It has been another 10 days since the slightest peep from us..... lame I know. But here we are, now in India!!
However there is a little to recap on first. The last few couple days in Rio were hot and sweaty! We braved the beach, only to turn around 2 mins later because of the extreme heat and we wandered the streets taking in the last of ou Latin flavour. When it was time to go we were sad to be leaving the continent that we had called home for so long, but happy to start the new leg of our trip and be going home to England!
The flight, as always, was non eventful, and in fact, relatively short for us considering the bus journies that we are now accustomed to. Mum & Dad met us at the airport (a little late!), complete with pork pies, pickled onions and a cheese $ onion sandwich! We went off into the cold new weather of England for lunch at a wonderful old pub right on the canal, not too far of the road home.
We headed back home to Salisbury for the evening with some great, old fashioned, English style home cooking..... mmmmmmmmmmmm!!
Sorry but our time is up here, we are safe, it is hot, there is a lot of yummy looking curry!!
We WILL update again soon xx
Showing posts with label Brazil. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brazil. Show all posts
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Picture Update
Here (after 10 days) are our pictures from Brazil....
Brazilian side of the falls:
Rio de Janeiro:
Enjoy!!
Real blog to come soon xx
Brazilian side of the falls:
Rio de Janeiro:
Enjoy!!
Real blog to come soon xx
Friday, February 27, 2009
Pushing 5 months...
So here is a brief synopsis of the past few days:
On our last day in Foz Iguassu we visited the Brazilian side of the falls.... we were in a rush but did get to see it all. This side is not as extensive but does give some good views on the falls that we saw up close earlier in the week. It also gives a different point of view of Devil´s Throat. It was good but just not nearly as amazing as the Argentine side.
After our brief trip we had to rush back to the hostel, pack and head to the bus station for our 12pm ride to Rio... another 24 hours and we would be in one of the most talked about cities in the world.
We arrived at our hostel to a melee of people checking in and out after the end of carnaval, it was a mess! When we were done we started to explore copacobana. The beach was packed and ridiculously hot, we couldn´t believe the huge waves crashing down and the sheer skimpiness of everyones bikini.... including the men! We wound down the evening catching up with some journaling and having a few beers.
Yesterday we woke earlier than we expected and once again ventured out into Copacobana for some shopping and some good food. We were booked on the favela tour for 3pm. The tour is run by a group that give families a safe place to leave their children for the day so that they can work, a great cause for the much forgotten community. The tour started with a ride on the back of a motorbike to the top of the favela.... it was a little hairy at points but we made it safely, if not thanking our lucky stars that we were in one piece!
We headed into the favelas and were immediately wandering through cramped, filthy streets. It was quite something just to see happy, laughing kids, playing as any others, in the streets, water pistols and all! We then got to see the inside one of the houses there that is now an artists workshop. This guy started off small and now has his pieces in galleries all over the world, spreading the message of the favelas. http://www.artfavela.com
We headed further down and the streets got narrower and narrower until they were barely alleyways. It was great to see the kids running around but depressing to see the filth that they lived in. We finished with seeing the project that we were supporting and the good work they were doing. From the roof we had an amazing view back up the hill over the entire encampment. We were fortunate enough not to run into any gangs, however they do support the tours. Overall it was an experience that was not easily forgotten.
Today we went to see Cristo Redentor, looking over the city. We arrived in the late afternoon but it was still way too hot. He is big! It was really something and our 4th of the 7 wonders of the world! He weighs 650 tons and took 9 years to complete. He looks over all parts of the city, rich and poor indifferently. The view from up there was amazing but it was difficult to fit all of him in one picture. Particularly without catching a few other tourists in the scene aswell.
This evening we are cooking dinner ready for tomorrow when we plan to hang out on the beach and maybe go to Sugarloaf for the quintessential view of Rio.
More soon, England in 2 days... surreal.
