As I had suspected, The Iguaçu/Iguazu/Iguassu (depending which part you are at) falls was one of the most epically specatular things I have ever seen in my life. Mere words do not begin to describe the shear mass of the thundering water plummeting off the 1 km wide 80 meter high drop. It has made all those past waterfalls into but a trickle feeding a puddle of a swimming hole. Nothing I should think will compare to standing at against the rail at the devils throat, staring down into the explosive foaming thunder of it´s stomache... nothing. Brazil on one bank, and the new adventures waiting on the other bank of Argentina. Just the perfect moment for the pouing rain being taunted down by the lighting and thunder above into the Thunder of the falls below to infeltrate my camera, rendering it useless to capture that moment of shear awe.
Oh well, I supose life goes on, or has gone on. The life has returned to my camera now so all is good. And we are about to wrap up our 5 nights of parties and cemetaries in Buenos Aires to continue south to the glaciers, whales, and pangiuns awaiting us in Patagonia.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Iguaçu
Florianopolis was amzing, big suprise eh:P we staying in a small apartment in Barra Da Lagoa for 5 nights. We spent most of that time exploarignt the surrounding beaches and town. On the 3rd day though we took a ferry from Centro Da Lagoa for only R$6 to Costa Da Lagoa. It´s a remote fishing village accessable only by boat or 3 hours hike (we were lazy). Once there we hiked up a small mountain bebehind it where we found a great picture point and a small water fall. Then next day we found a trail from near our apartment to what they call natural swimming pools. It was more just an area protected by some huge rocks where you could dive in and swim without threat of huge waves. None the less it was breath taking. then to wrap up a relaxing trip to Florianopolis we met up with one of Maddys rotary Friends, Felipe, and he took us to a local club. Which turned out to be a mostly gay club. It was a ton of fun, and relieving to know that those guys dancing with Maddy we´re not actually interested:P It wasn´t until they moved to me that it was time to take a break.
And now after another 14 hour bus ride we at the waterfall to put allother water falls to shame. we will not be able to see them until tomorrow, I am so stoked for Iguaçu Falls. And tomorrow is a big day for more reasons than that too. It will be our last full day in Brazil before crossing over to Argentina. Woooo, I am excited but will miss this country until My return in June.
And now after another 14 hour bus ride we at the waterfall to put allother water falls to shame. we will not be able to see them until tomorrow, I am so stoked for Iguaçu Falls. And tomorrow is a big day for more reasons than that too. It will be our last full day in Brazil before crossing over to Argentina. Woooo, I am excited but will miss this country until My return in June.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Good Choice
Well our decision to remain in Rio for an extra 2 nights was a great choice. On the first extra day we made out way to the beach and just sat there for a majority of the day, very relaxing. Then that night the hostel hosted a bbq with all you can eat meats and drinks. So we got a pretty full and pretty drunk. Then after sleeping to noon we decided to mix things up and got to the beach that is 15 minutes walk from our hostel instead of the one 2 minutes walk. It was equally as relaxing. Then it was to Lapa! The streets were flooding with people becoming increasingly drunk. The music pumped so loudly out of the clubs that there was no point in even going in, everyone was just dancing in the streets. It was the most people I have ever seen in the same area just because it was friday night, no special event, it's just like that every friday and saturday night!
I love Brazil
I love Brazil
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Rio De Janeiro
After spending a few days bed riden in Salvador, me with food poisoning, Maddy with a bacterial infection, we caught a plane to Rio de Janeiro. And the air conditioning on the plane was so cold that I managed to catch a cold, and now my nose runs relentlessly. So health wise it has not been the best week. But despite all that, Rio is still amazing. This mornig we went to the beach for a couple hours near our hostel. We are staying right along Copacovada, and amazing beach. We then attended a 4 person tour of Corcovado (Jesus on the mountain), some artistic steps that hosted a music video by Snoop Dog, some huge cathedral, and Sugar Loaf Mountain. All of which were very impressive!
