Lencois and the National Park

We had to find a place where we could spend some days doing some activities before the big Carnival. The national park here near Lencois had so much to see and do. We had the opportunity to do some snorkling into a big cave only guiding our way by a light. 15-20 min. into the cave was enough to get you thinking about the possibility of getting lost, as the walls of the cave started closing in on you overhead. We also witnessed some excellent views of the valley, some interesting caves, and a great rock waterslide.

Sea Horses, and Bom Pixies in Porto De Galanhias

Before heading to Salvador for Carnival we had a few more places to see on the way. So we actually were able to see real live sea horses. Yes they were small enough to fit into the palm of my hand, but they do actually exist. They were actually in a river that fed into the Atlantic. This is near the beach in Brazil that has the warmest sea water. Muro Alto has water that is 29 degrees and is the warmest ocean water in South America. Here we ate the local fish of the sea, and the pics show you a before and after of our lunch.

Happy Valentines Day Larisa my Love

So you all probably know I am not much for commercial holidays, but Larisa you are worth it. Here is my Happy Valantines Card for you.

Cultural Olinda, Brazil

Olinda is the city in Brazil that has the 3rd largest Carnival celebration. We actually were there two weeks before the actually carnival for a so called `practice` and it was crazy busy. It was great watching children, elders and all the people from this culture dancing and enjoying the celebration, that started Sunday morning and went until Monday morning.
Here are some pictures of the typical footware of Brazil, Tracey with her favorite local drink in two flavors, that she drinks `Agua de Coco` everyday. The beautiful streets of Olinda.

Heading south, Pria de Pipa

So reading through our lonely planet, the next place to go was Pipa, and up to know the write-ups of each town in Brazil are right on. Small town relaxed vibe, beautiful beaches, dolphin filled waters, and the main street with great shopping, great restaurants, music in the streets and relaxed pubs and bars to sit and have a drink and watch the action. We really wanted to see the dolphins up close, so we bucked up for a 2 hours tall ship ride to have a chance to swim with the dolphins. We did see them playing in the water near by and we did swim but the timing was not perfect. They only came right up to the boat once we all got out of the water. To bad but great to see them playing around.

Northern Brazil, Canoa Quebrada

Here are some crazy pics. Yes thats are real insect, and that is Tracey´s foot. This place is a baby factory. All the local women here are either pregnant are carrying one or two infants in there arms. I can see why my friend Taron likes this place so much.

Iguazu Falls, Northern Argentina

After spending 3-4 days in Bunoes Aries, reuniting with Larisa and seeing the amazing Recoleta Cemmetary it was time to bus up to the North on a 22 hour bus to meet up with a friend from home Tracey and her travel companions team sweden. So we finally meet up with them after a long night in the bus. This has started to become a common mode of transport, the overnight buses which are usually accompanied by a gravol to help you sleep throught the somewhat painful bus ride, usually 16-30 hours.

The 1st night was an epic renunion with Tracey and a farwell with Larisa before she takes off back home. We enjoyed a fabulous fiesta. The next day was an excellent way to relax . We saw the most beautiful falls I have ever seen. Iguazu falls is much more spectacular then Niagara. It could have been the boat ride we took into the throat of the devil, getting completly drenched by the cool water, in the 30 degree weather, with 4 great women. Life is good. It was a great way to finish the trip with my love Larisa.