Save the best for last.
After a long day drive, we went from Bonito to Iguazu Falls. We left the rain behind and arrived in brilliant sunshine, which we enjoyed the three full days we were here. This is the last major stop before Buenos Aires and the end of my trip. The best was saved for last.
On the first day, though, we saw the large dam on the river between Brazil and Paraguay. It is one of the largest in the world and we were able to get a good tour of it, both inside and outside of the dam. In the afternoon, I went to a bird park. While I perfer to see the birds in the wild, this park allowed a close up view of some I saw only from a distance and others I was not able to see.
But the main attraction here is Iguazu Falls. On the second day, we viewed it from the Brazilian side, the third day from the Argentinian side. Words and even pictures can not describe the beauty, majesty, and immense scale to these falls. It put Niagara Falls to shame. It is three times larger. It is even more impressive than Victoria Falls (in Africa) or Angel Falls (in Venezula). It was simply awe inspiring and we were able to get up close and personal, through boardwalks and even a boat ride that got us drenched. This was the highlight of my three month journey.
After the Falls, we drove three days to get Buenos Aires, where we just arrived. We had two nice campgrounds along the way and enjoyed the beautiful weather. I now have a few days in BA, before my journey home.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Bonito
We had two full days in Bonito. The first day was brilliant, while the second day was a complete washout.
The first day began with a visit to a site where macaw birds hang out. Macaws are some of the most beautiful birds in the world and it is not easy to see them close up. But at this sink hole, they have established nests and as a result, it was possible to get good pictures of them flying around.
But the major activity of the day was snokelling down a small creek. It is spring fed and because of the nature of the water, it is absolutely clear. And so we went snokelling down this creek, able to a wide variety and amazing amount of fish. It was like swimming through an aquarium. (unfortunately no pictures of this experience because my camera doesn´t go underwater.)
At the end of the snokelling, it began to rain. And it rained and rained for the next 24 hours. One thunderstorm after another, with heavy downpours. As I mentioned before, this is the dry season. It rarely rains in a couple of months, let alone one thunderstorm. Because of the rain, all the activities of the second day were cancelled. Thankfully, we were at a hostel and not in tents.
The first day began with a visit to a site where macaw birds hang out. Macaws are some of the most beautiful birds in the world and it is not easy to see them close up. But at this sink hole, they have established nests and as a result, it was possible to get good pictures of them flying around.
But the major activity of the day was snokelling down a small creek. It is spring fed and because of the nature of the water, it is absolutely clear. And so we went snokelling down this creek, able to a wide variety and amazing amount of fish. It was like swimming through an aquarium. (unfortunately no pictures of this experience because my camera doesn´t go underwater.)
At the end of the snokelling, it began to rain. And it rained and rained for the next 24 hours. One thunderstorm after another, with heavy downpours. As I mentioned before, this is the dry season. It rarely rains in a couple of months, let alone one thunderstorm. Because of the rain, all the activities of the second day were cancelled. Thankfully, we were at a hostel and not in tents.
Friday, August 21, 2009
The Southern Pantanal
In the last leg of my journey, we visited the northern part of the Panatal--a vast area that becomes wetland during the rainy reason. In this leg, we visited the southern part of the Panatal. This required driving two and a half days across Brazil.
As was the case in my first visit to the Pantanal, weather became a major factor. When we arrived it was a hot and humid afternoon. We could do the afternoon activity of a short boat ride, but the evening night ride (to see the animals active at night) was cut short by a massive thunderstorm. In fact, we just got back when it started to hail. The hail was as large as tennis balls (I have pictures to prove I am not exaggerating.) The tiles of the roof began to break. As a result, all of the rooms began to leak, some quite seriously. Plastic tarps were brought in to cover the top bunks. This left only the bottom bunks available for sleeping, cutting down the number of beds available in half. Some slept in the truck; couples shared a single bed. So we all ended up being able to sleep. (This storm was highly unusual and made the national news in Brazil. This is suppose to be the dry season).
The next day the tiles were fixed and the rooms were cleaned. We were also able to do a full day of activities: taking a jeep tour around this large ranch (cattle and rice are its two major activities in addition to tourism) to view wildlife (mainly birds), go horse backing riding (where we saw a large anteater), and a night safari. On the third day, we went canoeing. After lunch we left to our next destination--Bonito. This took only the afternoon--most of it on dirt road.
As was the case in my first visit to the Pantanal, weather became a major factor. When we arrived it was a hot and humid afternoon. We could do the afternoon activity of a short boat ride, but the evening night ride (to see the animals active at night) was cut short by a massive thunderstorm. In fact, we just got back when it started to hail. The hail was as large as tennis balls (I have pictures to prove I am not exaggerating.) The tiles of the roof began to break. As a result, all of the rooms began to leak, some quite seriously. Plastic tarps were brought in to cover the top bunks. This left only the bottom bunks available for sleeping, cutting down the number of beds available in half. Some slept in the truck; couples shared a single bed. So we all ended up being able to sleep. (This storm was highly unusual and made the national news in Brazil. This is suppose to be the dry season).
