Ho Hum

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It´s been a bit like waiting for a bus since I got back from the Pantanal.
First the Italians left after we had a fun last night together. Next to leave was Mark. Another last meal. Yesterday, I was helping Joel and Laeso fish for tourists. They gave me a lift to the airport where I changed my ticket (at a cost of $100!). I spent the evening with Joel and two Slovenian doctors leaving on Joel´s tour tomorrow. Man, these Slovenians get around a lot, too!
Rather than hang around here for a week in the sweltering heat, I´m heading back to Rio.
When I was there at the start of the trip I felt like there were tons of things I didn´t get to do, so now is my chance. Mark, who lives in Rio let me know about a hotel that´s not in the guidebook, but that seems to be a great place to try out for a few days. It´s called, ´The Maze Inn,´ run by an older English chap, and a bit of a center for creative types. Much of the recent Incredible Hulk movie was shot in and around the place. The website of the Maze Inn has a picture of Edward Norton staying there, along with other cast comments.
I guess there are a lot of musicians who stay there, and it turns into a jazz club sporadically. Sounds interesting. It´s also located inside a favella with great views of the city, apparently.
We shall see.
Another option for me is to visit an island about five hours bus and boat from Rio, called Isla Grande.
Who knows?
No news on getting the camera back at this point, which is rather disappointing. There seem to be bureaucratic regulations attached to posting things from Manaus which may make getting the camera back challenging or expensive. I may have to forget about the camera and concentrate on getting the pictures.
I think Elso must be back in the jungle right now.
Who knows?
I think the fact that the Pantanal was the last of the main items I planned for, along with the horrific amount this trip has cost, has combined to create a little pool of the doldrums for me: if I try to go to one of the other main attractions, it´s going to cost yet more money, so that is out. I´ve just got to have a nice quiet few days, but hopefully avoid the ´´waiting for the bus´´ feeling that has rather infested yesterday and today.
At least I got to watch some movies in English at the Hotel: OK, the quality of the movies was mixed at best, but at least they were in English with Portuguese subtitles! My super Ex Girlfriend with Uma Thurman was the finest movie of the bunch to give you an idea how sad the choices were!
Well there you have it: slightly deflated, but hanging on in there!
See you on the flypaper,
mike

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Comments

[deleted_20337]

Camera
Hmmm. Yes, sending the camera from Brazil is expensive....I just checked on my own FEx discount and it's still pricey. Actually, Brazil is one of the most expensive locations to send mail to and from, in general. I remember some Brazilian pals always complaining about it. If I think of a simpler/cheaper option I'll let you know. As for your travel slowdown....I'll bet you'll find some interesting enough things to do. In my eyes, it sure looks all good. Which day do you actually leave to come back?

[mike allen]

Suze
I leave Brazil a week on Thursday. I arrive in Miami Friday AM but have to hang around Miami all day. I arrive in Boston in the evening. I don´t have the details to hand, but I´ll send them to you over the next few days if you don´t have them already. Hope all is well with you guys! See you soon

[deleted_20337]

Our latest obsession....
is Arrested Development :) I bought the entire first season DVD set - watched about 1/2 of it, so far. Gia, being even more obsessed than I, hasn't stopped - she is close to finished with the whole set. And she plans on buying the second season soon. Haahaa....not quite as exciting as your summer, but our kind of fun. Yes, send your flight details whenever you can, I don't think I have them. Just think....soon enough the 3 Musketeers will be back in action.....music, movies and bad DVD's! We can all be broke together :) Talk with you soon, Suze

[Lucille]

Last Week
Hi I know you miss the camera, but do remember the memories,experiences and friends you've met along the way are worth much more than pictures. I know that you know that too but are really just upset to not have the camera or at this point being able to get it back. As for the money spent there although it has been expensive remember all that you have learned, experienced and will be bringing back to share and teach to others. It really is priceless. Easy for me to say I know. There really is no price on that. Enjoy your last week......do whatever you need and want to. Do not worry I will get you your coffee at Starbucks if needed when you get back Enjoy and stay safe. Lucille

[mike allen]

Lucille
You´re right, of course. It´s myself I´m annoyed with. Some people lose their socks, or their boxers. I lose the most expensive and important thing in my pack! Now, where exactly is my passport again?

[clare, Hannah and Dana]

hello ho hum
Hi Michael! Must be hard to face all the "last meals" with fast friends. Perhaps instead of waiting for the bus - you should head to the boat docks - clear your head w/ lovely salt air, maybe hitch a boat ride... recapture the magic. Regarding your camera - forget the mail, how about asking Elso to ask a (trusted) tourist from a recent tour, who may be heading off Cuiba to bring it along to ... the mainland...Rio....Somerville, wherever they may be headed...? Too risky? Just a thought, although the "trusted" part may be more than you could expect! Clare

[deleted_20337]

The Camera
You've probably thought of all the options by now, but how about an SD card - you have a couple of extras, right? Could you get those to Elso (or to his home) and have him move the photos on the camera to the card? Then all he'd have to do is send the card in an envelope to you. He wouldn't even need the the camera's USB cable for that. Or....if he has a cable, he could put them on a flash drive for you? You'd be out the camera, but would still have all the media from it. Think any of those ideas would work out?

[Leila Walker]

Hi Mike! Sounds like fun so far... Did you know Arantxa King is going to the Olympics? Long jump. Can you believe it???? Sorry about the camera, hope you have fun anyways. -Leila

[mike allen]

Clare, Hannah Dana
Hopefully, you see my latest blog about the fascinting turn of events. As for the camera, I'still waiting to hear back from Elso. Thanks for the other message you sent too. You're too kind!

[mike allen]

Suze and Gia
I'm intending on sking Elso to just send mr the memory cards, but I haven't heard from him for a while. He's probably working in the jungle. Hopefully!

[mike allen]

Leila
Is that cool or what! I'm going to try to watch the long jump event if I can. Go, Arantxa, go!! Wasn't the opening ceremony spectacular today? I don't remember past ones, but this one I thought was a pretty impressive work of art! What do you think? Anyway, I hope you're having a fab summer!

[barb]

hey, i'm in AZ right now.Going through Boston Friday AM. Looks like I'll miss you by just a few hours. Too bad. I would have flipped if I bumped into you at Logan. I hope the apt won't be to wierd and lonely without boy xoxo