Sao Paulo, So Long South America

The following takes place on Days 128-131, Monday, April 4 to Thursday, April 7, 2011.

When I left Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, it was with a heavy heart. Not only because I had fallen in love with the beaches in that city, but also because I came to the realization that that bus ride was my last one in South America. Somehow, before I realized it, I was getting to the last destination on my trip through South America. I felt an odd sense of melancholy about that fact. Even knowing that the next huge stage of my trip was starting soon was not helping me feel better at the time. There was still so much to see, so much to do.

Rio de Janeiro - Pre Olympics Version

The following takes place on Days 116 – 127,  Wednesday, March 23 to Sunday, April 3, 2011

Rio de Janeiro is going to be in the news a lot in the next few years, and rightly so. Not only will they be hosting the 2014 World Cup, but they will also be hosting the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. The first city in South America to host either Olympics. As with most Olympics, Rio is not without controversy. Beijing had the human rights violations, Vancouver had the downtown housing situation, and Rio has the favelas. Much like Vancouver, the controversy is stemming from what the city and country is doing to “clean up” the area. I won’t get much into it as I’m not well enough informed to make an informed opinion. All I know is that it is an issue that many people are keeping a close eye on.

Rio definitely lives up to its hype though. It is a city where doing nothing is encouraged by the local tourism office guides. Sure, they have their tourist traps, but for the most part, people go to Rio for one thing, and one thing only: the beaches.

Days 112-115, The CRTC has rated this post R

The following takes place between Saturday, March 19 and Tuesday, March 22, 2011

I am warning you now, this post is going to include a mention of a rather intimate encounter while in Foz. I warn you now. I’ll give you warning as to when it is. The reason I’m feeling comfortable about doing this, even considering that there is family that reads this(Trevor, perhaps you should black that portion out when you print it off for Grandma) is that this is my blog. With Jaime of the blog Breakaway Backpacker being so honest on his I came to the realization that I really shouldn’t be throwing myself back into the closet. This blog is as much for me as it is for others to read.

So, with that said, lets get on with the show!

Day 111, Iguaçu Falls

The following takes place on Friday, March 18, 2011

Alright, I made it! I am in Brazil! The last country on the South American leg of the trip. Not quite sure its hit me quite yet, but oh well. With the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls out of the way, it was time to check out the Brazilian side known by its Portuguese name of Iguaçu Falls.

Days 108-110, Getting a Brazilian Visa

The following takes place between Tuesday, March 15 and Thursday, March 17, 2011

Unfortunately for Canadians, Americans, and Australians, we need a visa to enter Brazil. Double unfortunately, we need one BEFORE we arrive at the border as, unlike many countries, Brazil does not hand out visas at the border.

Normally one would get one back at home before they even leave for their trip. However, the Brazil visa needs to be used within 90 days of being issued and, seeing as I’m already over 107 days into my trip, it wouldn’t have been possible to do so.

Now here’s the definitive procedure in procuring a visa for Brazil while in Argentina.