The next day the tiles were fixed and the rooms were cleaned. We were also able to do a full day of activities: taking a jeep tour around this large ranch (cattle and rice are its two major activities in addition to tourism) to view wildlife (mainly birds), go horse backing riding (where we saw a large anteater), and a night safari. On the third day, we went canoeing. After lunch we left to our next destination--Bonito. This took only the afternoon--most of it on dirt road.
Paraty
After leaving Rio, it was a three-quarter day drive down the coast to Paraty. This small town has a very historic center, which is well preserved. It dates back to the 18th century when gold made this region very rich.
We had two full days in this town. On the first day, there was an included boat cruise. We didn´t go too far by boat before anchoring at a great beach. After swimming for a while, we pulled anchor to go to another beach, for another swim. This we did several more times. In between, we had lunch served on board. A very relaxing day, with good weather.
On the second day, we were able to do our own thing. Five of us went on a jeep tour, going to three different waterfalls. At the first, we could just dive in to the pool of water below the small waterfall. At the second, we used a swing rope to splash into the water below. At the third, the rocks formed a natural waterslide. While we went down on our back side, the locals went dowm standing up, which was really impressive. Again another relaxing day.
We had two full days in this town. On the first day, there was an included boat cruise. We didn´t go too far by boat before anchoring at a great beach. After swimming for a while, we pulled anchor to go to another beach, for another swim. This we did several more times. In between, we had lunch served on board. A very relaxing day, with good weather.
On the second day, we were able to do our own thing. Five of us went on a jeep tour, going to three different waterfalls. At the first, we could just dive in to the pool of water below the small waterfall. At the second, we used a swing rope to splash into the water below. At the third, the rocks formed a natural waterslide. While we went down on our back side, the locals went dowm standing up, which was really impressive. Again another relaxing day.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Relaxing in Rio
Tonight (thursday the 13th) we have our group meeting where I will meet all the new travellers for the third leg of my journey. I am the only one from the second leg continuing on (except of course the crew of 2). Tomorrow we leave Rio.
So for the last week, I have been relaxing in Rio, on my own. So what have I been doing?
-walking along the beach, as well as entering into the water (the water is fairly decent to swim in, with plenty of waves to play in)
-going to the markets to buy souvenirs (though this trip will not have many souvenirs as other trips--but plenty of pictures)
-going to a professional football (soccer) game in the 120,000 seat stadium, with crazy Brazilian fans on all sides of us.
-a city tour that took in `Christ the Redeemer´ the famous statue that overlooks the city, as well as Sugarloaf mountain that also provided fine views, as well as a few other spots
-when it rained Tuesday morning, sorting out laundry, banking and eventually finding a bird guide book (I´ve tried to find a bird guide book ever since I arrived in South America and after several hours in many bookstores in Ipanema, I found one. Expensive, but I bought it)
-phoning mom on my birthday
-renting a bike and biking along the coast, going 35km before turning back; after 15 km back with more head wind, my legs rebelled, so I took taxi the rest of the way back (which gave me a greater appreciation for those who did the Sea to Sea bike tours).
It´s been good to have this week in Rio, but it has been expensive. I´ve also been spoiled--a great hotel room to myself. Back to share accomodations, in hotels that often don´t have hot water, or camping; as well as group meals.
So for the last week, I have been relaxing in Rio, on my own. So what have I been doing?
-walking along the beach, as well as entering into the water (the water is fairly decent to swim in, with plenty of waves to play in)
-going to the markets to buy souvenirs (though this trip will not have many souvenirs as other trips--but plenty of pictures)
-going to a professional football (soccer) game in the 120,000 seat stadium, with crazy Brazilian fans on all sides of us.
-a city tour that took in `Christ the Redeemer´ the famous statue that overlooks the city, as well as Sugarloaf mountain that also provided fine views, as well as a few other spots
-when it rained Tuesday morning, sorting out laundry, banking and eventually finding a bird guide book (I´ve tried to find a bird guide book ever since I arrived in South America and after several hours in many bookstores in Ipanema, I found one. Expensive, but I bought it)
-phoning mom on my birthday
-renting a bike and biking along the coast, going 35km before turning back; after 15 km back with more head wind, my legs rebelled, so I took taxi the rest of the way back (which gave me a greater appreciation for those who did the Sea to Sea bike tours).
