The couple stayed till the end, like everybody else... and because of the Corelli's incident, that was almost till six a.m. the next morning, which was Sunday. Of course, Kyle took them home in his taxi, cause that was actually his mission.

When they said goodbye to Kyle... they got up to their apartment, which was actually Aaron's bachelor apartment, for the time being. Aaron's mom had prepared the bedroom with a little feminine touch, as a surprise gift for them. She thought that with time, they would either look for another apartment or refurbish this one to Gabriela's taste.

When they reached the entrance door to the apartment, Aaron didn't forget to take his bride in his arms and take her inside. Gaby didn't expect that gallant gesture of him and she loved it!

They were really tired, as it had been a long and exhausting day... so full of surprises and details, so much dancing, and so many fantastic memories to share. 

But now, it was time to rest. Luckily they had prepared their suitcases for the honeymoon, before the wedding, so now, they could just sleep and rest, the few hours they had left.

This is the enormous bed... with quite a view!

She's quite shy, so she washed and changed into her pyjamas in the bathroom. She wasn't ready for 'that moment' yet. He, so understanding, knew it,... or at least imagined it, and he waited sitting on the bed already in his pjs.

While they washed and got ready for bed, it was almost seven in the morning!

It was the first time she slept with a man... her husband, but she soon fell asleep. She was exhausted and felt really comfortable in his arms.

Their flight was due at 5:15 p.m. from JFK Airport: New York-Sao Paulo (Brazil). Since it was an international flight, they should be there two hours before boarding time... around 3 p.m. But they planned to go earlier as they wanted to have a little snack at the airport before boarding. So they could sleep until about 12 noon. That was about five hours sleep. Better than nothing! Then they could sleep on the plane a little... the flight was long.

It was still dark when they fell asleep... but soon, daylight hit them! They were so tired that the daylight didn't even wake them up!

Aaron slowly started to wake up... when he saw her there, next to him, he just couldn't believe it... he was so happy!

Then she slowly started to wake up...

She too, couldn't believe it had not been a dream...

Around 12:30 p.m. they slowly got up, showered (separately!) they got dressed and as everything was already packed and ready... they got a taxi to the airport (JFK).

They quickly checked in their luggage to be more comfortable to walk around until boarding time. Their flight was with LATAM which was the most adaptable to their timetable. They would fly all night. It would be a ten hour flight (approximately). Leaving New York at 5:15 p.m. and arriving Sao Paulo (GRU) at 5 a.m. (Sao Paulo is two hours ahead from New York).

Boarding time! (with their hand luggage)...

Upon arrival, while they picked up their luggage and took a taxi to the hotel, when they reached the hotel it was almost 7 a.m. There is hardly any jet lag, but they were so tired from the long trip that they decided to sleep the whole morning and get a good rest on that first day.

Their Hotel Room...

Round noon, they got up and went down for lunch. That afternoon they planned to go to "Our Lady Apareçida", a little over 109 miles away (176 km). They rented a car, and their first stop, was 'a must', because she offered to take her Wedding Bouquet to The Lady. They spent their afternoon and early evening in The Sanctuary and then they returned to the hotel, had dinner and went to bed. Another tiring day.

Sanctuary of Our Lady Apareçida.

Inside the Sanctuary, she prayed to The Lady Apareçida, while he just gazed in awe. 

(This isn't the real size of the image. It's just for the picture.)

When she finishes her prayer, she does the sign of the cross and says.. Amen!

The following day, after breakfast, they went out to see Sao Paulo City... She had been there sometime when she was little, with her parents, and also for a concert, but that was long ago, and she hardly saw anything, as it was at night. 

Sao Paulo Cathedral...

In the evening they went to the hotel, changed into something a little more elegant, to go out for dinner. No booking, just the first nice elegant place to dine they find.

The evening in Sao Paulo was lovely to go for a walk before (and after) dinner.

Paulista Avenue...

They soon found a cosy restaurant. After a light dinner, dessert was a must... and her favourite is... icecream! It was quite big, so they shared it. She insisted!

After dessert... a little romancing.

Then they had a lovely walk back to the hotel.

Third and last day in Sao Paulo. The objective was to leave the Wedding Bouquet at Our Lady Apareçida, and make a little tourism, just a couple of days. They had accomplished that!

In the morning, they went shopping for some souvenirs for their friends and say goodbye to Sao Paulo.

