Buenos Aires to Rió de Janierio

My tour started in Buenos Aires. As I had already been there for a few weeks I just took a few final photos and sorted somethings out.

I met the group, who are all lovely. We went out for dinner and a few of us went on to a bar. I drank a bit too much and had to rest the next day.

We got a ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia. The trip was very slow. It took about two hours. The sun was shining when we were on the boat and once we arrived at Colonia. Colonia is a really pretty town. Everywhere is cobblestones and it is surrounded by water. I was sharing a room with the two Danish girls from the trip. We all hired golf buggies to look around the town, which was good fun. The sun was starting to set so the views were beautiful.

In the evening we all went out to dinner. Dinner was lovely, the food in Uruguay is a bit better for vegetarians than Argentina. We all went on to a bar afterwards. The bar was like a barn. It was nice but very basic. Everyone in the bar looked at us as we entered.

The local football team had won their only game of the season. This caused everyone to get in their car and toot their horns. The town went from beong calm and peaceful, to rush hour traffic. They are so passionate about football. This went on for about two hours. They were waving the teams kit, yelling and making as much noise as possible.

The next day we took a but to Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay. It rained the entire bus journey. I was pleased that it rained when we were on the coach, but it took everyones mood down a bit as the weather the day before had been beautiful.

Montevideo is very quite for a capital. It is much older than Buenos Aires. I am not really sure if they have left the ´70s. All the music played in the bars and cafes was from this eara. I liked it, but it was very slow and calm. We went on a city tour, which took about 2 hours. They covered every aspect of the city. It is very picturesque, but could do with an update.

The people are lovely and friendly. Everyone was so helpful, especially where they did not understand the lanaguage. They would try so hard to ensure they had helped.

We went on to Salto from here. We all thought we were going to a natural spring, but it turned out to be a spa. All the pools were hot. Just what we all needed after so much travelling. The buses can be long and hot. Most of us had a massage, including me.

Salto is also a pleasent place. It is really a mix of small villages and farms. The land here is quite flat. People have their own animals. The scenery reminded me of Belgium.

We had a very long jouney from here to the Iguzu falls- 22 hours. We had to get up a few times as we went through the Uruguay/ Brazilian boarder. The bus was quite basic and they kept the air con on the entire journey. Most of us had colds the next day.

The journey was worth it though. The falls were spectacular. It rained on the Argentina side, but it was still beautiful. There is a vast forest around the falls so the rain made this look lush. We all took a boat trip right up to the falls and got soaked. We were able to walk above the the falls, were we also got soaked. It felt like the rain in England. That misty rain you all know very well. The trip included a boat trip above the falls where we got to see some of the wildlife. The boat driver said we were 50 meters away from the edge of the falls. The water is suprisingly calm here, compared to the noise and power when you see the water going over the edge.

The sun came out for us on the Brazilian side. We could not get as close to the falls, but it was equally amazing. There were rainbows everywhere, tucans, hamsters and lots of other creatures.

I was quite sad to leave the falls. We headed to Paraty. The landscape changed so much. Lots of hills and views of the ocean. Paraty is in Brazil. It is a small fishing village. The pavement is made up of rocks from the beach. It is a really pretty village. It is full of life. I missed out on food here as everything was with fish. I managed to have some fantastic salads though.

They eat a lot of fruit in Brazil. Breakfast includes watermelon, mango, passionfruit and many other local fruits. They put a lot of the fruits in the salads.

The weather was now on our side. The sun was out and we were introduced to Capriniah. This is a local drink made from sugar cane. Basically lime, sugar and this drink. It is very strong.

During the day we went to some beautiful beaches. The sea was very strong. People were surfing. The beaches are white sand and the water full of blues and greens. The area surrounding the beaches are mostly forest. We took a local bus from here to Ilha Grande, we had wonderful views the entire journey of the hills, mountains, sea and beaches.

The weather remained sunny for the next few days. Ilha Grande was like no where I had ever seen before. It is a set of Islands, again with beautiful beaches. We all went out on a party boat and swam in the sea and drank Capriniah. The water was quite cold.

A man on a rowing boat came up to us, selling coconut. It was delicious. We fed some of it to the fish. There were three types of fish, mostley yellow and black striped, a few long thin things and some grey fish.

There was a music festival on, so in the evenings we went there. Everyone was dancing and having fun. I had a great time here.

When we got to Rió the weather changed. Rain and more rain. I was sad that the tour had finished too. I had a great time with everyone on the trip.

I checked myself in to my hostel and did a bit of sight seeing. Not sure what I thought of Rió. The city centre was hustle and bustle and the beaches a bit calmer. The food here is wonderful. There is everything. I think they are a bit more health conscious, everyone is always out running. The women here wear the smallest bikinis and clothing. The men don´t wear a lot more. People here are still very relaxed.

The beaches are not maybe what they once were. They are all lined with tall buildings, though it is very clean.

I am not in São Paulo. It feels very vibrant here. The city here is huge. I like it. Very busy. Very cosmopolitan. Still enjoying the food. It was grey today, but no rain. Had a good look around the city and am going to a dance class tonight. This hostel is really good. Everyone is really friendly and there is a lot going on here. Be sad to leave here. I catch a flight on Friday to Bolivia for my next tour. I hear its -3oC at the mo. Would prefer some warmer weather. I may change my plans. Not sure yet.

Me fin semana en Buenos Aires

Today, sadly, is my last day in Buenos Aires, which is a shame as my Spanish was starting to improve. The city is wonderful, so friendly and relaxed. Its a really nice pace of life. Plus its been really warm and sunny this week.

My last Spanish class was on Thursday. I had to do a written test, which I passed, which I am very happy about. It was sad to say goodbye to everyone at the school, and I'm missing everyone already. A few of us went out for lunch on the Wednesday to wish each other well for our next adventures.

I moved on Friday from the homestay to a hotel. I forgot how heavy my backpack was, and really stuggled to get everything back in it. I took a taxi. There was no way I was going to attempt the Subte. Its always so busy, I would not have been very popular.

The hotel is great. I have a room to myself, which is good. I thought I might have to share a room. There are 15 of us and everyone else on the tour are travelling with friends or partners, so are sharing with each other.

We all went for dinner last night, then a few of us went out to a bar. Everyone is lovely and really friendly. Nice mix of people. I am looking forward to travelling with them.

We have to get up quite early tomorrow morning to catch the ferry to Uruguay, so I am staying in tonight. I need to organise my things, and recover from last night.

Still in Buenos Aires

I am still in Buenos Aires. This week has gone by very quickly. I am still studying Spanish, and am picking it up slowly. A new peron joined the class today. Everyone in the class is friendly and helpful.

My lack of Spanish makes it a bit awkward at the home stay. They ask me the same questions and I think they pretend to understand me. Margaret Thatcher came up at the dinner table the other night. It was quite funny really.

The weather here has changed a bit. Its cold, I need my big coat now. The sun is always shining, and the sky is a beautiful blue. Everyone is properly wrapped up now. Hats, gloves, and big, big coats. The buildings are all decorated with tiles and are not very well heated.

I have been out a few times this week. The night life is very relaxed, but people do not go out until 11.00 at the earliest. Its not good for me when I have school the next day. Have to have a seista in the afternoons.

Tried tango last week, its only a beginners class so quite slow, but it makes me feel very feminine.

I finish at the Spanish school on Friday and start to make my way to Brazil, with the tour that I booked. Will be nice to have a break from studying, though I am quite sad to be leaving.

That's all for now.