Each with our friends vacationing in Rio, I was running late for the big Carnaval celebration at the Sambadromo and my buddy and I take a detour on the way. Suddenly, I get struck by a Brazilian bolt of loveliness swaying down the Ipanema beachfront as the moon rose behind Corcovado ("Sugarloaf"). Too shy to approach her, I continue down the calcada with my friend, when I decide to return to the spot we made eye contact. Unbelievably, she is walking back too with her two friends. Knowing I may never have this chance again, I go completely out of character and with ultra confidence introduce myself using my twisted Portuguese as I read from my Berlitz pocketbook, and ask for her phone number and write it on a $100 cruzeiro bill. The next night, it's dinner and dancing at Carinhosos ("Lovers") where I say to myself - "SHE'S THE ONE" . 40 days later she's landing at LAX. 30 days later we're in our Brentwood Apartment. 50 days later we're married in Las Vegas. This is our 28th Valentine's Day together.