Here they are in Plaça Ramos de Acevedo (Ramos de Acevedo Square)

Municipal Theatre in the background... 

Next stop... Rio de Janeiro!

After packing their luggage and having lunch they headed for the Airport (GRU). They would also travel in LATAM. Their flight to Rio de Janeiro would leave Sao Paulo at 6:15 p.m. and would arrive in Rio ( GIG) at 7:20 p.m. Around an hours flight.

View of Rio de Janeiro from the plane... 7:15 p.m.

She had hand-washed the clothes they wore from New York to Sao Paulo in the hotel room, so that they needn't unpack the luggage too much, just for three days. And they wore them again on this flight.

They got to their hotel passed eight in the evening. They left the luggage in the bedroom and went down for dinner. They then unpacked some clothes for the following day, and went to bed.

It was Carnival time so they wanted to enjoy their stay in Rio de Janeiro as much as possible.

Their first morning in Rio, after a delicious breakfast, they just couldn't miss going to Copacabana Beach! A must when you're in Rio!

And go for a swim... of course!

At midday, they had a typical Brazilian meal... "Feijoada" (Black beans with pork meat and sausage, over a bed of white rice, and lots of other delicious things to go with it!) and a refreshing beer! Aaron had already tasted this meal when Gabriela made it one day (in New York, at the Hicks' place), she can cook just as well as her mom, Iza. According to Gabriela, her mom does the best "Feijoada" in Brazil!

After that typical, delicious lunch... they went back to the hotel, washed and changed. Later they rented a car in the same hotel, and they went up to "Corcovado" or "Christ the Redeemer, to spend the rest of the day. Another 'must' if you go to Rio de Janeiro.

When they got there... it was crowded with people! But it was wonderful!

They had a snack and an ice-cream at the Corcovado Restaurant, and enjoyed the spectacular view.

And stayed to see the beautiful Sunset from the top.

Then they decided to call it a day... and what a day! They returned to the hotel, had dinner and went to rest, cause they were really tired.

The following morning they planned to go to the other famous beach... Ipanema!

An of course, they also went for a little swim.

Then, after lunch it was time for fun! They went out in the streets of Rio to enjoy the Carnival! 

Gabriela loved dancing Samba, and as a true Brazilian she does it marvelously! Of course, Aaron just jumped around, and he couldn't keep her rhythm!

That morning, Aaron had booked, with the help and recommendations of a kind Hotel Receptionist, at an elegant restaurant for a romantic dinner that evening, as a surprise for Gabriela. In spite of being a little tired, he advised Gaby to dress a little smart, as he had a surprise for her. She was thrilled! Of course, she didn't know what the surprise was!

Then they went for a little walk, since the restaurant was within walking distance from the hotel.

Look at them! Don't they look smart?

Along the way, Aaron saw a flower-seller, and bought Gaby a white rose, which he placed on her hair. He loves doing that! and she loves it too!

It's like their symbol, since that first wedding, where it all began...

The restaurant had beautiful views of the beach. It had all been so quick, that there were no places left in the "Veranda Section" (out in the open air) but they had a spectacular view just the same, as their table was situated next to the enormous window! The 'Pan de Açucar' (Sugar Loaf Mountain) could be seen from their place, and there was air-conditioning, so, it was wonderful.

For dinner, they ordered a salad as a starter, and then some pasta, and for dessert, they ordered an assortment of mini cakes. And of course some red wine, and with dessert... Pink Champagne!

They were celebrating their love!

And to top it ... some good Brazilian coffee!

Then, they went for a stroll on the beach sand.

The night was beginning to get cool and he gallantly put his jacket over her shoulders.

They had spent a wonderful and romantic evening. A night to remember!

Third and last day in Rio de Janeiro. They went down for a nice breakfast-buffet, and then they planned a tranquil day of museum visits and relaxing walks.

A walk in the park...

A visit to the modern Cathedral in Rio is a must, especially for any religious person.

And inside...

She was overwhelmed with emotions...

That's a Presbyterian Church (I think)...

'Tomorrow's Museum' (or 'Museum of the Future')

And of course, The Niemeyer Museum...

It had been an interesting, meaningful,  and historical morning... Then they went for lunch in a modern restaurant...

 and in the afternoon, before nightfall, they went for a last minute walk in the beach... as a goodbye. Copacabana beach was the closest to their hotel. In the late evening they had a light dinner, then packed their bags before going to rest. The next morning they had to board a plane... again!