We were originally planning on leaving here tomorrow, but the locals convinced us to stay until saturday so that we can see that party district on friday night. So that should be interesting.
We were originally planning on leaving here tomorrow, but the locals convinced us to stay until saturday so that we can see that party district on friday night. So that should be interesting.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Straight to Salvador
After leaving the beautiful town of Itacare we buses over to Valenca, the fishing capital of Bahia. It didn't take long for us to descide that it wasn't our favorite place at all, so the fact that we have no solid plans came in very handy as we left after staying only for a single sleep. The bus departing Valenca to Salvador was about 5 long hours without airconditioning or a washroom. So instead to too a mere two hour mus to a ferry terminal and caught a super cheap one hour boat ride to Salvador. We caught a cab to the Pelourinho district (safe haven for tourists). It was comforting to see two armed cops on every corner. We exited the cab into quite the downpour so i got to test out the rain cover for my backpack, it worked. So with rain cover keeping my backpack dry but getting soaked myself, we headed out looking for the hostel we had picked out of my Brazil guide... such tourists. And after getting nearly tricked by a sneaky little kid into going to his parents hostel we made it. It's a really nice affordable hostel with english speaking staff, such a bonus. And we met 2 girls from Norway, 1 from California, a Columbian guy, and 3 from Brazil who we ended up going out with to a local live music thing and getting a bit drunk. It was a ton of fun.
Today Maddys rotary friend came and met us here then he and his dad showed all the nice areas within walking distance of here. Which was very nice. Unfortunately the rain continued so we endind up going with the Norwegian girls to the movie theatre to see the only movie playing, Love Happens... it was horrible. After that Maddy felt pretty ill, she had been feeling a bit off for a while but it got worse pretty quickly. So we went to the hospital. No one there spoke any english, but out of pure luck the doctor spoke pretty good french. Good thing Maddy took french emmersion. It was much quicker than we had thought and were out of there in an hour. Turns out she has some bacterial infection so the doctor gave her an anti-biotic prescription and intructions to take it easy and not drink for a few days.
well I guess that would bring you up to speed.
Laters
Today Maddys rotary friend came and met us here then he and his dad showed all the nice areas within walking distance of here. Which was very nice. Unfortunately the rain continued so we endind up going with the Norwegian girls to the movie theatre to see the only movie playing, Love Happens... it was horrible. After that Maddy felt pretty ill, she had been feeling a bit off for a while but it got worse pretty quickly. So we went to the hospital. No one there spoke any english, but out of pure luck the doctor spoke pretty good french. Good thing Maddy took french emmersion. It was much quicker than we had thought and were out of there in an hour. Turns out she has some bacterial infection so the doctor gave her an anti-biotic prescription and intructions to take it easy and not drink for a few days.
well I guess that would bring you up to speed.
Laters
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Next Destination
Well tonight is our last night in Itacare, and I´m spending it having a war with this stupid computer trying to upload photes. I am too lazy to put any on this, but if there is someone reading this than odds are you´ve got me on facebook. So you can check them out there.
I guess I´ll list the past few days events in order:
Yesterday I felt oddly motivated and got up at 6:15 to go for a run. The sun was already up and hot, so that mixed with the deadly hills on the one runnable made for a dehydrating heart pounding run. Maddy and I then walked to a nearby beach for a swim. I am getting the hang of body surfing, it´s possible to ride the powerful waves all the way to the sand without even needing a board of any kind. We then went back and I tested out the hammock for a couple hours while Maddy... well I actually don´t know what she did. Then last night we had some drinks at the bar and what not, nothing special.
