Travel in Brazil (May 16-27, 2010)

May 16-27: Brazil

Travel in Brazil was amazing (Rio:beautiful beaches, people, culture, music and food; highlight: paragliding!, Ilha Grande: gorgeous, isolated, island paradise, best seafood of our lives! Salvador: Afro-Brazilian city - great street scene - vendors, music).

Language was an interesting barrier - with me trying to speak a mix of Spanish and English to Portuguese-speaking Brazilians! Best part was that even though they struggled to understand me, they thought my Spanish was impeccable! Now that I'm in Argentina, I'll have to work a lot harder to get such a complement but I still have all summer! :)

Weather: Unfortunately, Vancouver weather followed us everywhere we went - rain, clouds, etc. But we made the best of it and it reminded me of home.

May 27: we crossed the border from Foz de Iguacu (Brazil) over to Iguazu Falls (ARG). The pressure, the sound, the sheer expanse of the falls, mist of the water..breathtaking. Here's a video for a glimpse. But if you ever get the chance, even five minutes of experiencing this beautiful wonder is worth it!

Following the Falls, took an 18hr bus back to Buenos Aires. The buses of Argentina have a reputation around South America to be the Emirates of buses! The rumors were as true as they sounded and we definitely got the rest we were craving. Waiters, blankets, pillows, 180degrees reclining seats, full hot dinner included, drinks, movies, coffee and cookies, all included and served in platters!! Unfortunately, I booked cama ejecutivo (or executive bed) which doesn't recline all the way nor do they have leather seats (that would have been caja suite for $2.50 more!)...next time...but still the best bus experience of our lives.