The day after, I’m sitting here having read every awful review of the game, as if watching the game hadn’t been torture enough. The day after my luggage had been delivered, the previously soiled clothing pristine and washed, my brand new England shirt lying in a crumpled heap in the corner: I had decided against taking a dump into it, despite the absolute accuracy of the metaphor intended. The day after a lovely drive south along the coast road to the town of Bowen 200 kilometers south, my brother and I excitedly discussing the upcoming game as we strolled along the beach, while hermit crabs were burrowing meandering pathways through the sand, the water and the sand shining. The day after reveling in the alien Australian landscapes, the sugar cane plantations, the crystal blue skies, the ... read more

Here it is, in all probability my last post from Brazil. I suppose I should be summarizing the experience, but I'm not convinced that is going to happen. I've been sitting around at the Maze Inn, in the heart of the Favella Tavares Bastos for the last few days soaking up the atmosphere and the events. There have been many soap opera like elements, many funny stories, many fascinating events. Among the most interesting has been the return yesterday of the film crew to the Favella. I sat around having a lovely time with Irene Jacob, talking about the stories behind Bob's paintings, my little adventures in Brazil, her movie life, her sweet little children. I actually stirred myself to go down the hill into Catete, since Bob had said that the Director didn't really want ... read more

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 ... read more

I´m going off line again for four days for a safari to the Pantanal. I´ll write again when I return to Cuiaba. See you on the flypaper, mike... read more

The camera has been found!!!!!!!!!! Elso´s wife found it while cleaning yesterday. Elso has another tourist group going into the forest for 5 days, so the next challenge is getting the camera here. It´s a good job I´ve got 15 days left before flying back to Rio! Elso is a hero in my eyes - not just in the forest, where he protected me from the multiple perils - I was literally like a three year old, lost in a world of tarantulas, snakes, and caiman, but a hero also in his nobility. He didn´t have to be honest, but he is! Hallelujah. Another honest person! Also, Sherrirra from Sao Paulo sent me all the photos she had, too. Another kind and beautiful person. Man, I´ve been lucky with the people I´ve met on this trip ... read more