Then today we had booked ourselves a 5 hour canoe trip up the river to a waterfall. It was amazing. Our guide, Goargia, didn´t speak a word of english and we told him we didn´t speak much Portuagese. But that certainly didn´t stop him from explaining everything rapidly... It made me very confused. Anywho, after about an hour of paddling (all Goargia just to be clear) up the main river we headed into a nerrow opening in the mangrove swamp lining the river. It was teaming with funny little crabs. Goargia explained (I failed to interprate) that they were very popular in the restaurants in Itacare. We came to a little trail where we ditched the canoe and walked for a few mintes until we came upon a... either a large stream or a small river... and eventually to the waterfall. At its base was a swimming whole where the three of us swam, as you do. Goargia then commenced to climb straight up the middle of the slippery rocky waterfall and he beckoned for us to follow. Maddy smartly refused amd took pictures along the trail that lead safely to the other swimming hole at the top. But of coarse I climbed, it was a bit sketchy but I´m still in one peice. On the way back to Itacare we stopped at a riverside restaurant for diner. It was beautiful and delicious. And nothing interesting has really happened since then.
Until next time, Tyson
I guess I´ll list the past few days events in order:
Yesterday I felt oddly motivated and got up at 6:15 to go for a run. The sun was already up and hot, so that mixed with the deadly hills on the one runnable made for a dehydrating heart pounding run. Maddy and I then walked to a nearby beach for a swim. I am getting the hang of body surfing, it´s possible to ride the powerful waves all the way to the sand without even needing a board of any kind. We then went back and I tested out the hammock for a couple hours while Maddy... well I actually don´t know what she did. Then last night we had some drinks at the bar and what not, nothing special.
Then today we had booked ourselves a 5 hour canoe trip up the river to a waterfall. It was amazing. Our guide, Goargia, didn´t speak a word of english and we told him we didn´t speak much Portuagese. But that certainly didn´t stop him from explaining everything rapidly... It made me very confused. Anywho, after about an hour of paddling (all Goargia just to be clear) up the main river we headed into a nerrow opening in the mangrove swamp lining the river. It was teaming with funny little crabs. Goargia explained (I failed to interprate) that they were very popular in the restaurants in Itacare. We came to a little trail where we ditched the canoe and walked for a few mintes until we came upon a... either a large stream or a small river... and eventually to the waterfall. At its base was a swimming whole where the three of us swam, as you do. Goargia then commenced to climb straight up the middle of the slippery rocky waterfall and he beckoned for us to follow. Maddy smartly refused amd took pictures along the trail that lead safely to the other swimming hole at the top. But of coarse I climbed, it was a bit sketchy but I´m still in one peice. On the way back to Itacare we stopped at a riverside restaurant for diner. It was beautiful and delicious. And nothing interesting has really happened since then.
Until next time, Tyson
Monday, March 1, 2010
Burnt
If I have any advice to anyone coming anywhere near the equator in the future it`s; applying sunscreen every 40 minutes is not enough. I would fit in very well with a group of lobsters right now. Yesterday was our last day with Nicolle so she took us to ger grandpas beach apartment right outside of Ilhaus. It was very beautiful and very hot, as the evidence on my shoulders clearly shows. We went swimming then relaxed by the pool until her father came and picked us up to take us around Ilhaus for a photo sesh. (I will post some pictures as soon as I find an internet cafee fast enough for it to be worth while. We then headed back to relaxe with a couple of Nicolles friends and wtch Body of Lies.
This morning we said our goodbyes to Nicolle and her family before hoping on the bus to Itacare. The bus ride was just shy of 3 hours in direct sunlight with no airconditioning. It felt like a sauna. So we were relieved to finally arrive. We had found a hostel with 4 person shared rooms online for R$30 (About 15 canadian dollars) but met a guy odd the bus who we bartered a private room with tv and a kitchen down to R$20 (about 10 canadian, but I´m sure you figured that math out after the first one:P) Plus this new room is right downtown, which is very nice, and a 5-10 minute walk from the stunning beaches just south. We went for an evening swim in the powerful waves just prior to dusk and are now very temped to try some surf lessons.
