Wow that was a great hike Reading that brought back all the happy, sweaty, exhilarating memories. Your entries encapsulate each experience so succinctly. Looking forward to the next one!
THNAKS!! Thanks!! I am glad that you found it to be an enjoyable read. It really was an incredible travel experience and one that I will not soon forget.
Muy buena descripción de Cachi! Aunque no entendí todo con exactitud, me parece que lo que escribiste describe muy bien a Cachi y, no solo eso, sino que también describe el encanto que Cachi te hizo sentir. Me alegro mucho por vos, Jar Jar B...
Hope you don't mind! Hi! I am a primary teacher from Devon, England, about to start a project with the kids about Brazil. I hope you won't mind if I use your blog (although perhaps not all of it) as an example of recount and to help the kids learn about Rio! It sounds amazing!
Absolutely! Use as much or as little as you want. I am a teacher myself and even taught in England in 2008, so I have an idea of the nature of the task you are planning. I hope the blog entry is of some assistance!
traveling in rio, girl style Oi mate,
I stumbled across your blog, fortunately, and found it really resourceful and fun. Sorry that I am a stranger; I know that can be kind of creepy haha. Being that you just left Rio, I was wondering if you could possibly answer a few questions for a traveling American girl. I am currently staying with Australian friends in Curitiba (ironic) and am planning on doing some traveling before I leave. My plane leaves from Rio the first week in May and I hoped to do some touring (when in rio...) before I return home. I googled the hostel you stayed at and it sounded awesome... and ridiculously cheap and helpful compared to the competing hotels in Rio. I did notice, however, that it was surrounded by favelas. Do you think that it would be just as safe and enjoyable staying in that hostel, being the foreign girl that I am? Also, do you think I would meet any other tourists that would want to do some sight seeing/beach chilling with me? And, I thought of stopping in Sao Paulo before going to Rio. I do know some people, but they are friends of friends and am not sure if I will be able to stay with them. Would you recommend me stopping if I didn't have anyone to stay with? I would greatly appreciate if you answered. That would be so awesome and SO helpful. If you haven't left Brazil yet, then I hope you have a great end to your trip! :)
Thanks so much!
Emily
Rio...and more!
Hi Emily!
I definitely feel that the hostel is safe. During my time there, I met quite a few people who, like me, were travelling alone (guys and girls) and they all felt safe at the hostel and enjoyed their time there. Some people didn't like that there isn't a kitchen to use (they do provide a good breakfast though!), but with my inept cooking skills, that wasn't a concern for me!
From my experience at the hostel, you would meet other people. I often went to the beach (fastest way is to get the metro from Cinelandia or Carioca, which are both about a 10-15 minute walk from the hostel. The bus takes a while longer, due to the traffic in the city) or out for dinner with other people who were staying there. I don't want to hype it up too much, as things are often a let down when you receive such news prior, but I had a great time there. The managers and all of the staff are great people who are really friendly and want to engage in conversation with you.
As for Sao Paulo, I am here right now! I have friends who live here, which is the reason I have returned to the city. To be honest, I am not a fan of a place that is essentially a megalopolis, but if you like good food, nightlife and music, then Sao Paulo is the place. I am lucky, because I have been taken to places by my friends that I would not have known about otherwise. It is not a city to walk around at night alone, that's for sure! If you like art, then MASP is worth a visit.
If you want to stop off somewhere on your way to Rio, I would consider Paraty for a night or two, before heading to Ilha Grandhe (there are direct transfers from Paraty. You can also easily get to Rio from the island). Ilha Grande is paradise. No cars, just sandy streets in a small village and numerous beautiful beaches. I wrote a blog on that place too, so if you're intrigued, you should find some more information there. I heard about it from other travellers who told me that I could not leave Brazil without going to Ilha Grande...and they were right! The cheaper hostels are El Misti and Overnativa. Biergarten is always spoken about positively by people that I have met who stayed there. The two party hostels which are located right on the water are Che Legarto and Aquario. There is a party at these hostels every night (alternating between the two). The most important tip is to take sufficient money with you, as you cannot withdraw money on the island. Most backpackers found that 800 (Brazilian, not USD) is sufficient for a week.
If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask! HAVE FUN!!!
Bronson
B.A. Ah, Bueonos Aires! Your blog certainly brought back some fond memories. So glad you visited La Boca and other parts of BA that I also visited. The Tango. Only the Argentinians can perform this with so much passion. Pity about your two left feet! I forgot about the steaks - I couldn't finish mine! Happy new year in Iguassu (Iguazu).
Love it I was in Bodrum a few years back and noticed a day trip to Kos for 50 euro return.... I remebered how much I loved Gyros so forked out the 50 and spent the day wandering around Kos eating Gyros..... One of my more memorable days.
Reliving our travels Hey Bronson
I am loving reading your travel blogs. Beside making me want to pack my bags and go travelling, these blogs from Jordan are allowing me to relive Jakki's and my travels there many years ago when we were in total awe and wonder also at petra.
When do you return to Aust? I am bringing Troy and the girls to Ballarat in mid Feb to see nanna and the rest of the family but I fear we may just miss you which will be a shame.
I only just caught up on the news of why your travel blogs have no mention of Marty - very sorry to hear that. But what a wonderful trip to escape and have so many amazing experiences.
Keep travelling safely.
xx
Lisboa
Cascais and Sintra are something else ey. Sintra is like something out of a fairytale with it's castles, complete with spiraling towers set amongst the green mountain backdrop.
Lima experience Hi Bronson. So glad you were able to hold your beer (on this occasion) and extricate yourself from the clutches of the gays.
I've never thought of the possibility of any of my offspring batting for the other team!
Galapagos Hi Bronson. Just read your interesting and most informative blog, particularly the physical make up of the male marine iguana! It's my last night here in Hong Kong before going in to China tomorrow for a 3 night Yangtze River cruise, so I probably won't get a chance to access the internet for that time. Hence I'm very glad you were able to write this blog before I go. Keep enjoying yourself, even with a loud American in your touring party. Cheers, Dad.
Easter Island Bronson. Sounds like you have started your 3 month journey in awesome fashion. Stay healthy and ease up on the grog and you'll have wonderful memories. Cheers. Dad.
miss jalan jalan
miss jalan jalan
wow - what a sunset!