After leaving Peru I spent a couple of days in Leticia in Colombia waiting for a boat from Tabatinga, Brazil, to Manaus also Brazil. It was a very hot and humid couple of days, and the boat was not much better as we were all packed in in our hammocks like sardines! it wasnt so bad really, quite an experience, and the four days went quite quickly, but none the less I was glad to step off the bus in Manaus. One of the first things I discovered was that Taxis in Brazil are expensive so I was dragged along way with several very heavy bags on my back to find a hostel. and since then the same thing seems to happen alot, I want to go back to the cheap and lazy days of Peru where I could get a taxi and it waould cost me less than a pound! consequently me feet have been killing since! its a hard life out here! I really pity myself!
In Manaus we trooped around many an agency to find the right trip into the Jungle. As per usual, they all seemed to offer the same trip, and yet contradict one another completely. Eventually we settled on one and set off the next day for two nights three days in the Jungle, once again returning to my hammock. It had been me who suggested camping two nights instead of the luxury of a night in a lodge, as in my words they are boring. However while being attacked by mosquitoes and ants (In particular everytime I triesd to go to the toilet) and being with out a shower while hot sweaty and covered in insect repellent and sunscreen, I quickly changed my tune and began an onslaught of whining in true English style.
It was a really good trip though despite my complaining. I got some much needed exercise as I trekked in incedible heat throught the Jungle, and also when I ran away from the large spider that had settled herself at the end of my hammock, much to the amusmeent of everyone else. The spider later turned out to be a baby tarantula.... and our guide spent much of our time looking for bigger ones and tryiong to get them out of the nest so that we could see them... shudder! we got to Hold a baby alligator, which in my mind didnt seem quite right, felt sorry for the poor little thing!
after Manaus we headed to Belem, and spent a couple of days on the nearby island, that is the size of Switzerland, which I cant remember the name of. Think I managed to avoid getting the parasites in my feet! the first night was aweful as we couldnt find anywhere to stay and had nearly exhausted evry hotel. I think that lady in tha last hotel took pity on me as I was crying due to the desparation and tiredness as we had by that point been walking for three hours!
I took a horrific bus from Belem to Sao Luis. the deiver was as dreadful as the road was treacherous! nearly fell of my seat several times! and learned after that that bus is regularly stopped by bandits.
Sao Luis is beautiful, and it is nice to once again be in a hostel and the presence of other travellers! Abit hot though. so we did a day of museums, a day on the beach, and tomorrow I fly to Rio for one of my final weeks!
very excited although I dont want to wish my time away. Have started a shopping list for mum of all the foods I have missed.
bye for now... will try and write from rio!
Brazil
Bookmark this page with: