August 26th 2012

So, today was the day. The day that I really didn't expect to be this hard, but that I, to be honest, actually hadn't even thought to imagine. I was leaving Salvador. For good, I don't know - for now let's just keep it at my usual answer to the question: "I will return in 2014 when Denmark wins the World Cup". In any case walking through security knowing that the next time I would be "going home" it would be in Copenhagen, I couldn't help, but shed a few tears. I truly believe that my GCDP in Salvador has been one of the best experiences of my life. I will always have this time in my heart and the people I met will never be forgotten. As Giedre put it very well, during our chance meeting at Farol da Barra, both catching our final glimpse of the sunset, "I had a life here". I can only say thank you so much to all the amazing people that made this statement a reality. Rarely have I felt so welcome in a city, much less in a place like Calabetão, and never have I met such incredible, open, warm and caring people. Thanks for 7 absolutely amazing weeks!

Arriving in Foz do Iguaçu was most certainly an experience. Exiting the airport I noticed two things. It was very quiet and the air was so clean. I couldn't help but smile, because it truly felt serene and really seemed like the complete opposite of Salvador that I needed to unwind from my time there. The infrastructure here is surprisingly good - regular busses, English speaking information centers and a general feeling of security that couldn't be found in the same way in Salvador. I spent the day doing the things that were free - the curse of not having a credit card and living on a budget constrained by the amount of cash you have on you. This still turned out to be a great choice. As mentioned the busses are good and the biggest benefit - they take you through all the local communities. Foz do Iguaçu is interesting. Probably not for a tourist, but for me, an avid "people gazer", it was pretty fascinating. Observing the local communities and seeing how people live I couldn't help but think that now I really felt like I was in South America. I don't know why, but it was just the thought that crossed my mind. The bus took me two places, the Buddhist Temple overlooking the Paraguayan frontier and the Marco das Três Fronteiras which marks the meeting between the Paraná and Iguaçu River as well as the meeting of the frontier between Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. Pretty cool and a nice way to spend a sleepy, grey day. I had a chance to speak to a lot of people, both in Spanish and Portuguese - being on your own really forces you to make an effort with your language, which is really nice. In the evening I got to meet up with Katrine, a Danish girl who was also on a GCDP in Salvador. She finished a week before me and has been traveling since then, so great and so random to meet her here!

In regards to the hostel it's an interesting composition of impressions. First off it looks like a scene from Stroszek. Something out of Soviet Russia or Eastern Germany, not that aesthetically pleasing, but still with an air of charm to it. The people here on the other hand are terrific. So helpful and very understanding of my money issues and extensive attempts at Portañol. Upon arrival I was offered cake and coffee, which of course immediately won over my heart. I feel somewhat at home, which only is helped along by a funny, young guy who works here too. He always has a smile on his face, which widens whenever he gets the chance to practice his English. So far we've had a few amusing conversations and I'm sure there will be more to come. I will keep you posted. ;)