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Brazil - the encore!



Warning: the Brazil blogs are not written in chronological order. So, if you're say, an out of work mechanical engineer who is anal retentive about this sort of thing, just sit back, relax and  enjoy the ride!

We had a lovely time relaxing in Rio. We got our 'tourist' on and visited all the big names; Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf and Lapa Street Party to name a few. Our favourite was probably people watching at Ipanema and Copacobana beaches. Brazilian bikinis, bronzed Brazilian men strolling around in short shorts, vendors galore, cross-dressers, caipirinhas right at your beach towel (don't mind if I do) - you name it!


A high five for the big guy
Rio De Janeiro
The view from Christ the Redeemer
Rio De Janeiro

Samba practice in Rio for Carnival

My new favourite - tapioca!

Sugar Loaf in the background
Sunset at Ipanema



A really unexpected treat was in the beautiful old gold mining town of Ouro Preto. We were there a week before Carnival and were invited to a Samba "frat party" by our host. We spent the afternoon drinking on a college balcony, overlooking the surrounding church encrusted hills, watching college kids practice their drumming/dance routines for Carnival. I know I always go on about lucky we are, but seriously... we are!




Samba practice at the college
Colonial Ouro Preto


We counted 9 churches from this view point alone
A waterfall nearby, hidden under rocks


Since then we have spent many a day in Brazil lazing around on crystal clear, palm tree lined beaches. Sipping on fresh coconut juice. Yes, Brazil really is "all that" people.



Arraial Do Cabo
Arraial Do Cabo


You know life is tough when your biggest worry is how to get the best value for money when purchasing your next bottle of sunscreen. 

Unfortunately, we were stuck for almost a week in North East Brazil at a place called Pipa Beach, just near Natal. We were waiting for Brad's new passport to arrive as he was running out of pages.



Our friends at the beach!
Dolphins, all to ourselves at sunrise




Goodness, it was horrible! All that time spent on deserted beaches, reading books in the sun, watching the sunrise, swimming with dolphins, looking in rock pools, eating acaí ice-cream... It really was just... awful! I am sure you can imagine...



It's a tough life
Fun times in Pipa

The blessed Caipirinha




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