I don’t mind revisiting places because there’s always something new to discover—it’s just a matter of finding a way to dig deeper into the culture.

I think I found a new way to unlock hard-to-access beaches around Natal. At least I hope so, because it’s 7:45 a.m., it’s already 30⁰C, and I have no idea what I signed up for.

Well, technically, I do. I signed up for a “passeio  para Pipa,” basically a full-day trip to Pipa, a very popular surf spot and laid-back town close to Natal. I could have taken the bus—Feng and I did it once with baby Mark, but it took forever and we wasted half of the day. So I did what Brazilians do, I chatted with tour guides and joined a group.

Is it going to be the Great Wall experience where you’re stuck in a bus with dozens of tourists and you have to stop at every freaking pottery store on the way? I hope not. I’m not a big fan of tours, I’m used to travelling alone.

“It’s basically a cultural experience, I’m pretty sure I’m going to be the only foreigner,” I told Feng. “Worst-case scenario, I’ll waste a day, no big deal.”

New WhatsApp message. “Estou a caminho!”

And the van showed up. “You’re the co-pilot!” the guide said. I took the front seat. I was the last person to be picked up.

There was a family from Paraná State, another one from Mato Grosso do Sul and the last one was from São Paulo.

We took the BR-101 to Pipa, but we weren’t actually going to Pipa yet.

First stop was Tibau do Sul. Never heard of it before but hey, why not?

“Grab lunch, get a drink, whatever. Let’s all meet at… 1 p.m.?”

That easy? Cool. We all parted ways. I have no idea what the other families did but I started to explore the beach and wow, it was one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve even seen. Palm trees, white sand and tall red cliffs—gorgeous. There were guys selling fresh oysters out of a cooler right on the beach. I kept on walking and ended up on a completely empty stretch of sand. You wouldn’t believe how hot the water was…

We all met in front of the van for a new adventure–Praia do Madeiro, where we stayed for about an hour. Then came the “chapadão,” an amazing lookout point with the heart-shaped “Praia do Amor” just below.

We made it to Pipa at the end of the day. It was the journey, not the destination.

It was an amazing day and an amazing experience. My Portuguese is finally good enough to understand people and socialize; plus I got a ride to places I didn’t know existed, all that for 60 reais (about $12).

I’m so signing up for other “passeios.”