It´s been good to have this week in Rio, but it has been expensive. I´ve also been spoiled--a great hotel room to myself. Back to share accomodations, in hotels that often don´t have hot water, or camping; as well as group meals.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Truck Troubles
It´s Thursday and this morning we were all excited to be heading from Ouro Preto to Rio, where we should have arrived this afternoon. However, 20 km from Ouro Preto our truck developed problems--a major problem. The air compressor went (key to shifting gears and braking). As a result, we´re now waiting in a little hick town for repairs. The goal is to have it done by 6pm and head into Rio--perhaps arriving by 2am. While I do have a lot of time in Rio, others are leaving fairly soon after arriving. (Rio is the end of the second leg of my trip). As a result, this delay is a major disappointment for those whose time in Rio is very limited. It also means our final group dinner will no longer be possible. After several hours of searching, I finally found an internet place, so that I can write this and fill in some time. Hopefully, the wait will only be a few more hours.
...Well 6pm became 8pm. But at least we could leave. Unfortunately because the problem wasn´t completely solved the truck was not up to its full speed. As a result, it took nearly 12 hours to get to Rio. We arrived at our hotel at 7:30am. (One small delay was being pulled over by police who were curious about the truck and took pictures of it.) So we missed a good night sleep. But we could shower in a room and have a good breakfest.
Afterwards, I took a taxi for my hotel for the next six nights. (I´m on my own until the third leg of the tour starts on the 13th.) My hotel is close to Ipanema and Copacabana beaches of Rio. Now I just have to wait for the sun to come out. Its cloudy and 22 degrees.
...Well 6pm became 8pm. But at least we could leave. Unfortunately because the problem wasn´t completely solved the truck was not up to its full speed. As a result, it took nearly 12 hours to get to Rio. We arrived at our hotel at 7:30am. (One small delay was being pulled over by police who were curious about the truck and took pictures of it.) So we missed a good night sleep. But we could shower in a room and have a good breakfest.
Afterwards, I took a taxi for my hotel for the next six nights. (I´m on my own until the third leg of the tour starts on the 13th.) My hotel is close to Ipanema and Copacabana beaches of Rio. Now I just have to wait for the sun to come out. Its cloudy and 22 degrees.
Ouro Preto
From Alto Parasio, it was a long day drive (6:30am-9:30pm) and then a half day drive to Ouro Preto, where we spent the rest of the day and the next two full days.
Ouro Preto is a historic town that has kept its 18th century features. On the back of slaves and with the wealth of gold, the Portugeuse created a town that would revival the ones back home. The architecture is well-preserved. In the core of the city, there are over twenty churches. On the first full day, I explored many of these churches. While the outside of the churches are plain and reflect their age, inside there are beautiful carvings, paintings and altars. They are pieces of art. On the second day, I took a brief tour of a gold mine. There wasn´t much to see, except some deep caverns and a place where we could go for a short swim.
As a major tourist destination (especially for Brazilians), there are plenty of good restuarants to chose from. So eating out was also part of the experience, even if it was more expensive than the rest of Brazil. It also had some good chocolate shops. Our hostel provided a create view of the city. This was a wonderful place.
Ouro Preto is a historic town that has kept its 18th century features. On the back of slaves and with the wealth of gold, the Portugeuse created a town that would revival the ones back home. The architecture is well-preserved. In the core of the city, there are over twenty churches. On the first full day, I explored many of these churches. While the outside of the churches are plain and reflect their age, inside there are beautiful carvings, paintings and altars. They are pieces of art. On the second day, I took a brief tour of a gold mine. There wasn´t much to see, except some deep caverns and a place where we could go for a short swim.
As a major tourist destination (especially for Brazilians), there are plenty of good restuarants to chose from. So eating out was also part of the experience, even if it was more expensive than the rest of Brazil. It also had some good chocolate shops. Our hostel provided a create view of the city. This was a wonderful place.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Alto Paraiso
We escaped the Pantanal on Tuesday. It took four hours for the truck and our stuff to get reloaded onto the truck before we could head down the road, but we were able to leave. Then it was three long days of driving, past vast farmlands (corn was being harvested.) In the morning of the third day, we had a quick drive through tour of Brasilia (the capital of Brazil), before reaching Alto Paraiso.
We then had two full days to explore the national park beside this little hippie town. The first day we all went on a hike that took us past some waterfalls. The second day, four of us hired our own guide and car to explore the park further (the rest did some high aderline activities like zip-lines). The adventure for the four of us was more natural. We went to three different places, one to a small canyon, another to some swimming spots, and another to landscape that is called Valley of the Moon--because of how the river eroded the rocks. It was a brilliant day and it was good to be part of a smaller group.
We then had two full days to explore the national park beside this little hippie town. The first day we all went on a hike that took us past some waterfalls. The second day, four of us hired our own guide and car to explore the park further (the rest did some high aderline activities like zip-lines). The adventure for the four of us was more natural. We went to three different places, one to a small canyon, another to some swimming spots, and another to landscape that is called Valley of the Moon--because of how the river eroded the rocks. It was a brilliant day and it was good to be part of a smaller group.
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