Iguaçu Falls but remains to fight another day!

It is not easy pulling myself from the Floripa beaches but the prospect of seeing the spectacular waterfalls at Iguaçu is far too great, notwithstanding the 15 hour coach journey required to get to them.  It has been one of the must-do places to see after what I have read and heard about its magnificence. I had been to visit Niagara Falls last Summer with my brother where we discussed seeing other natural beauties; so it is thrilling to be so close to them now. Typically, it was raining upon arrival at the Brazilian town of Foz de Iguaçu, but Evelina, the owner of the Evelina Pousada, reassured me that it was the first and last amount of rain expected for a while.

A pousada offers private rooms with cooking facilities where the owner ensures its smooth running for its guests. It is a good option if one wishes to get away from the 12 bed dorm scenario often found in hostels I have seen thus far. Far more pleasingly, they tend not to have CCTV watching ones every move it would seem as is the case in Rio.  I appreciate the security aspect of this system but not the invasion of ones privacy.

The Falls are situated where the borders of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet and one can view the falls from either or both the Argentine/Brazilian sides. They are indeed very spectacular from any viewpoint and the power and noise emanating from the Devil’s Throat part of the Falls is astounding to witness.  It takes two days to visit the Falls properly and it involves crossing the Argentine border and back over to Brazil in one day.

Although Paraguay’s borders do not encompass the Falls itself, it’s nearby town does offer excellent tax-free shopping and specializes in the sale of electronics goods such as cameras, phones and computers. A tax-free haven full of bandits and dodgy knock-off gear may be an accurate description but it does not deter me from purchasing the Samsung notebook that I am now typing this blog entry on.  I now feel back on-track and online which is a considerable relief.  I thought that I could get by with just using my iphone but it sure feels good to be touch typing away on this cheeky little number. Thank you relatively inexpensive Paraguay! 

Next stop Buenos Aires baby! Ciao.

In Search of some Southern Sun

It has been a couple of weeks since my initial blog, which is due to my not having much access to a computer that does not cost by the minute.  I felt the need to escape Rio after the New Year in search of some chilled out beach action.  I had heard of a place in Southern Brazil called Florianopolis, or Floripa which promised everything and it did not disappoint.

But before I could enjoy the place, I had to negotiate Rio’s international airport and the chaos caused by the airline carrier’s lack of information and organization at the check in desks.  I am sure that I can become used to it but I would rather not have to go through the hassle if at all possible. I think I have the time to use the coaches as their appeal becomes greater despite the time/distance equation. 

After two stops and one change of plane, we finally arrive at Floripa and instantly I feel a much relaxed vibe here. I had read that the rich, white middle class Brazilians here were a breed apart and it felt as much, as I did not think for any moment that I would be relieved of my possessions at any point.

 The town of Floripa is situated at the point of entry of a beautiful peninsula called Santa Catarina, which holds many beautiful beaches of varying sizes and vibe. We choose a small part of the island that has a simple beauty as it mixes up its beach and picturesque estuary with locals, backpackers and many Argentinian short holiday makers.

What left an impression with me were the beach bars that held wonderful samba dances and local bands. The Brazilians do not need a second invitation to dance with a partner to this music so I felt inspired to learn and practice a few moves with them without too much embarrassment.  It is also the place where I feel that I have properly heard Samba, Bossa Nova and some Jazz- all backed up by terrific sea views and the sound of the waves shifting the sands.  To hear just a few guitarists playing this music using an array of jazz chords is a joy and an inspiration.

There is also the scope to really party here a la Ibiza style and we felt it rude not to do so a little. So we partied by the pool at a large party that was supported by house DJs and the rich and beautiful, who happily paraded around whilst spending lots on drink and having access to previously reserved lounge tables.   I look forward to returning here with more of my party gear in tow. Bring it on!