Love to all xx
On our last day in Foz Iguassu we visited the Brazilian side of the falls.... we were in a rush but did get to see it all. This side is not as extensive but does give some good views on the falls that we saw up close earlier in the week. It also gives a different point of view of Devil´s Throat. It was good but just not nearly as amazing as the Argentine side.
After our brief trip we had to rush back to the hostel, pack and head to the bus station for our 12pm ride to Rio... another 24 hours and we would be in one of the most talked about cities in the world.
We arrived at our hostel to a melee of people checking in and out after the end of carnaval, it was a mess! When we were done we started to explore copacobana. The beach was packed and ridiculously hot, we couldn´t believe the huge waves crashing down and the sheer skimpiness of everyones bikini.... including the men! We wound down the evening catching up with some journaling and having a few beers.
Yesterday we woke earlier than we expected and once again ventured out into Copacobana for some shopping and some good food. We were booked on the favela tour for 3pm. The tour is run by a group that give families a safe place to leave their children for the day so that they can work, a great cause for the much forgotten community. The tour started with a ride on the back of a motorbike to the top of the favela.... it was a little hairy at points but we made it safely, if not thanking our lucky stars that we were in one piece!
We headed into the favelas and were immediately wandering through cramped, filthy streets. It was quite something just to see happy, laughing kids, playing as any others, in the streets, water pistols and all! We then got to see the inside one of the houses there that is now an artists workshop. This guy started off small and now has his pieces in galleries all over the world, spreading the message of the favelas. http://www.artfavela.com
We headed further down and the streets got narrower and narrower until they were barely alleyways. It was great to see the kids running around but depressing to see the filth that they lived in. We finished with seeing the project that we were supporting and the good work they were doing. From the roof we had an amazing view back up the hill over the entire encampment. We were fortunate enough not to run into any gangs, however they do support the tours. Overall it was an experience that was not easily forgotten.
Today we went to see Cristo Redentor, looking over the city. We arrived in the late afternoon but it was still way too hot. He is big! It was really something and our 4th of the 7 wonders of the world! He weighs 650 tons and took 9 years to complete. He looks over all parts of the city, rich and poor indifferently. The view from up there was amazing but it was difficult to fit all of him in one picture. Particularly without catching a few other tourists in the scene aswell.
This evening we are cooking dinner ready for tomorrow when we plan to hang out on the beach and maybe go to Sugarloaf for the quintessential view of Rio.
More soon, England in 2 days... surreal.
Love to all xx
Monday, February 23, 2009
Butterflys fluttered by...
Our picnic in Mendoza was hot, sweaty, and delicious. We gorged ourselves on yummy cheeses, meats, and olives. Not exactly hot weather food, but it was necessary and needed. We hung out in the shade for a few hours, then headed home to finish packing, then bid farewell and great thanks to our wonderful Killiner hosts. We hopped on board our Andesmar bus that night and settled in for 36 hours of hell.
After two sleepless nights and cankles like you read about, we arrived in HOT Puerto Iguazu. We immediately hopped in a cab and were whisked away to Hostel Inn, a mini backpackers resort outside of town. We spent the day tanning(me moreso than Oli), swimming, enjoying a few Quilmes, and relaxing. Yummy buffet for dinner, then off to bed.
We woke up on Friday morning ready to take the falls by storm. We caught the local bus out front, and upon arrival found that credit cards were NOT accepted, so I rushed off to the ATM inside the park and debated whether I should leave Oli behind (Gingers get cranky in the heat). Luckily for him, he was behaving himself today and I returned to pay his entrance.
The Argentinian side of the falls is extensive, with tons of different paths to various miradors, a free train system, and a ferry to take you to the island. The falls themselves are amazing- over 275 cataracts, with thick mist enveloping you, providing welcome coolness in the hot summer sun. Hundreds of butterflies swarmed railings and puddles- beautiful. The walk out to devils throat was interesting, where we even saw a huge crocodile sunning himself. The intense collision of heavy falls makes it impossible to even see the point of impact through the mist, but there was a lovely rainbow, great views, and that feeling of how small we really are in the world.
