I'm back in NJ after an incredible time in Brazil.  I already miss the friendly people, the warm weather, the beautiful beaches and the passion/energy.

A few of the many things I love about Brazil:

1. Everybody wears bikinis!  Men/women, fat/slim, young/old.  You gotta love it!  I even trimmed my down a bit to fit in with the locals.
2. The people are incredibly friendly and helpful.  Nice physiques too.
3. Ice cream by the kilo, especially when it's self serve.  With 60 flavors to choose from, it's a dream.
4. Caipirinhas, caipirinhas, caipirinhas...need I say more.
5. Samba rehearsal Saturdays at Marangueira
6. The idea of pizza rodizio.  Even though I can't eat pizza anymore because of the gluten, I still think this is a fantastic concept.
7. Food labelling indicates "Nao contem gluten" or "Contem gluten".  Why can't the US, a 1st world country handle this?

I'm really not keeping up with this blogging thing.  To put everything down that I've experienced so far would take up half my trip!  I've now reached Ouro Preto, a beautiful colonial town nestled in the hills of the state of Minas Gerais.  I arrived Wednesday midday and will leave late Friday night which is turning out to be too much time.  The weather is amazing and I am really wishing that I had a pool to lounge around.  Next to the beach, mountains are a very close second to my favorite places to be in the world.  When the two go together, I have found paradise.

Since there are only so many churches and old buildings one can see in this town, I decided to sign up for a full day of riding into the hills around town.  I was the only person on the ride which cost $50 US.  When I met my guide I was completely scared.  He had no front teeth, shirt was half open, and he had a hunchback.  I really began to panic and thought he would rape me once we got up into the hills.  This paranoia about being raped really took away from some of the ride's enjoyment.  It didn't help that he carried a machete.  Later when we stopped at the highest point of the mountain for panoramic views, I noticed his belt was undone and fly was not completely closed.  Oh my God!  I would rather the horse fall on me than be violently assaulted.

My horse was amazing.  He was so kind and honest.  The going was treacherous.  I spent a significant amount of time off the horse leading him through rugged spots.  Several times I slipped and fell but my horse was really agile.  I felt so bad when he was grunting trying to clamor over the rocks.  The whole thing seemed really abusive.  The ride ended up lasting only 4 and a half hours which was fine with me.  I am so sore I can barely walk.  I didn't even attempt to argue that I should be charged less. 

The whole experience reminded me of how much I really love being around horses.  Hopefully, I can realize my dream of owning one some day.

Today I got to experience the wonders of Iguazu, one manmade and one created by Mother Nature.  I visited the Itaipu Dam, the largest hydroelectric power plant in the world.  It generates 14,000 Megawatts of power, twice the Grand Coulee in the US and enough to supply 90% of Paraguay´s needs and 25% of Brazil´s.  I don´t remember all the stats except that there is enough concrete in the structure to pave a highway from Moscow to Lisbon.

Even more impressive were the Iguazu Falls.  Wider than Victoria Falls and higher and wider than Niagara Falls, they are truly spectacular.  Photos will not due them justice so you´ll have to visit them and experience their magnificence first hand.  I had the opportunity to tour them with five other people, a mini United Nations.  They were from Australia, Brazil, Austria, Germany, and Mexico.  I haven´t run into too many Americans down here, and it´s just as well....too much complaining.

Tomorrow I will head for the Argentina side of the falls and I am hoping that the rainy weather lets up long enough for me to see a rainbow.  Keep your fingers crossed!

October 4, 2005

I arrived in Iguazu Falls today.   The Hotel Del Rey is no Copacabana Palace but it certainly is the best that $22 can buy.  There´s a swimming pool (a large slimy bath tub) and a fitness center (treadmill in the hallway).  The a/c, cable TV, on site internet, fridge, and reading room are definitely bonuses.  I´m moments away from where the Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay borders meet.  I´m also close by the Itaipu Dam, the largest hydroelectric power plant in the world which makes it completely puzzling as to why this city has already lost power twice the evening.  And of course, I´m steps from the falls where I will spend 2 days exploring the Brazil and Argentine sides.  It´s definitely tropical and I will have to shower in DEET tonight if I expect to survive the mosquitoes.

October 3, 2005

The weather was picture perfect today in Rio.  In the interest of time, I enlisted a tour to hit the city´s highlights.  We covered a lot of ground but the most important places were the Christ the Redeemer statue soaring high above the city, cable cars to Sugarloaf mountain, and a swing through the historic downtown area.  With mountains dropping into the sea and incredible beaches and bays, Rio truly is the "Marvelous City".  In the afternoon, I had the guide (Mauricio) to myself and he took the liberty of sharing his enthusiasm about some of the architectural details of some of the city´s old and modern buildings.  I especially like the "Bermuda Triangle", a cluster of 3 government buildings (Petrobras, Economy, Housing) where the money flows in but is lost forever, just like ships heading past Bermuda.

October 2, 2005

I had 2 specific missions to accomplish in Rio.  First, I needed to pick up a Brazilian bikini (no, this does not necessarily mean thong).  I found a great one yesterday at the appropriately named "Bum Bum" in the Rio Sul mall (great shoes too!).  Second, I wanted to try hang gliding (with a guide, of course).  That was achieved this morning.  I wasn´t sure I would survive my nervousness but it was surprisingly easy and I can´t wait to go again!  My guide, Delhilton, is a very cool guy and not just because he can talk on his cell phone while hang gliding.  With degrees in electrical engineering and law, he found there were no jobs in engineering and he was too honest to practice law.  So, he followed his true passion and started up a hang gliding business that gives rides to tourists and instructions to anyone interested.  He is now very successful with a great business, 3 cars, a physicist wife, kids, and also very happy  

The hang gliding begins 500 meters above the sea from Pedro Bonita in the Tijuca Forest.  I am put into a pouch like device, hooked up to the glider alongside Delhilton, and 1 - 2 -3 we run down the ramp and JUMP!  After a few seconds of uneasiness, I realize I am flying...soaring...and except for the ringing of the cellphone it is very peaceful.  We fly around for a while (about 10 minutes or so), down over the Sao Conrado neighborhood, out over the sea, and then head for a landing on Praia de Pepino (Cucumber Beach).  It´s truly amazing and I have the DVD and film to prove it!