Paraguay

A story from hell.. well almost. Left Florenopolois at around 17:00 on Fri arvie and found out that the route to Paraguay takes me back the same route I had taken to get to the island. Effectively back to Igaazu falls and then another 6 hours to the Paragauyian capital.

Firstly the bus arrived around half an hour late. The bus driver felt that if he pushed 130 km /h plus the whole way that he would make up the time. We almost wiped out half an hour into the trip when the driver slammed on breaks to miss a truck. Earth to God I felt like i was on a rollercoatser with no lights. Basically manged 3 hours sleep and spent most the night clutching the chair in front of me. Finally arrived at Igaazu ( the Argentinian border) and we were all asked to leave the bus as the air conditioner had packed up. 2 hours later we got a new bus and finally arrived on a new planet when we reached the capital at 17:00 Sat. Thus 24 hours of bussing and I cant speak a word of Spanish. Between Portuguese, French, Spanish and English I am trying to work out what people are saying to me. Have decied to get 2 weeks of lessons in Boliva with Mike before I go anywhere else!!

Tomorow is going to be a lag even though I have my ticket booked for Salta ( Northern Agentina). I have to be at a local bus stop at 8:00 to catch a 1 hour 10 min bus ride to the Argentinian border. From there go through Immigration and walk to the bus stop on the Argentinian side and then catch another national bus for 17 hours to Salta.

Thank f..k my hotel here is descent. I booked into a proper hotel, private room, tv, hot water etc. So should be ready to go tomorrow.

A quick word on Paraguay. Dont ever come here!! I have basically driven the width of the country and have seen cows, trees and poverty. Was hoping to pick up a cheap PC at the local mall as prices are extremely low here but am leaving to early.

Will keep you posted on the second part of my journey.

Fish Feast Barbeque

We managed to find a waterfall in the jungle about 3kms from the main beach yesterday. The water was amazing and so clear. I will try upload better pictures once I find a pc that has a port.

Suggested to some of the staff last night that we have a fish buffet as it was basically the last night that the current group would be together. Marcello ( Owner) thought it was a great idea and we ended up having oysters, mussels, 3 types of fish, rice and salad. After a few beers we headed down to the beach for a midnight surf.

Went through to the main city centre today and managed to book my ticket to Paraguay ( Ascension). Its a 20 hour bus ride so really hoping its going to be comfortable. I will stay there for one day, do some shopping for a new pc and then head off to North Argentina to hook up with Mike Daly.

Beaching in Florenopolis

Its been a fantastic few days of sun, sea and beer. After a 15 hour bus ride on the local Brazilian bus Pluma I made it to the Florenopolis city centre. Florenoplois is pa of the Island of Santa Catarina. Never gotmuch sleep on the bus and arrived here around 8 in the morning. From there had to catch 2 buses to the hostel which took another 2 hours. Now as you can imagine I wasnt a pretty sight especially with a 20 kg backpack on my bag of which I had to stand wth all the way to the hostel.

Hostel is very chilled out and is located in the far south of the island. We are about 200m from the beach and only have a small local bar with a local shop.

After arriving here i washed up ,had a quick breakfast and joined a group of fellow backpackers on a walk to a seclued beach. The group was made up of Vanessa ( Barcelona). Antonio ( Barcelona), Niaomi ( Holland) and Pierre from France. This walk ended taking us 3 kms along the local beach and then 2 hours through jungle. Not sure how i made the walk but it was cool to get to the other side and do some swimming. Antonio made a local Spanish dish that night consisting of rice, egg and ham. Not amazing but food is food when backpacking!!

The following day went to an oyster restaurant on the sea. View was amazing with our table basically in the sea. After that we went down to the sea and took some photos and chilled out.

Yesterday we had some new recruits ( Andy and Louise ) UK and i went beaching with them till late and then finished off witha few cervajas. Picked up some fresh calamari from the local fisherman and made a seafood pasta which was loved by all.

Today tried my hand at surfing without much luck as the board was way too small and light. Sure it would of been a breeze if I had the right equipment!!!!!

Thinking of heading out tomorrow to Ascension in Paraguay and then on to salta in Northern Argentina to meet up with Mike Daly. From there its Bolivia , Peru and Chile.

Have had an awesome time here but new cheaper countries are to be discovered. Will keep ya posted!!

I have uploaded all my photos on Picasa. Send your email addresses to my gmail account if you want to be able to see them

CONGRATULATIONS !!!!

I found out today that Monia passed her final Masters Board Exam. I am absolutely exstratic and so happy for her. Its been a life long dream for her. Her 6 months of hard graft and perserverance has finally paid off. Congratulations P!!

Sorry i cant be there to join the celebrations with you. Hope you are going out and getting hammered.

Love u like crazy!!

Carnaval !!!

My time was mostly spent with some of the volunteers from the hostel I was staying in. Trevor ( Canada), Dominic ( Australia), Kerry ( London), Sarah ( Belgium) and Marinda ( UK).

First night I arrived we went to a bloc party outside a hall which was holding rehersals for the Samba drome over the weekend. 04:0

Friday night was in an area called Lapa which had all the bars and clubs of the city. The place was absolutely packed. 06:00

Saturday night went to the Samab drome where the volunteer group was dancing in one of the samab schools. 04:00

Sunday night was the secondary schools dancing in the drome. All the volunteers from the previous night were invited to come watch 0300

Monday night hooked up with Mike Daly and Jack in Lapema for a few drinks. 05:00

Tuesday night went down to the local bloc party. Was an erly one as was leaving the next day early 12:00

Hostel in Foz de Igauzu

Just a quick note on where I stayed in Iguazu. Really awesome place by the name of Pauidimer Falls Hostel ( Brazilian side). Wonderful company and well priced as well. Very helpful with info re the falls and the best activities to do.

A Special Post for Robert and Roque back in Stellenbosh

Rob i thought you would possibly like to add this too your workshop wall with the others!!