Next stop... Salvador de Bahía! Gabriela was very excited, she was going home! To see all her family and friends. She hadn't seen them for more than two years.

The following morning after breakfast, around 10 a.m. they left the hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Their flight to Salvador de Bahía was due to leave Rio Airport (GIG) at 11:45 a.m., as it was a domestic flight, there was no rush. They would travel in American Airways this time, and their flight was due in Salvador de Bahía (SSA) at 1:50 p.m. (approximately a two hour flight).

As she sees Salvador de Bahía from the plane window, she gets emotional and a little nervous.

As they check out ... Mario was there to greet them! He had told them he would pick them up. Mario had gone home (from New York to Salvador de Bahía), two days after Aaron and Gabriela's Wedding. They were so happy to see him!

On the way home they stopped to take a picture... The entrance to Salvador de Bahía.

When they got home (to Gabriela's parents' home) they were greeted by them: Ze and Iza, with hugs and kisses and tears of joy, they lovingly welcomed Aaron to the family, which made Aaron almost shed a tear, he was feeling really emotional too.

Mama Iza wanted them to eat, but they had already eaten a light snack on the plane and they weren't hungry. "That's mama!! said Gabriela laughing,

"She always worries whether you had enough to eat."

Even though they were on their Honeymoon, before going there, Gabriela's parents insisted they stayed at their home. Aaron was happy to stay in Gabriela's parent's home as he knew she hadn't seen them in such a long time... although he would have prefered a hotel room. They offered them Gabriela's old bedroom, which was just as she had left it. Her bed was a king size bed that she had bought when she started earning money with her concerts... so it was perfect for the two of them! The room had been decorated to Gabriela's taste and it reflected her personality. As her parents said to both of them... "This is your room whenever you come home. You are always welcome!"

After all the greetings and introductions to family and friends. Mario offered to take them around that afternoon before the surprise party that they had prepared for them for that evening, at about 7:30 p.m.

Although Gabriela knew the place already, she enjoyed going with Aaron, her husband! She was so happy to show him around her hometown... and proudly introduce him as her husband to the many people and shop owners she knew all her life. Some would be present at the evening surprise party.

Aaron and Gabriela knew nothing about it, of course, and Mario didn't say anything either.

When they got back home, after the tour around the town, every dear friend was already at the Dos Anjos' home. They got such a surprise! Gabriela couldn't hold back her tears of joy and excitement to see all her dear friends and family there! It was all so emotional. Everybody wanted to hug and kiss Aaron, especially the ladies. Aaron felt welcomed and loved, although he couldn't understand most of what they were saying. He also felt a bit embarrassed, (we know he is a little shy). But he discovered that now he also loved his Parents-in-Law, almost as much as he loved Gabriela!

The party lasted well after midnight. Gabriella was known as "The Girl who plays the violin so well" and just to please and entertain her beloved guests, she took out her violin, the one her parents had bought her when she first started playing, and that she carefully kept safely in a case.

And played for them, as they cheered and applauded. It was a wonderful welcome party that Aaron and Gabriela would never forget for as long as they live.

It had been another exhausting day, but a marvelous one!

The following morning they would be on their own, to roam around. Mario had to work in his Hairdressing Salon, and although he is the owner and can take his time off when needed,  he wanted to leave the two lovers on their own for some time. And anyway, his Salon also needed to be attended to every now and then. Mario loves his job! but when friends and family need something, he is always there for them... and the Dos Anjos' Family are like his own.

After having breakfast... down at the "Carioca" Restaurant,  Aaron and Gabriela went for a walk around the place. Aaron was led and guided by Gabriela, who continuously met with acquaintances and dear friends of hers. They had been invited to lunch, on that first day, all together as The Dos Anjos' Family... at the restaurant. Mama Iza had made her famous "Feijoada" especially for them.

Gabriela wanted to help her mom, but of course, Iza rejected her offering as she was on her Honeymoon! "Go and enjoy yourself with your sweet husband"! So when they got home for lunch, everything was ready and the table elegantly set.

In the afternoon they went for another walk, and Gabriela showed him around.

In the morning...

And after lunch, they went to see the Lighthouse: Farol da Barra. And Aaron made her laugh.

Then they went home to rest and have dinner as a family... with her parents. The first day was with and for them.

