Brazil's Adventure Has Ended

It is Monday morning and I am back to my daily routine here in Bama, USA... Every adventure has to come to an end and Brazil's is no exception... Reflecting back on the two weeks, I think my friend and I have done a great job picking the sites to visit: Iguazu Falls is a must see for everyone visiting Brazil or Argentina and moreover one needs to visit both sides of the falls!! Yes it is expensive but once you go that far, the money excuse should not come in the argument at all.... Just visit both sides!!! Itaipu dam is a bonus of Iguazu ... Natal was a great resort town with beautiful beaches and great sand dunes, we loved it and wished for more time there but ..... Rio is absolutely amazing!!! It has a little of everything for everyone and then some.... New Year's Eve on Copacabana beach was just spectacular!! All in all a very nice trip...

On the advice side of the trip for those of you thinking about Brazil: language was a big problem, you need to learn some Portuguese or else you will face many challenges. Some tourist information agents speak English but the general public does not.... Be very careful everywhere about mugging, it is a very serious crime especially in Rio.. You can be mugged anywhere just be alert and have your back up plans... We left our passports and wallets in the safe in our hotel room and only carried paper copies of the passports just in case.... Cameras, iPhones and all other gadgets need to be used with knowledge of who is around you... Having traveled to Ecuador and Peru, I have developed some common sense technics for identifying trouble spots.... But having said that, we felt safe in Rio, contrary to all readings on the web.. On the packing side, I have learned to pack light and be able to throw dirty clothes away at the end of the trip to make room for gifts if you must!!!

With this page, I bring this trip's blog to an end until my next adventure ... So long dear friends and family... I hope you find this blog useful and informative... You can always email me or call me for more information .... ttfn!!!

Delta Airline captain Kader Frendi at Rio de Janeiro airport...