|
Good bye Brazil | 11.29.01 @ 1:28 PM EST |
|
The Pantanal was an amazing experience. Upon arriving We was greeeted by oppressive heat and a swarm of mosquitos, but things got better-we got used to it, I guess. We stayed at a farm called Fazenda Rio Negro, and were lucky enough to be the only guests so on every excursion it was just us and our guides. The Pantanal is teeming with life, which we obseved by river and on horseback. Armed with bug spray, sun screen, hats, and sunglasses, we went out early each morning, and late each afternoon, and enjoyed a long siesta during the heat of the day as reccommended by our guides. We swam with Caiman and Pirahnas while observing tons of indigenous birds. Three times a day we were treated to delicious home cooked meals, which were alone worth the trip. Next stop was Bonito, a small town about a hour west by cessna where we snokeled some of the local rivers, and repelled down into a cave-Jim scheduled that without my knowledge. I still canŽt beleive I did it! Now weŽre enjoying the beatuful city of Buenso Aires for the next few days, until we leave for Peru on Saturday! The adventure continues in Spanish for the next month. Con mucho carino, Laura and Jim |
|
The last of Rio | 11.20.01 @ 4:45 PM EST |
|
The clouds lifted enough today for us to get a great view of this truly beautiful city from the famous Pao De Asucar (sugar loaf in English). In minutes a cable car dangled us over the sea and lifted us into the clouds. Later we toured a local favela (shantytown), and really got to see a slice of life. Apparently one fifth of RioŽs population live in favelas, which are constucted high up into the hills and look down onto the rest of the city. The atmoshere was not depressed in spite of the incredibly modest means in which these people live. These Brasilians build their homes into the hills where and how they can wihout observing construction codes, giving these neighborhoods a haphazard, whimsical character. One road runs a circle through the favela, and beyond that there are winding stairs through narrow alleys to hike up into the tiny homes. Knowing that Rio isnŽt just beautiful beaches and Samba, we wanted to experience this reality. WeŽll be thinking of you all on Thankgiving when weŽre in the Pantanal swamp eating aligator with our cranberry sauce. Lots of love! L&J |
|
Our adventure is underway | 11.19.01 @ 2:23 PM EST |
|
Itacare was beautiful-truly a great place to start our trip. It is a charming little fishing village in Bahia that has recently been "discovered" by travelers from Europe, and the States. Food and weather were awesome, and I followed Jim and the other surf-campers to all the best beaches. Now we're in Rio which is a great city, surrounded by and built into large rock formations. We have surveyed the famouslocal beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema as well as some just outside the city. Since we've been here, very dense heavy clouds have been hanging over the city. We're hoping for them to lift as two of Rio's most famous places (Corvado and Sugarloaf) boast spectacular views on a clear day. Next stop-the Pantanal... |
|
Bye Bye USA | 11.7.01 @ 5:54 PM EST |
Off tomorrow to Brazil. First stop Itacare in the Bahia region of Brazil. Here for about a week of beaching and surfing with the Easy Drop Surf School.
I hope my surfing improves... |
|
Packing | 11.3.01 @ 3:33 PM EST |
|
If anyone sees this before Monday the 5th...tell Laura that it is not practical to bring 8 pairs of shoes! |
|
Before... | 11.1.01 @ 9:16 PM EST |
Tick, Tick, Tick,
Time is getting short. We Leave for Miami on November 6th, and then for Brazil November 8th.
Stay tuned...
|