Check out the photos!!
After the falls we headed back to the hostel for a night of Asado, Caperinas, and fun. We also had a very interesting show, which the boys enjoyed immensely more than the ladies.
Miserably, we headed across the border to Brazil, where we ran into slight trouble with our passports due to a speedy exit from Brazil back in December. We made it through in one piece, hopped in a cab on the other side to ride to our hostel. We were severely ripped off, and huffing and puffing we checked into the dorm, where we had a nice rejuvinating nap. Afterwards, we ate some lunch at McDonalds (don´t judge), read for a bit.... Homemade pizza for dinner, then watched Penelope. Off to bed in the airconditioned room, where we found bedbug carcasses in the bedframe. We pulled out our sleepsheets and tossed and turned all night, imagining little bites all over.
Today the plan is to head over to the Brazilian side of the falls, which is much smaller than the Argie side. The who know s what? We are planning on leaving for Rio tomorrow, but we´ll see how the bus tickets go.
Less than a week left in South America, no use for our Spanish now.... we feel a bit out of sorts! Very excited for the UK though, and to see Chrissi when she flies over. Our friend ryan finally purchased a ticket to come visit, so we will see him in the UK and in India. Exciting! Love to all, xoxoxo.
After two sleepless nights and cankles like you read about, we arrived in HOT Puerto Iguazu. We immediately hopped in a cab and were whisked away to Hostel Inn, a mini backpackers resort outside of town. We spent the day tanning(me moreso than Oli), swimming, enjoying a few Quilmes, and relaxing. Yummy buffet for dinner, then off to bed.
We woke up on Friday morning ready to take the falls by storm. We caught the local bus out front, and upon arrival found that credit cards were NOT accepted, so I rushed off to the ATM inside the park and debated whether I should leave Oli behind (Gingers get cranky in the heat). Luckily for him, he was behaving himself today and I returned to pay his entrance.
The Argentinian side of the falls is extensive, with tons of different paths to various miradors, a free train system, and a ferry to take you to the island. The falls themselves are amazing- over 275 cataracts, with thick mist enveloping you, providing welcome coolness in the hot summer sun. Hundreds of butterflies swarmed railings and puddles- beautiful. The walk out to devils throat was interesting, where we even saw a huge crocodile sunning himself. The intense collision of heavy falls makes it impossible to even see the point of impact through the mist, but there was a lovely rainbow, great views, and that feeling of how small we really are in the world.
Check out the photos!!
After the falls we headed back to the hostel for a night of Asado, Caperinas, and fun. We also had a very interesting show, which the boys enjoyed immensely more than the ladies.
Miserably, we headed across the border to Brazil, where we ran into slight trouble with our passports due to a speedy exit from Brazil back in December. We made it through in one piece, hopped in a cab on the other side to ride to our hostel. We were severely ripped off, and huffing and puffing we checked into the dorm, where we had a nice rejuvinating nap. Afterwards, we ate some lunch at McDonalds (don´t judge), read for a bit.... Homemade pizza for dinner, then watched Penelope. Off to bed in the airconditioned room, where we found bedbug carcasses in the bedframe. We pulled out our sleepsheets and tossed and turned all night, imagining little bites all over.
Today the plan is to head over to the Brazilian side of the falls, which is much smaller than the Argie side. The who know s what? We are planning on leaving for Rio tomorrow, but we´ll see how the bus tickets go.
Less than a week left in South America, no use for our Spanish now.... we feel a bit out of sorts! Very excited for the UK though, and to see Chrissi when she flies over. Our friend ryan finally purchased a ticket to come visit, so we will see him in the UK and in India. Exciting! Love to all, xoxoxo.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Photos from Porto Alegre and Punta del Este.
Here they are, we will have some Argentina pics up soon too.
Porto Alegre
Punta del Este
Hope you enjoy!
