We were told that when we came to Buenos Aires, we should try and see a football match at either River Plate or Boca Juniors to experience the fanatacism of the Argentinian crowds. With looking at the schedules we managed to arrive in B.A just in time for the ´Classico´ between these two giants of the game. We were taken to the ground by bus then walked amongst the cheering River Plate fans through security pat downs and into the crowd. We were warned they might confiscate camera batteries (potential missiles) but luckily they turned a blind eye. The crowd were [View Full Entry]

---

---

We got the weather right and managed to be leaving Colon for Buenos Aries just as it started to rain. Abit annoyed that the taxi we booked from the Hotel to the bus station was pinched from under our noses but never mind! Turned up at St Nicholas HI hostel in Buenos Aries on Avenida Bartoleme Mitre. Great hostel with comfy dorm beds. Next to a road but as usual I still sleep like a log! After a brief walk about town, we went on a guided Bicycle tour around the City. this was really good and helped us orientate ourselves [View Full Entry]

---

---

After a mammoth journey from Colonia Pellegrini involving the return 3hr minibus ride and a further 7 1/2hr bus ride, we arrived in the town of Colon. This had been recommended by a German lady now living in Argentina. It was a good choice, especially considering the Hostel we found.. A quick visit to the Tourist office directed us to Hostel Sophie, a new H.I. (Hostel International) set up and owned by a really friendly helpful party animal! - Marcella. She had a helping hand in Gerrard, an english guy who was taking a break from travelling. The first night, they [View Full Entry]

---

---

With not much to do in Posadas, we headed for the nature reserve Esteros del Ibera. The route we had to take -eventually- took us round three sides of a square heading to the 'town'of Collonia Pellegrini. First we were directed to Santa Tome, then they told us to get back on the bus and go to Paso de Los Libres. The bus from here to Mercedes didn't leave until 1am so we sat it out in a friendly bar watching some odd game show on TV. At 3am we arrived in Mercedes to find the Hostel, Delicias del Ibera, still [View Full Entry]

---

---

Our trip to Posadas in Northeast Argentina meant our first experience of long distance buses in South America. If they were all as good as this one, we'd be laughing! Reclining seats to almost flat position, TV screens showing current films and free coffee... 5 and 1/2 hours seemed like a doddle! The following day, we took a trip to Trinidad in Paraguay to see some Jesuit ruins. This involved a total of 3 buses to cross the border, because they didn't wait for us to complete the necessary checks. Encarnacion is the border town in Paraguaym and we stopped long [View Full Entry]

---

---

Arriving in Foz, we were heading for Paudimar Youth hostel, when we were approached by two young guys who had just set up their own Hostel in the centre of town. We decided a central base would be good, and they even gave us lift from the airport. Our first evening included watching the local chavs driving up and down the same bit of road blaring out bass beats... no different to Guildford on a Sunday night! Went to Itaipu Dam which is the worlds biggest Hydroelectric project. They lay on a free tour for visitors where they take you by [View Full Entry]

---

---

Arrived at the Botafogo Easy Hostel, set two blocks from the beach. Looked like a proper hostel with lots of people coming in and out of the place, and a bar and mini pool. Went up to Santa Teresa for a proper visit after our Corcovado trip cut our previous visit short. Lin was all smiles on the Tram ride both up and down. Some people are easy to please! We walked through the cobbled streets taking in views of the Favelahs below. Saw the film Á Virgin at 40´ . Gave us alot of laughs and the Portugese subtitles must [View Full Entry]

---

---

Hoping for sun? We should be so lucky!! Arrived in Ihla Grande after a two hour bus journey and about an hour on a little ferry boat. As we approached the island, we hoped that the clouds hanging above the mountain tops would soon disperse. Unfortunately at day break, these materialised into another downpour. Not to be put off, we hired kayaks and set off to a beach around the headland from the main port. This was good fun, and needed good balance to stop our lunch and me sliding into the drink! The beach was almost deserted, but we did [View Full Entry]

---

---

Our first few days in Rio did not happen quite as we had imagined. Lying on sunny beaches has had to be postponed for a bit. The clouds and drizzle have not stopped us seeing the Statue of Christ (amazing views all round on the one clear afternoon!) , Sugar Loaf mountain, the Botanical gardens and meeting up with Chris (J´s cousin..ish) and his family. We enjoyed taking the rickety tram up to Santa Teresa. This is an area full of quirky streets with the occasional cafe and souvenir shop. Great view of Rio and the favellas. Have decided to take [View Full Entry]

---

---

And they´re off!! The start to our trip didn´t go quite as planned, but turned out really well for us. We turned up at Heathrow with all our bags ready to check in and were offered 405 pounds each to take the next days flight. This was too good to pass up, so we found ourselves spending our first night not in a hostel, but in the Heathrow Hilton! This meant an extra day hanging around the airport, but the free food, the indoor pool and the cash did compensate! The flight was fine, apart from being separated. Some couples might [View Full Entry]

---

---