So now we move on to Iguassu Falls .........spelt several different ways it would seem. The Iguassu river makes a border between Brazil and Argentina and from one point we could see the river touch the border of Paraguay too. It would seem that the river is expected to be a big enough deterrent to illegal immigration but quite honestly some schoolgirls on an outward bound expedition could make it across in some places. Anyway........the falls. Well hopefully ...

Rio de Janeiro looks spectacular as you fly in. Surrounded by mountains and built among huge granite boulders with sweeping bays and long beaches. The plane had to circle a bit so we had plenty time to enjoy the view........... well Mr window seat did anyway. Only two full days three nights here so naturally limited to what we could see. Of course we went up Sugar Loaf ( not referred to as a mountain anymore for the simple reason that it isn't one) and enjoye...

Ouro Preto.........black gold. A wonderfully quaint little town which is a maze of steep cobbled streets (some so steep they were an effort to climb) All of them terraced with old, colorful Portuguese style houses. The town was a joy to walk around. Also lots of churches (catholic naturally) of Baroque design which we enjoyed. Oro Preto mined gold at the beginning of the 18th cent. and just into the 19th cent. The gold was found embedded inside the iron hence...

We stand in line with all the other early morning passengers with their pillows and picnics and eventually jostle our way to the front and find our cariage. Despite booking executive class our carriage was pretty ordinary ie standard economy back home seating about 280 or so people although only around 30 used. However the point of this train journey is to see the Brazilian countryside and this we most definitely did. As we travel through the state of Minas Ge...

From Salvador to Vitoria. Here we spend the night in order to catch the early morning train to Belo Horizonte and then car journey onto Ouro Porto our next intended stop. Vitoria is only a quick stop over which is just as well. It's a holiday resort with a huge sweeping bay and back drop of mountains. Could be stunning but is just ok. Nothing much of interest and we have early supper and bed in preparation for 7.00am train journey tomorrow.