Right… my turn!18-Jun-2009 21:47, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL, 5.0, 65.0mm, 0.01 sec, ISO 100
We arrived in San Gil after our first decent length bus ride from Bogota. Famous for its Extreme Sports, we were worried what options would actually be available to us with a cripple on board. Even horse riding was a concern, with knee gripping a fairly crucial part. However, we managed to find one of the best towns in Colombia to date, at 1,277m altitude it is in eternal springtime with a low crime rate and a friendly population. We only had a few days, but we had a great time and would love to return.
They are used to being fed – they'd never be this tame otherwise!25-May-2009 14:21, Panasonic DMC-FX3, 2.8, 5.8mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 100
Introduction: Brazil is the 5th largest country in both geographical and population size in the world. Its also the only one in the whole of South America that has to be that little different and speak Portuguese as opposed to Spanish. As its also the most expensive, we’d planned to use it almost purely as a landing stop and speed on up to check out the Amazon. As it turned out, neither of these things happened and we still managed to have a great time!
A bit blurred, but our best attempt to get a photo of the loving couple in the cathedral.16-Jun-2009 19:46, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL, 3.5, 28.0mm, 1.3 sec, ISO 1600
In one day we visited the amazing Salt Cathedral at Zipaquirá, the strangely interesting Colombian Police museum in Bogota, and viewed the sunset from the summit of Monserrate. It was a busy day attempting to squeeze in as much as possible into our last full day in the Columbian capital, all of it good.
"Some wear feathered hat… and at the head of them all go the leaders, the oldest in the middle… And the leaders have gourds full of chicha put in their hands and the pipers play very long flutes" Bartolome Briones de Pedraza, 1540.14-Jun-2009 19:59, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL, 5.6, 105.0mm, 0.005 sec, ISO 1600
Bogota is the capital of Columbia, and the third highest capital city in the world at 2,640m – twice the height of Ben Nevis. We flew in last Friday from Salvador, Brazil at 8pm and all the positive feedback we’d heard about Colombia is true. It’s a beautiful and geographically varied country with exceptionally helpful and friendly locals; we’re already going to be staying at least twice as long as planned!
I have always been interested in Capoeira, and Salvador is famous for it. There are many masters and groups based here.06-Jun-2009 19:34, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL, 10.0, 28.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 400
Salvador de Bahia is Brazil´s Capital of Happiness, and the third most populous city. We´d heard a lot of amazing things, although we knew they´d be curtailed by my knee injury. It has crazy weather, incessant begging and a high crime rate; it also has amazing parties, a magnificent historic centre and fascinating African roots. We stayed in three different hostels, hit the town for Samba, and I even got a haircut!
Check out my wheels…04-Jun-2009 00:41, Panasonic DMC-FX3, 2.8, 5.8mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 400
When looking to travel in Brazil, you’ll find the actual logistics of travel can be the most expensive part; and while the buses are fantastic (much better than UK) the are frequently as expensive as flights – which by reputation aren’t exactly cheap! However, we’ve just flown with Gol airlines and were so impressed I’m dedicating this entire post to them.
And then back to jungle boy, who makes it look spectacular with ease!31-May-2009 16:11, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL, 10.0, 105.0mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 800
On Sunday we ventured from the main centre of Paraty to the famous local waterfalls, particularly the cascading Cachoeira do Toboga to do a bit of water sliding! Ironically, that part went exceptionally well, it was when I decided to do a bit of stretching that everything took a turn for the worse!
The stage! Definitely more lively at night… the first half was a talent competition.30-May-2009 05:57, Panasonic DMC-FX3, 2.8, 5.8mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 200
After torrential rain appeared in the paradise that is Ilha Grande on Thursday night, we decided to cut this trip short and move on quickly to Paraty; an old colonial town with a centre that is completely cut off to traffic and has been declared a national historical monument. Unfortunately, the weather here was also poor, but we still managed to have a cracking time!
Our boat for the day!27-May-2009 16:49, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL, 16.0, 28.0mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 800
After only about four hours sleep we managed to meet with the rest of the El Misti crew at a tour shop; they’d arranged for a boat trip with snorkelling for R$25 each (R$20 without snorkelling). When we woke, we were far from up for the trip but were very glad we did! A quick shop for breakfast, sandwiches made and packed, shoe sizes swapped for flippers and we were off!
The boat from Angra to Ilha Grande, 30mins faster than the ferry and only slightly more expensive. R$7pp, or about £2.20.26-May-2009 18:29, Panasonic DMC-FX3, 5.6, 5.8mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 100
I think we’ve just found heaven… Ilha Grande is an island south of Rio, a mountain ridge jutting out of the sea that is where the Brazilians themselves normally spend their holiday. It has amazing beaches, no roads, no cars, and crabs wandering the streets. The best bit is we didn’t even plan to go there until it was recommended so highly by other travellers we’d met at El Misti!
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