Host Family

My host family experience was incredible and what I cherished most in Brazil. I stayed with the Nery family, Daniel, Fabiana, and their two children, Tiago and Gabriel. We lived in Leblon, between Posto 11 and 12.

I admire Daniel and Fabiana greatly. Every morning at 6:00 a.m., they wake up and work out. Then, they work very hard either from home or at their office for the entire day and then have enough energy to drive their kids all over Rio for soccer/horse-riding practice, etc. They really inspired me and also made me even more grateful for my parents and all they do for me.

Lastly, Fabiana and I worked out together most mornings. So I would get up at 6, then do a crazy workout with Fabiana, biking, rowing, strength training, you name it, Fabiana did it. Fabiana was also like Wonderwoman in all of these activities, and she kicked my ass in all of them. Biking with her was torture. So, while this wasn’t too good for my confidence, it was terrific for my fitness.