Family Adventure at Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

Adieu, Lençóis Maranhenses!

As our adventure in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible experiences we've shared as a family. From the moment we arrived, the surreal landscape captivated us, and today was no exception. It was a bittersweet day, filled with final explorations and heartfelt goodbyes to this magical place.

Our last day began, as most days here have, with the warm embrace of the Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde. Sophie, Émile, and I enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, savoring the local flavors one last time. There's something special about starting the day with a taste of the region, a reminder of the unique culture we've immersed ourselves in. I made sure to try the *bolo de tapioca* again, a sweet send-off to the culinary delights of Maranhão.


Discover authentic Brazilian cuisine at Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde in Santo Amaro do Maranhão—where every dish is a journey through local flavors.

After breakfast, we set out for our main adventure: a final boogie across the dunes with Boogie dos Lençóis. I had heard about Boogie dos Lençóis, an annual skydiving event that draws people from all over the world. While we weren't jumping out of any planes today, the name seemed fitting for our rambunctious dune buggy adventure. Émile was especially thrilled, his laughter echoing across the sands as we sped over the undulating landscape. I felt a surge of joy watching him, his face lit up with pure, unadulterated excitement. Sophie, ever the composed one, held on tight, a mix of thrill and mild apprehension on her face. But even she couldn't resist the infectious energy of the ride. The dunes seemed to stretch on forever, a sea of sand under the vast Brazilian sky. It was a perfect way to say goodbye to this extraordinary park.


Experience skydiving thrills amidst the stunning dunes and lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in Barreirinhas, Maranhão.

The end of a journey is just the beginning of a new story waiting to be written.

Our next stop was Portal Barreirinhas. I wanted to capture a lasting memory of our time here. The portal itself is quite impressive, standing tall as a gateway to this natural wonderland. We took some family photos, the structure serving as a beautiful backdrop to our smiling faces. It felt like a symbolic gesture, passing through the portal and carrying the memories of Lençóis Maranhenses with us. I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of sadness knowing that our time here was coming to an end.


Discover the stunning beauty of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, starting from Portal Barreirinhas in Maranhão, Brazil. Your gateway to paradise!

Lunch was another delightful affair at Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde. We decided to indulge in some *camarões ao alho e óleo* (shrimp in garlic and oil), a local favorite that we had discovered earlier in our trip. Émile, surprisingly, had developed quite a taste for it, devouring his portion with gusto. Sophie and I shared a knowing glance, amused by his adventurous palate. As we ate, we reminisced about our favorite moments from the past twelve days: swimming in the crystal-clear lagoons, marveling at the sunsets over the dunes, and connecting with the warm and welcoming locals. These are the memories that we would carry with us, etched in our hearts forever.

In the late afternoon, as the sun began its descent, we found ourselves at Charloso Bar. I had heard about its lively atmosphere and local vibe, and I thought it would be a perfect place to unwind and reflect on our journey. Sophie and I enjoyed a couple of *caipirinhas*, while Émile sipped on a refreshing *guaraná*. The bar was buzzing with activity, locals and tourists mingling and sharing stories. The sounds of Brazilian music filled the air, adding to the festive atmosphere. It was a far cry from my quiet life as a historical archivist in Montreal, but I found myself completely at ease, embracing the energy and excitement of the moment. I even struck up a conversation with a local artisan, learning about the intricate process of crafting traditional Maranhense souvenirs. It was fascinating to hear his stories and gain a deeper understanding of the local culture.


Discover the lively Charloso Bar in Santo Amaro do Maranhão, where vibrant local culture meets refreshing drinks and joyful ambiance.

Dinner, our final meal in Lençóis Maranhenses, was once again at Restaurante no Povoado de Ponta Verde. By now, it felt like our home away from home. The staff greeted us with warm smiles, and we settled into our usual spot, overlooking the tranquil landscape. We opted for a simple yet satisfying meal of grilled fish and rice, savoring each bite as if it were our last. As we ate, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this incredible experience. It had been a journey of discovery, adventure, and, most importantly, family bonding. We had created memories that would last a lifetime, and I knew that we would always cherish our time in Lençóis Maranhenses.

As the day drew to a close, I found myself reflecting on the past twelve days. This trip to Lençóis Maranhenses was more than just a vacation; it was an opportunity to disconnect from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with my family. It was a chance to explore a new culture, to challenge ourselves physically and mentally, and to create memories that would last a lifetime. I realized how important it is to step outside of our comfort zones and embrace the unknown. It is in these moments that we truly grow and discover what we are capable of.

Thinking about our return to Montreal, I know I'll be back to my routine at the archives soon enough, surrounded by old documents and the echoes of history. But this trip has reminded me of the importance of making new history, of creating our own stories with the people we love. I'll carry the warmth of the Brazilian sun, the taste of *tapioca*, and the sound of Émile's laughter in my heart, a reminder that life is an adventure waiting to be embraced.

Sophie and Émile are already fast asleep, dreaming of dunes and lagoons, I'm sure. As for me, I'm sitting here, penning these final thoughts, feeling a sense of contentment and gratitude. Tomorrow, we begin our journey home, but a part of us will forever remain in Lençóis Maranhenses. We will leave with heavy hearts but full of memories, promising ourselves to return one day to this magical place. Until then, *adeus*, Lençóis Maranhenses. Thank you for the adventure.

As I prepare for our departure, I am reminded of my own Cajun roots and the importance of cherishing our heritage and traditions. Just as the people of Lençóis Maranhenses have preserved their unique culture, I hope to instill in Émile a sense of pride in his own background and a desire to explore the world with an open mind and a compassionate heart. This trip has been a valuable lesson in cultural appreciation, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share it with my family.

And with that, I must bid you all goodnight. Until our next adventure!