.
Photo Credit: Andrea HolmesThe 74-year-old grandmother has visited some of the world's most exoctic places, including Africa, Antarctica and Peru .
Last September, Holmes visited Brazil. She recently agreed to share some photos with Daily Voice.
Click through the above photos to share the experience.
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