We found it odd how the town was completely lifeless all day, a little dissapointed even, but just after dark swallowed the streets, people flooded from everywhere despite is being a monday night. There are lots of other tourists here which is kind of relaxing. And Emma, if you read this, we are definately coming back here in June if you come down.
Laters, and hopefully pictures will start coming soon!
This morning we said our goodbyes to Nicolle and her family before hoping on the bus to Itacare. The bus ride was just shy of 3 hours in direct sunlight with no airconditioning. It felt like a sauna. So we were relieved to finally arrive. We had found a hostel with 4 person shared rooms online for R$30 (About 15 canadian dollars) but met a guy odd the bus who we bartered a private room with tv and a kitchen down to R$20 (about 10 canadian, but I´m sure you figured that math out after the first one:P) Plus this new room is right downtown, which is very nice, and a 5-10 minute walk from the stunning beaches just south. We went for an evening swim in the powerful waves just prior to dusk and are now very temped to try some surf lessons.
We found it odd how the town was completely lifeless all day, a little dissapointed even, but just after dark swallowed the streets, people flooded from everywhere despite is being a monday night. There are lots of other tourists here which is kind of relaxing. And Emma, if you read this, we are definately coming back here in June if you come down.
Laters, and hopefully pictures will start coming soon!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Nicolle!!!
We finally made it to Itabune yesterday after a 29 hour bus ride. But as long as the busride was it was still worth it in my eyes. It took us through flat dry farmland, cities rimmed by rundown favilas, and thickly forested mountains peppered by makeshift mud huts. It really showed me how much we take for granted back home. There was also 4 British and one other Canadian person taking tyhe bus aswell. They we´re doing close to the same trip as us.
Nicolle then met us off the bus and took us back to her apartment where she lives with her father and sister. It is very nice. Then today she took us shopping for new bathing suits and whatnot on the streets near her home.
Oh right, the night before we left we tested out a Sao Paulo bar and through a mix of friendly locals and language confusion, we ended up drinking twice the amount for half the money and got a tad tipsy. We have similar intentions for this evening.
Nicolle then met us off the bus and took us back to her apartment where she lives with her father and sister. It is very nice. Then today she took us shopping for new bathing suits and whatnot on the streets near her home.
Oh right, the night before we left we tested out a Sao Paulo bar and through a mix of friendly locals and language confusion, we ended up drinking twice the amount for half the money and got a tad tipsy. We have similar intentions for this evening.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Lovin It
Jet lag has not yet worn off and we struggled to get up before 11:30, which wasn´t much of a problem because the whole house slept past 11 anyways. After a quick bite to eat Ivalise took us to the local market to buy some fresh fruits. Fruit in Canada doesn´t hold a candle to what the tropis of South America has to offer. And it turns out Paulo competes with dad for his BBQ skills... but it´s pretty even. During lunch we had Brazilian beer and liquor forced down our throats and ended up a bit tipsy, at lunch:P
We then managed to get a bit lost and needed to ask for directions while looking for the local shopping mall to purchase some flip flops and replace the booze we consumed. But all ended well and we made it home just as the sun set. Tomorrow Ian and his friend, Rafael, are going to take us by subway to the toen center to see what it´s all about. Appearently we are much more eager and friendly than the other Canadians they have met:)
And plans seem to be forever changing, so we now plan to fly up to where Nicolle lives and stay with her for a few days before making our way more slowly down the coast, I´ll let you know how it goes once we get there.
Tchau,
Tyson
We then managed to get a bit lost and needed to ask for directions while looking for the local shopping mall to purchase some flip flops and replace the booze we consumed. But all ended well and we made it home just as the sun set. Tomorrow Ian and his friend, Rafael, are going to take us by subway to the toen center to see what it´s all about. Appearently we are much more eager and friendly than the other Canadians they have met:)
And plans seem to be forever changing, so we now plan to fly up to where Nicolle lives and stay with her for a few days before making our way more slowly down the coast, I´ll let you know how it goes once we get there.
