BRAZIL, Paraty, Beach with Sabrina

1/20/11

Went to the beach with my new friend, Sabrina, who moved to Brazil 1.5 months ago from Italy. She is from Romania and learned Portuguese in only 1 month which I think is amazing. She has the ability to immediately make you feel like one of her best friends. Great day listening to her thoughts on life. Looks like she found her place in this world (Paraty). Still looking for mine. May do boat trip to one of the 365 islands (1 for each day of the year).

PARAGUAY, Ciudad del Estes

1/18/11

Will go short distance across the river to visit Paraguay on short day trip before my 22 hr bus ride to Paraty, Brazil at 4 pm.

BRAZIL, Foz de Iguazu, Iguazu Falls

1/17/11

30 minute bus ride to Foz de Iguazu from Argentina and checked my bags at the hostel. Then headed for the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. While many claim the Argentine side is the better because you are sooo close to the falls that you get soaking wet. For that reason also many pictures have too much moisture from the falls to get a really great picture. The Brazilian side was INCREDIBLE and offered many great pictures of the falls with many more falls in the picture. Momentarily considered the $100 10 minute helicopter flight over the falls but will try and get a YouTube video instead. Can't wait to post pictures. Day trip tomorrow to 2nd largest dam in the world after the 3 Gorges Dam , then 4 pm bus for 22 hours to Paraty for some great beach time.

ARGENTINA, Iguazu Falls

Thursday   1/13/11

After 17 hrs on bus from Buenos Aires I finally made it to Puerto Iguazu around 8 am. Luckily the hostel was across the street from the bus station. After a quick shower I went to the Brazilian Consulate which was only a block away. I had to complete an application by 10 am if I wanted a visa the next day. I finished with 3 minutes to spare.  With a check in time of 2 pm I decided to go to Iguazu Falls which is 12 miles away. I got there at 11 am and stayed until 6 pm.