Blogs from Búzios, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, South America

Our first stop down the Brazilian coast was at Ihla Grande, a large island covered in Atlantic rain forest. It used to be a quarantine island in the 19th century for ships coming over from Europe. Rio de Janeiro used to be the capital of Brazil and they didn't want to import any diseases there. Later the island became a prison and also had a coffee plantation. It was then decided to let it all grow back to natural rainforest and is now protected as are the surrounding waters. There are many walking trails through the forest with some lovely trees and occasional pool from the rivers which come down from the mountain. We took a leisurely stroll through the forest away from the hectic village then later back for a beer before joining the speed ... read more

Wednesday – Mar. 5/14, Armação dos Buzios °C-75°F – Threat of showers This resort town is usually simply referred to as Buzios and is part of the state of Rio de Janeiro. European pirates who had established a lucrative business of smuggling Brazil wood to Europe and slave traders originally settled set up their base of operations in this area. The Portuguese eventually banished the pirates in 1575 and established a permanent town, which is now a popular destination for tourists from Rio, 169 km to the southwest. Brigitte Bardot who visited the area in the 1960’s popularized the peninsula and town. She came to the town to avoid the papa... read more

I could get used to waking to the sound of the sea and birds singing 'peek-a-boo' quite a distinctive call. Went for a walk along the beach before breakfast and Steve went for a swim no one around that early just the man putting out beach umbrellas and a fisherman getting his nets ready. After yet another delicious breakfast we walked up a hill then down steps to a very small beach with three boats all equipped to make us drinks and food. we were shown to a prime position on the beach and told chairs are free if you purchase drinks and being they were the same price as in the restaurants we ordered freshly made mango juice (they have the liquidisers all connected up) the water seemed a bit cold to get in but ... read more

Thought it might be good to catch up with some photos but couldn't upload at the time. Having such a relaxing time here... read more

Welcome Back Welcome back everyone to our latest edition of our world reknown travel blog. (Ok maybejust just a travel blog). We are on day 1 of a 2+ week holiday (as they call in outside the US or vacation as we call it in the US) traveling through Brazil. This is part dois (2 in Portugese) of the 4 Non-Blondes. Judy, Aunt Betty, Kirsten and Chester reunited again after our first trip to Egypt. Today was not very eventful as we just arrived. We left Fri evening and arrived 9AM Sat monring in Rio. Did get a big of a laugh on the flight out of Omaha when a mom and her high school aged son were stressing about missing their connection in Houston and realized on the train to thei connection flights that they ... read more