Porto Alegre
Punta del Este
Hope you enjoy!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Happy 2009!
Hello from Buenos Aires! We are now on country number 12, and we have been having a blast. A brief update on the past 2 weeks-
We flew into Porto Alegre, Brazil, to stay with our friend Kiki and her family. Fernanda and Kiki met us at the airport, gave us a brief tour, and we had a relatively mellow night. The following day, Jacki flew in from LA. It was Christmas Eve, and that night we had a fabulous dinner with Kiki's extended family, after which we went to her local country club for a huge dance party. Fun! On Christmas day, Renya and Lisa few in, and we had another big meal with Kiki's fam. Basically, the entire trip was one big fiesta! Lots of great food and company, and late nights! It was amazing for us to experience eating dinner around 11, going to bars at 2, and clubs at 4! I don't think we went to bed before sunrise more than a few times. So many fun and friendly people, and it was so nice for us to be around familiar faces again. We spent the next couple of days wandering around Porto Alegre, and the Sunday before NYE we headed down to Punta del Este with 2 other Brazilian girls for a week of fun in the sun!
The drive was about eight hours and extremely sweaty. We arrived at our lovely apartment and were happy to see how nice and open it was! We spent time on the beaches and wandering around, though a lot of our days were sleep filled due to the different way of life down here in the South. We were invited to a lovely NYE party, where we rang in the new year with smiles on our faces and champagne in our hands. We hung out in Punta for a few days more, then hopped on a boat to meet Jackie, Renya and Lisa in Buenos Aires for a few more nights of fun with our old friends before hitting the road again as a duo.
The girls have now all left, and we are at a loss for what to do! Its amazing how accustomed you get to being around people; things seem very quiet now. We are going to sit down tonight and figure out what to do with ourselves here in Argentina as we still have many weeks to go. Head south probably, but any suggestions would be appreciated! We miss you all, happy new years, and we would love to hear from you. Did anyone actually make it through the 700+ pix we put up over the holidays?
We promise to update more often and with more detail in the future. Love you!!
xoxoxo
We flew into Porto Alegre, Brazil, to stay with our friend Kiki and her family. Fernanda and Kiki met us at the airport, gave us a brief tour, and we had a relatively mellow night. The following day, Jacki flew in from LA. It was Christmas Eve, and that night we had a fabulous dinner with Kiki's extended family, after which we went to her local country club for a huge dance party. Fun! On Christmas day, Renya and Lisa few in, and we had another big meal with Kiki's fam. Basically, the entire trip was one big fiesta! Lots of great food and company, and late nights! It was amazing for us to experience eating dinner around 11, going to bars at 2, and clubs at 4! I don't think we went to bed before sunrise more than a few times. So many fun and friendly people, and it was so nice for us to be around familiar faces again. We spent the next couple of days wandering around Porto Alegre, and the Sunday before NYE we headed down to Punta del Este with 2 other Brazilian girls for a week of fun in the sun!
The drive was about eight hours and extremely sweaty. We arrived at our lovely apartment and were happy to see how nice and open it was! We spent time on the beaches and wandering around, though a lot of our days were sleep filled due to the different way of life down here in the South. We were invited to a lovely NYE party, where we rang in the new year with smiles on our faces and champagne in our hands. We hung out in Punta for a few days more, then hopped on a boat to meet Jackie, Renya and Lisa in Buenos Aires for a few more nights of fun with our old friends before hitting the road again as a duo.
The girls have now all left, and we are at a loss for what to do! Its amazing how accustomed you get to being around people; things seem very quiet now. We are going to sit down tonight and figure out what to do with ourselves here in Argentina as we still have many weeks to go. Head south probably, but any suggestions would be appreciated! We miss you all, happy new years, and we would love to hear from you. Did anyone actually make it through the 700+ pix we put up over the holidays?
We promise to update more often and with more detail in the future. Love you!!
xoxoxo
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