On my most recent Brazil trip, I landed in Guarulhos on Good Friday around 6 pm... and joined my best friend and her family for a weekend in Guaratinguetá. It is always suggested that I rest after the long haul but I am blessed not to suffer from jet lags ever. I embraced the rainy weather that welcomed me, even when everyone around me seemed concerned that I wouldn't be able to explore much when it was pouring from the skies. I was elated, on the contrary, and my muscles were already relaxing and my body embraced the moment. I had been awake for almost 36 hours straight, with a short nap here and there, especially when the passenger next to me wanted to engage in a conversation when all I wanted was to sit back and read my book or immerse myself in a movie.

And so I didn't see much of the municipality of Guaratinguetá since we arrived after nightfall. The next morning, the rain had receded a little and was reduced to a drizzle with the skies clearing a little. We drove around a little and I didn't feel like exploring much. I read a little about the history of this township and I think it is interesting to share. Originally inhabited know by the Indians for the herons that populated the area, the first settlement of Portuguese people didn't occur till the late 16th century. Because many gold miners from Minas Gerais got their supplies from Guaratinguetá, the village prospered. Later on, it developed into a city and became important in the coffee trade business. Today, the town is renowned for wonderful wild landscapes, several beautiful colonial houses, its local churches and monasteries, and the popular Frei Galvão, the first Brazilian-born Catholic saint.

It wasn't until the evening that my best friend, her eldest daughter, and I went to the sanctuary of Frei Galvão to attend Easter mass. I thought it would be less crowded than the midnight mass, but boy, was I wrong! Even though it was raining cats and dogs, and a little fresh for the season, the church was brimming full, and many had to remain standing for the length of the service... which lasted almost 3 hours! I was still happy about the quality time spent with my best friend. And I politely declined to join the family for the religious horse parade and motorcade that starts in the morning until late afternoon. I did go to have a look at it and you can have a look at the pictures I took hereafter.