Iguassu Falls & Ilha Grande

Hi all, we are well and in Ilha Grande, an island just off the coast of Rio de Janeiro. Yesterday we were at Lopes Mendes one of the worlds greatest surf beaches, unfortunately it pissed down with rain so we didnt stick around too long. Today however is sunny and 30+ish and we are leaving for Rio... YAYY... 1 week till Mardi Gras.
We recently visited one of our highlights of the trip, Iguassu Falls, one of the biggest waterfalls in the world. We spent 2 days there, visiting both the Brazillian and the Argentinian sides. Loved it all. Anyway, off to Rio now, speak soon. X

Bolivia to Brazil.

Ok, this collection of photos is a mixed bag, first. The salt flats in Uyuni.... wow... thousands of square kilometeres of salt. they make bricks out of it and build salt houses.... kind of a savory willy wonka house really.
we just got back from the Pantanal which is in the Matta Grosso, about half the size of France and all full of wildlife. had a ball although its mozzie season, we all have at least 100 bites each.
got to see a tucan though... very happy about that... plus monkeys and about a million caimon/aligators.
i tell ya, its a bizzare experience standing waiste high in a lake watching the aligators on the other bank, with a fishing rod in my hand fishing for pirana.... i caught 5, they nibble at your toes if you dont dig your feet into the bottom. crazy crazy world out here. here is a photo of the first one i caught. i cant still hear the sound of the teeth against the hook.....
we are now in Bonito and were fortunate enough to snorkel/float downstream in Rio de Prata, crytal clear water and a million fish of all sizes. the photos attached in not computer enhanced. it just really was like that.
oh and the last photo if from a few weeks ago in Potosi, we were buying dinomite to blow up in the solver mine... yes that is a stick of dinobol in my hand. it went BANG!!!!!!!

anyway, all is good, thanks for your emails, we have been gone over a month now. havent killed each other yet, although horse riding on bolting horses was a close call.. ha ha...

Bolivia

Hey all, thanks for your concerns via email about our difficulties at the border, (so far zero emails from anyone.... guess no one cares).... boo hoo...

We successfully made it across the border, although we had to bribe security.
We are having a great time here, as if Peru wasnt cheap enough, this place is even more so. Dinner for 2, bottle of wine, dessert, beers etc.... $15 total.. HA HA HA HA...

We went down the Potosi Silver mine yesterday, it was very scary but an amazing experience, although 8 million people have died in there over 300 years. kind of scary.

We also went down to the border of Argentina, Bolivia and Chile to see the Red and Green Lagoons, it was a 3 day 4x4 treck, no power, no water, it was amazing out there. nothing but volcanoes and deserts. unfortunately i cant upload photos from here but will hopefully get the chance soon.

We are in Sucre at the moment and are heading to Brazil next week.
We are safe, happy and healthy.

Ciao for now.
X
Dave

Lake Titicaca

Hi all, hope all is well, we are in Puno, on Lake Titicaca at the moment and just got back from an overnight homestay on Amantani island with a Quetchua family. It was a bizzzzzzare experience but we had a good time, even got dressed up in traditonal outfits for a traditional dance... photos to come !
We also visited the Uros floating islands, they are 13 meters deep, i would never have guessed that, any everything is made of reeds..... Had a fun day.
We are a little concerned about tomorrow though as we are supposed to be heading in Bolivia but there is a transport strike or something. Guess we will see what happens.

rrrggghhhhh... i still have sea legs... the room is rocking like a boat.... rrrgghhhh...

Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and Happy New Year

Hi all.

sorry for the delay in writing, it has been a huge week. 6 days ago we set out on the inca trail, its 42 km's and climbs over 3 mountains, the highest at 4,200m, its hard climbing at altitude.. it took us 3 and a half days of pain and suffering but we did it, finally arriving at Machu Picchu on the morning of the 30th. the place is amazing, but we are suffering for it now. its been a couple of days and we are still aching.

happy new year and all that.... um.... Feliz Anno Nuevo !.....

We spent last night in Plaza de Armas where at least 10,000 people were setting off fire crackers and chanting. it felt like a war zone. a bizzare but amazing experience. a fun new years party.

Otherwise all is well, the tour is fun and Fi and i havent tried to kill each other... yet. HA HA.

Peru is an amazing place, we are really enjoying ourselves.

Anyway. hope your NYE party was fun.

X

Ciao for now.