The following morning, Mario came to pick them up. He wanted to take them to the modern part of town, invite them to lunch in a restaurant and then they could do some shopping.

Near the Lighthouse again, where Mario took them a picture.

The afternoon and late evening the three of them would have a light snack in a typical place in the neighbourhood and then they would enjoy a few beers, before calling it a day.

Aaron had never been in a tropical (or semi-tropical) country for so long, and the humidity and heat don't make him feel too good... (probably due to his constant illness in his childhood, his body still suffers the consequences every now and then). It had been nine days in constant movement, tourism, heat, dampness, drinks too cold (which don't suit him at all) especially if his really hot... the contrast of temperatures can cause him problems... Ice-creams, beers, cold drinks, etc... are sometimes served too cold.

So, on their fourth day in Salvador de Bahía, Aaron wasn't feeling too well since the morning, but he didn't say anything, thinking it would pass. He had had very little breakfast, and Gabriela was aware.

They went out and about, quite nearby, as they would have lunch with her parents.

Gabriela had an ice-cream but he didn't want any.

As a nurse, she had noticed a change in him, he looked tired and weaker, and although she asked him if he felt alright, he said:  "Yes... just a little tired due to the heat. Don't worry sweetheart."

At lunchtime, together with her parents, he hardly ate, and that's when Iza and Gaby both noticed that something was not right with him. 

Suddenly, very educatedly, he asked to be excused for a moment and rushed to the bathroom, where he "threw-up"!  When he came out he looked pale and weak, but tried to hide it... You can't fool a nurse! Gaby touched his forehead and felt his pulse, he had a temperature and his pulse was quite accelerated... so she sent him straight to bed! Poor Iza thought her meals had made him feel bad. She felt pity for him, she was really worried. Of course, Gaby told her what his problem was. She too, was worried for him, but it was nobody's fault.

"Mama, don't worry, he loves your meals, but his body is fighting with old problems. He will be alright soon." said Gaby hiding her uncertainty.

Aaron felt embarrassed and even ridiculous, getting sick in his Parents-in-Law's house! But he really felt weak and tired and hardly even had strength to stand up straight. He did what Gaby said... lay down.

Iza prepared him a hot camomile tea with all her love, and Gaby brought him some liquid medicine that would settle his upset stomach.

That afternoon, to distract her mind, Gaby helped around in the restaurant. She needed to keep her mind busy. She was a little worried about Aaron.

Meanwhile, Aaron tossed and turned in his sleep... he was sweating with fever...

He woke up and she wasn't there... he wasn't sure if it was all a dream... or perhaps, a nightmare...

When she finally went to bed... he was fast asleep and his temperature had lowered a little. She felt a little relieved.

She cuddles close to him and falls asleep.

The next morning, before Aaron even woke up, Gaby went down to the restaurant because she knew her mother was going to the market and she wanted to go with her. They went together, mother and daughter, like they used to when she lived with them. It was a moment they enjoyed, while Dad stayed at the restaurant to attend the early customers.

When Aaron woke up, he felt much better, but he was surprised not to see Gaby by his side! He washed and went down to the restaurant  looking for his beloved. His Father-in-Law was busy serving clients and when he saw Aaron, he cheerfully greeted him and invited him to breakfast and 'loads' of coffee. He told Aaron where Gaby was and that she would soon be back.

Meanwhile Iza and Gaby (Mother and Daughter) talked about their things, and confidences, while at the market. They had missed that motherly-daughter moment, that they both enjoyed so much.

When they got back from the market, Ze and Aaron were happily chatting away... Ze doesn't speak a work of English and Aaron hardly speaks Brazilian, at least not to follow a conversation, but they managed! and they got along really well! Mom and Gaby were overjoyed to see them so friendly!

After breakfast, and with Mom and Dad's blessing, Gaby and Aaron went for a walk and last minute shopping for souvenirs, for their friends back in NY. It was their last day there, in Salvador de Bahía. The next morning they would leave, back to New York. So, they would have lunch and dinner all together, with Gaby's parents, and Mario and his mother were also invited!

After lunch, Mario returned to his Salon so that the lovers could enjoy their last afternoon there, by themselves, before "The Goodbye Dinner".

In the afternoon, Gaby felt so loved and emotional and she felt she was ready for "that moment", but...

Aaron was really surprised and thrilled but, he wasn't sure she was ready and he just didn't want her to feel uncomfortable or forced... 