Tchau,
Tyson
Friday, February 19, 2010
We Made It
Maddy here:
Just arrived in Sao Paulo a couple hours ago, and after an interesting taxi ride, we are safe and sound at my mom´s friend´s friend´s house. Ivelise and her family are very very nice! The weather is beautiful and warm, Tyson and I are going to walk to a nearby park soon. Here he is:
Well don´t think ive really got a whole lot to add thoer than that this is a very beautiful country and ten hours is too long to sit on a plane, especially after a ferry ride and a 5 our connecting flight.
Just arrived in Sao Paulo a couple hours ago, and after an interesting taxi ride, we are safe and sound at my mom´s friend´s friend´s house. Ivelise and her family are very very nice! The weather is beautiful and warm, Tyson and I are going to walk to a nearby park soon. Here he is:
Well don´t think ive really got a whole lot to add thoer than that this is a very beautiful country and ten hours is too long to sit on a plane, especially after a ferry ride and a 5 our connecting flight.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Olympic Spirit to Finish off
Tonight is our last night in Canada!!!
Maddy and I came over to Vanvouver after a teary eyed goodbye to our families. Mom, Dad, Rosie, and Kaeli; I love all of you. We then headed downtown to where the Canadian Olympic spirit is thriving, even on a wednsday night there were crowds, appearently nothing like the weekends(but still hords compared to Qualicum), roaming the streets cheering on their respected countries. After dumping our backpacks at Janelles, Maddy's aunt's, office we went to diner and had a few drinks with her and her husband, Maddy's uncle Steve, before heading to their house for our last sleep in the northern hemisphere for 4 and a half months.
Goodnight Canada
Goodmorning South America
Maddy and I came over to Vanvouver after a teary eyed goodbye to our families. Mom, Dad, Rosie, and Kaeli; I love all of you. We then headed downtown to where the Canadian Olympic spirit is thriving, even on a wednsday night there were crowds, appearently nothing like the weekends(but still hords compared to Qualicum), roaming the streets cheering on their respected countries. After dumping our backpacks at Janelles, Maddy's aunt's, office we went to diner and had a few drinks with her and her husband, Maddy's uncle Steve, before heading to their house for our last sleep in the northern hemisphere for 4 and a half months.
Goodnight Canada
Goodmorning South America
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Last Day
Well today is officially our last day on Vancouver Island for about 4 and half months. I am definately nervous, but it is mostly drowned out by the overwhelming excitement. I belive I've said most of my goodbyes now, so once the last few touches are put into packing my bag I will be 100% ready to take off :D
Brett, Sarahs, and Emma; I'll miss you guys very much while I'm gone :'( But I'm sure you'll all pull through without me:P
And don't worry too much mom, I'll be sure to keep you updated as much as I can... I love you, goodbye
Brett, Sarahs, and Emma; I'll miss you guys very much while I'm gone :'( But I'm sure you'll all pull through without me:P
And don't worry too much mom, I'll be sure to keep you updated as much as I can... I love you, goodbye
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Booked and ready to go
Finally purchased our tickets:P Maddy and i shall be departing from the quiet, monotone setting of Qualicum Beach on February 18th. So long as I don't keep injuring myself that is. Yesterday after tossling with a thin, rather sharp edged sheet of copper, I met my middle knuckle and all those interesting tendons manipulating him. Went to the hospital to sew that unwanted opening back up, and they said I'm not supposed to travel with such open wounds. But meh. And Maddy I'll try not to do anything stupid between now and leaving, And won't do anything to life threatening while down there;)
Monday, January 11, 2010
Preparations
Well this is more of a test entry, making sure it all works and such. Cause I really don't see a point in updating this before I actually embark on my South American Adventure with Maddy. Anyone who there's a chance of actually reading this I will keep updated in person until i go, so yeah. This won't officially start until I have left my home...at an unknown excact date at this point. but within the next month.
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