Getting Soaked at Iguazu

Was forced to raise the bar by exceeding my daily driving limit of usually 3 hours in South Africa, to 22 hours by bus in Brazil. Got the Executivo class again which set me about BR 210. Quite pricey but still the cheapest form of transport around. Really need to get to Argentina where things are hopefully cheaper. The bus must of stopped at every town between Rio and Foz De Iguazu picking up and dropping people off.

Iguazu on the Brazilian side is a very small town consisting of around 350 000 people. Booked a 6 bed room which had its own en suite bathroom, something we didnt have at the other hostels.

Options available for the falls was a 3 hour trip to the brazilan side which was more of a warm up of bigger things to see from the Argentinan side. Due to time constraints we decided on just doing the Argentinia side which took a full day. After having the usual breakfast of rolls and fruit we headed off to the Argentinian border.

The day consisted of walking to various posts of the falls and a boat ride to San Martin island for a swim. The falls were amazing with one of the posts virtually above the falls so got absolutely soaked.

The bus ride was BR 20 and entrance into the park was about BR40. The park contains about 80 different species of mamals and 2000 species of flora.

The first 2 stops involved a train ride and the rest was by foot. On the train they were playing the music to the Mission movie, subsequently finding out that the movie was shot at the falls.

Really worth going to and probably one of the most amazing natural sites I have seen so far. Even more spectular then the Zambia falls.

Carnival photos are on there way!!!!

South African Night Out

Finally met up with Saffas last night. Decided after a quiet drink at the local bar to head off to Ipanema. Met up with Mike and Jack and was shown more of the touristy places along the coast. Caparinhas coming in at BR10 a shot. !!

Am hoping to send you all my Carnival photos in my next post. Internet caffes are 5th world and are fustratingly slow.

So two Irish men walk into a bar........

My 2 irish collegues , Andrew O Reilly and Luke O Malley , from the O Faggi Clan, requested i give them a quick mention on the blog. Spent most of my time with them in Soa Paulo and caught up with them again at a bar in Ipanema last night. They have just left for Salvador and will be doing a few days down the Amazon.

It was great meeting you guys and I will hook up again when I come to Ireland.

See you guys in my head movies.

G

Sight seeing: Christ The Redeemer

I will let the pictures talk for themselves

A little bit of crazy on Rio !!

I left with the Irish guys on Thursday morning early and made our way by foot to the bus station. You pretty much have 3 choice of bus classes to choose from. The middle of the range is good enough with fully reclinable seats and plenty of leg room. The trip took about 6 hours. 6 hours being allot more comfortable then 6 hours on a plane.

The accomodation that I am at is in an area called Catete and is situated high up on hill. Buildings dating back to 150 years ago, small cobbled streets and local bars.

Only have 2 other guys staying in my room so finding it more comfortable then my previous hostel

A group of British volunteers are also at the hostel so have been partying with them most of the time. Volunteer work has consisted either of painting houses in the more remote slum areas or assisting in costume making for the Carnival parades.Im hoping to get a day assisting with the work possibly on Thursday.

Most restuarants have ´eat as much as you like´ specials ranging from pizza to the local meats and salad. Street stands are pretty much everywhere selling espatadas and huge brokwursts. Beer can be purchases on any street corners with even cerrtian stands offering different types of Caparinhas. These are the only 2 drinks I have had so far and seem to be the accepted drinks of prefrence.

Have experienced my first taste of Brazilian crime with my cell phone being stolen and being ripped off by a taxi driver at 6 am in the morning. To continue I was given a price of BR6 to get home by a taxi driver, after getting lost ( no fault of mine), we got back to the hostel. I gave him 20BR expecting change of which he felt that no change was needed. After arguing, shouting, swearing at him in Italian, threatening to report him and trying to smash his window with my hand, he sped off leaving me short changed. This I believe is a regular story with taxi drivers so have refused to use them unless in a big group. This has caused afew nights of endless walking being totally lost and dis orientated. All part of the fun I guess!!!

Currently parades, bloc parties, samba parties are held all through the day and night. I will attach some photos in my next posting.

Been struggling to get out the beaches, the popular being Copacabana and Impanema. Will get some beach photos soon.

Update

Guys have been sleeping most days and out all nights. I am struggling to find a place to upload my photos so will do so hopefully tomorrow. Watch this space

Beaching in Guyana - Green Coast

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On Tuesday 2 locals Fabio and Lucas offered to take the 3 of us to a beach in a reserve in Guayana off the Green Coast. The drive took about 2 hours in a southernly direction which took us through S P city traffic, slums, part of the Amazonas, a coastal town and a nature reserve. The coast line reminded me of Sunrise beach Ko Pha Ngan but just much better. There was no commercial aspect to it and far less crowded. After 5 hours of swimming and tanning we were taken for one of the local beach dishes called Vitaminas which included frozen yoghurt, bananas and museli.

Thinking of my cutting my hair like Lucas here on the right. Shaved 1 on the side with a 4 on top. Pretty cool!!

After getting home I showered up and joined the Irish lads at the local Carne resturant. For 30 BR = R120 we got the whole red/ green light meat serving, salads, sushi, potatoe dishes and pretty much anything else you could think of. Not bad compared to what you get at Rodizios back home.

Today taking it easy and allot cheaper. Walking the city by foot and then off to a Football match at the local stadium - Sao Paulo vs Inter Nacionals

Monday - First Night Out

On Monday night the crew sat around the hostel and had a few drinks before heading out to an Irish Bar. The crew was made up of 2 Norweign ladies, 3 Danish guys, 1 Peruvian, 2 Irish guys and a Canadain couple. The Irish guys, Luke and Andrew, decided that we try the local Irish Bar which was empty but we had a few caparinhas and a good time nonetheless . I can honestly say Caparinhas are probably the strongest type of cocktail I have ever had but if I make it my daily drink in Rio it could be a cheap night out. Caparinhas costing about 4 BR = Zar17. The sugar hangover is a killer though.

Rio Carnival here I come!

Find attached some latest photos of my accommodation and 1 or 2 of the area that I am staying in. Did some site seeing by foot today and indulged in some of the local cheaper dishes.

Big news for the day however is that I found accommodation for Rio Carnival for 6 days. Accommodation is like Gold over there and managing to get a 5 bed dorm is even better. Starting on the 19th which means I will be there for the whole festival. Amazing.!! See the link below: http://www.barongarden.com/

Going to try book a day tour out to Ilse Grande tomorrow. Weather permitting!!

The First Night

Arrived in Soa Paulo after a 9 hour flight. Was promised when booking in from ´Prince` the ticket guy that a Business class ticket could be arranged and that I should come back 30 min later to collect. On my return i was met with apologises and that the best he could do was move me from a middle seat to an isle seat. Not quite the upgrade i was expecting but took it nonetheless. Didn't get much sleep on the flight. Was met on arrival by one of the hostel founders who gave me a quick run down of what I could expect over the next 2 days in the city. People from all over are staying here tonight so looking forward to an eventful evening . Will keep you posted.

The Night Before

Leaving at 10:30 am tomorrow Sunday the 15th so feeling a bit anxious at the moment but helluva excited. Arrive 16:30 Sao Paulo time and have organised a lift from the airport to the Back packers Hostel. A little more about the place where I will be staying ,can be found at http://www.hostelbookers.com/hostels/brazil/sao-paulo/20005/

Will keep you updated once I have settled in

G