They spent a wonderful afternoon and early evening saying goodbye to all their friends around the neighbourhood. They planned to return some day soon.

They went back to the Dos Anjos' home for dinner. Iza had prepared something special as a goodbye dinner. Later that evening, they packed up all their luggage, with some extra presents that all her friends and parents had given them, so they had an extra suitcase to carry!

Mario would take them to the airport (SSA) the following morning.

The following morning, when they went down for breakfast, Mario was already there, in "Carioca" Restaurant-Cafe, having some coffee. The goodbye to her parents was emotional. They hugged and kissed goodbye. Her parents wouldn't go to the airport because they had to attend the restaurant, and anyway, they didn't want to see them board the plane... that would make them feel worse.

Their flight was via Rio de Janeiro, leaving at 11:15 a.m.

Mario usually comes and goes to New York quite often, so, after a goodbye hug, he just bid them a "see you soon" when he left them at the Airport. He waited until their flight took off!

The flight took off on time... 11:15 a.m. (LATAM). They had given them a little snack on board. They arrived at a different airport in Rio (SDU), at 2:10 p.m. (it had taken a little longer than before.. ). Now they had to go to the main Airport in rio (where they had first arrived) (GIG), to catch the flight to New York, but everything was organized.

Once in "GIG" Airport, and after an early check in, they had plenty of time to roam around and have a light dinner before boarding time. Their flight was due at  10 p.m.

When the plane home, to New York! took off, they felt excited to go back home but at the same time they felt sad to leave all their friends, and family, behind, especially Gaby.

Once in the air, they relaxed. They would travel all night. Their plane was due to arrive at JFK, New York, at 7 a.m. Until then, they could sleep a little.

When they saw New York from the plane window, they felt emotional, they were home at last!

They noticed the change of weather, New York was freezing! Their luggage seemed to have had a little problem, but it was soon solved. Their suitcase was mistaken by some other passenger and they had left it in the middle of the luggage claim area...

They were dying to get home and rest, it had been a long and tiring day.

They soon grabbed a cab home!

They got home at about 10 a.m. The rest of the morning they dedicated to rest. They took a looooong nap! Later that day, they had a light snack and began to unpack the luggage, slowly but surely. They didn't leave their home at all. They made it a day for resting and organizing everything back in its place.

Here they are... Ready for their long nap and rest.

They had taken a fortnight for their Honeymoon, and had spent ten days in Brazil, plus three on the trips and they still had another two before starting their routines... back to work.

So they were going to make the best of those two relaxing days left. One was for complete resting... today... the arrival day. So, only one left, that would be tomorrow.

In the evening, after unpacking everything, they prepared some light dinner while they watched a little 'tele', and later decided to call it a day.

He put on his pjs. while she changed in the bathroom as she had been doing since they got married. But this time, he was in for a surprise! He had forgotten what she had promised him, and he sat happily waiting for her to come out of the bathroom...

When she came out, his jaw dropped in amazement, she was wearing a short sexy , almost see through, white nightgown (she had taken on honeymoon but never got to wear it). As she stood at the door, a strap falling of her shoulder... she was really nervous, and scared, but she had to do it... she wanted to please her husband, she wanted to be a good loving wife, because she really loved him. She felt it was her duty as a loving wife, and sooner or later she had to do it! During their honeymoon, when he touched her, moving his hands under her blouse (unaware), she felt how her body shivered with pleasure, surprisingly! but as she was in her parents' home she didn't feel it was proper to do it there, as her parents were practically in the bedroom across the corridor. It was just a silly feeling, but... she couldn't, not there.

Aaron wore a silly smile on his face, as he looked at her... his eyes wide open, incredulous...

It was a magical moment... for both of them!

He was no expert in all this, and his fingers felt feeble, he trembled with excitement and didn't want to hurt her... he almost felt ridiculously clumsy... as he lowered her shoulder strap and kissed her shoulder, trying to take her gown off...

Their bodies shook and vibrated with pleasure as they touched... they had never experienced something so beautiful and loving. She felt comfortable and safe in his arms. She felt nothing could go wrong while she was with him.

Okay folks, this is heating up, so I'll cut it short! 😁 Sorry!

Half an hour later...

And they finally dozed of to sleep... Happy and loving.

Now they are one Soul, they have joined and sealed their holy matrimony! The cherry on the cake!

It is Love Made In Heaven! 

And they will truly live happily for ever after!

💕

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