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Hello from a very hot Rio de Janiero, Tom here and ill try to catch up on the last few weeks.
We were upto Buenos Aires last time… First day we walked around our area, an old neighbourhood called San Telmo. Lots of street performers, tango dancers and a tiny kitten greeted us. A couple of animals then bought a pound of steak for 50p and wolfed it down in double time. The rest of the night was spent chatting to some people in the hostel.
Saturday we explored the main part of the city. Walked round the mass public cemetery, and saw Evitas grave. Breezed through the very busy streets, and saw some cute bears that symbolized world peace. Most pleasant. Went out for dinner that night to San Telmo square for steaks along with an informal tango show.
The Sunday was spent at the massive San Telmo antique market. Again it came with a gaggle of street performers and lots of interesting people. Our first hostel was a bit of a depressing place so we took a gamble and moved down the road, it paid off as we spent the night drinking 2 for 1 cocktails in the bar, accompanied by a samba band and free tacos. A few drinks later and we all attempted to samba, no idea how we performed but it was a lot of fun.
The following day we saw the palace balcony that evita made her big stage from, and walked round an old warship. Went out to a club that night which didn’t open until 2am, so after a quick siesta and a few drinks we wandered out around 3, with some people returning after sunrise. The day after we were too tired to do anything so went out for a cheap steak and chips and crashed out in front of a film.
We then took the opportunity to hop across the border to Uruguay, a lovely little seaside town called Colonia. Walked round a very historical part of town, went to some random museums, ate a lot of empanadas (The south American version of a pie) and chilled out on the beach.
Tigre, an hour north of Buenos aires was our next stop. After paying 30p for an hour long train, we took a boat around a nice river. Was a very relaxing place and far different to the chaos of Buenos Aires. That night we went to a part nightclub – part drag show venue. A very random place but again a lot of fun. Like before we spent the next day passed out in front of some films.
The next day we went to Argentina v Venezuela in a big world cup qualifier; Maradona in his first game in charge. We were sat right next to the rowdy fans, and luckily everyone went home happy after a 4-0 win, with Lionel Messi on top form. There was some evidence that they haven’t forgiven us over the Falklands, but im sure your respective loved ones will explain further when we are home.
Sunday came and we met our tour group for the next 10 days. We made a quick trip to a little part of Buenos Aires called La Boca with its coloured buildings, arty feel, and obligatory market. We then prepared for an epic journey, an 18 hour night bus. It sounds bad but it was probably better than any plane ive been on. Fully reclining seats, half-decent food, and a hostess made it very comfy. We eventually arrived in Iguassu and spent the afternoon recovering in the pool. That night we ate at a ´Per Kilo´ venue, which charges you food by the kilo.
We first went to the Brazilian side of the Iguassu falls, followed by another long visit to the pool. After achieving a rally of 161 at volleyball we were rewarded with a group BBQ, where we massacred 35 steaks between 16 people, endless chicken wings, and lots of potatoes.
A trip back across the border was then required for the Argentinian side of the falls. After a safari through some jungle, we took a speed boat into the heart of the falls, and got dunked under a waterfall several times. Im not sure how to describe the falls, theres loads of them, with the main section nicknamed ´the devils throat´ particularly impressive. We will all just have to show you the pictures of them. That night we went to all you can eat buffet, with waiters constantly bringing round more and more meat on big skewers, heaven…
After another epic nightbus plus transfer (22 hours total!) we arrived in the lovely town of Paraty. It was a really nice place, with cobbles streets, cake stalls, friendly people and in a great spot next to the ocean.
Our group hired a boat the next to take us round. After jumping into the ocean from the top deck of the boat, we went for a quick snorkel. We then challenged the captain of the boat and his assistant to a beach football match (As Brazilians, needless to say they were pretty good). Got free caipirinhas all day (Their national drink, Rum, sugar and Lime), and somehow managed to drink one or two of them whilst swimming. We slummed it for the night at a burger van, but was definitely one of the better burgers we have eaten. We retired for some late night poker.
On the Sunday everyone else went to the beach, after cutting through some jungle type areas to find it. I accompanied the guys from our tour to the pub to watch the football. We all met up for dinner at another per kilo restaurant (Although with my appetite these places don’t really work in my favour) We left Paraty and headed for Rio, as we still have a few days here I shall allow the next person to fill you in on that.
53 days left….
Ciao
Tom
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