Salvador

I arrived after a grueling 32 hour bus ride, that actually made me sick.  I tried to piece it together and finish out the trip strongly, but I just felt awfully.  So, the next morning I gave it a go, and after walking around with a Swiss guy for a couple of hours I had to go back to the hostel and collapse.  That night, I got up and walked around very briefly with the Swiss guy, but eventually had to go to bed.  The next day I felt a little better, and left the Swiss guy to take a long walk around the city to the beach.  Honestly the city is kind of a piece of shit, and I think seeing such poverty and decrepit buildings only makes me want to go home more.  Sure, the historical center was really nice, but it is fake as well, and the real Salvador isn't worth visiting.  I went to bed early that night reading instead of going out.  My final full day in the city I walked to a lagoon in the center with jogging paths around it.  It was not very nice, but pleasant enough.  Unfortunately it was surrounded by slums, and then it began to rain.  After |I got back and weighted out the rain I just sort of wondered the center looking for something to buy Jake to thank him for helping me, and killed the rest of my time.  That evening I went for dinner and a few drinks with a German guy I met in the hostel.  The food was pretty good but the bar was plagued with beggars and was really annoying.  After two beers we headed out.

Today I go home, and in all honesty I am ready.  South America was sure interesting, but enough is enough, lets move on with life.

Ouro Preto

There isnt much to say about the city.  It is very pretty, but not much else is going on.  I spent yesterday just walking around and seeing the streets and churches.  I really liked it and people all seem happy.  After just walking for hours around the hills, I called it a night early.  Today I am going to go to Belo Horizone for a few hours and then on a night bus to Salvidor.  The end is near, and I am getting excited.

Rio

Rio was in short incredible.  I was there with the group of guys I had been with in Paraty nd Isla Grande, and we had a wonderful  week.  We started by hanging at the beach in Copacabana, and the next day headed to the Christ statue.  The next day me and Nizar (the Palestinian guy) went to the famous stairs and walked around quite a lot.  We followed this by going to a tour of the Faveas the next day, and then walking almost the length f the city the following day.  On the final day we saw the city championship soccer game.  It was such a neat experience with everyone so into it. 

Overall Rio is beautiful.  It is full of life in the day on the beach, and at night on the streets of Lapa.  It was just such a spectacular place it makes you realize why it was given the world cup and Olympics.  I could not praise the city more.

Ilha Grande

The Island was really nice.  I hung out with the same Israeli guys that I did in Paraty, and we had a nice time together.  We went for a hike through the rain forest, and saw an incredible beach, and then went snorkeling.  It was three really relaxing days.  While we learned nothing of Brazilian culture or society, we did just have fun.

Rio is next and the five of us are going together.  I am really looking forward to it.

Sao Paulo

I got to Sao Paulo and was blown away by the size.  It really isn't such a great city, and although I spent the following two days just walking and in awe of the enormous magnitude of the city.  The first night I just got dinner and chilled at the hostel.  The next day I went to to a book store to prepare myself for the beaches to come, and then walked around down town.  It was nice enough, but nothing special.  That evening I got dinner at like this cool outdoor street food lot, which was interesting.  The next day I walked a lot and saw some parks, and the Japanese area.  This too was fine, but nothing special.  I loved the sushi, but that is hardly indicative of Sao Paulo.  The parks were just mediocre.

I then headed to Paraty in an effort to be in awe of the beaches I had heard so much about

Florianopolis

I got toFlorianopolis after a 7 bus journey from hell.  As it turns out the island was pretrty nice, but nothing breathtaking.  The whole island was nice, and there werw some pretty places, but as I would soon learn they were no where near the nicest in the country. I spoent the first two days I was there on two different beaches reading.  Thew final day I went to the city and walked around, and wasnt super impressed.  I ate well and saw some cool places, but it wasnt such a great place.

Iguazu

My first step into Brazil wasn't exactly Brazil.  After arriving at the hostel, which was considerably out of town and closer to the falls themselves, I got myself on a trip back to Argentina (I believe for the final time, but who knows) to see the falls from that side.  They were as expected fantastic, and a sight well worth seeing.  I was really blown away by not just how big it was, but how many other smaller waterfalls were within sight.  The whole things was really great.  The following day today), I headed to see them again, but this time from the Brazil side.  The Brazil side is much smaller and has much less to do on it.  I think that the view its self may be better, but because there isn't much of a park to spend the day it isn't as much of an experience.  Still, very beautiful.

I now wait in the hostel and will head on the night bus to Florianopolis in the evening.

Encarnación

Encarnación was a really nice town.  I arrived at was instantly set at ease.  There were very few foreigners there, so we mostly stuck together.  The first night there was a concert on the beach we attended, which wasn't great, but was nice and free.  I then visited the ruins the following day of Trinidad and Jesus, and both were very nice.  I waited around that evening and saw the night lights, which were lame, but I had nothing better to do.  The following day I just hit the river beach with an American girl and then drank on the boardwalk that night with others.  

Overall, just a super nice place and a nice time.

Asuncion

I got to Asuncion, and was instantly impressed.  Now, it is a really small city, with not really that much to do.  However, the people are cheerful, and everyone seems to be happy.  This to go along with one of the sweetest old ladies I have ever met running my hostel made for a nice stay.

The first night I just sort of ate (a huge Brazilian style buffet of meat), and went to bed.  The following day I went shopping.  I purchased a new camera to replace the stolen one, and grew very excited by how cheap things were in Paraguay.  I spent the rest of the day touring and taking new photos.

The following day I followed up my exuberant spending spree by purchasing a new tablet.  I am less pleased with this purchase.  It was super cheap, but the thing I bought was kind of a piece of crap and runs very slowly.  It will suffice for the rest of the trip, but I look forward to having a good computer back with me.  I then spent the afternoon in the botanic gardens which were not so impressive, but proved to be a nice way to pass the afternoon, and made for a nice good bye to the city.

I headed to Encarnación early the next day after a mostly sleepless night.

Santa Fe, Parana, Resistencia, and my Mugging

I got to Santa Fe, and was pretty underwhelmed.  There was not too much going on here, and despite a historic center, and an old Franciscan mission there was little to see.  However, I was only there for about 10 hours, so what the hell I walked around and saw the town.  I also spent a good deal of time that night in the hotel, which had a tv in my room, and I tool full advantage.

The next day I slept in late and headed to Parana.  It was a nice enough city, but with probably less to do than Santa Fe.  So, I walked along the board walk, got some empanadas, and was going to head back early to again take full advantage of the TV in my room.  Unfortunately, some teenagers had different plans and decided to rob me at gun point.  I then foolishly chased them afterwards.  We came upon police in the chase, and the continued t follow the kids while I waited with one.  They all came back to the station and told me to be patient and eventually got me back all my passports and documents.  They then told me I needed to leave, and I suspect that the cops are keeping my stuff for themselves, as they refused to help me any more.  I then just went back and watched tv as I kind of felt like shit for a while after that.

I got to Resistencia very late and ended up in a more expensive hotel then I would prefer, but I guess its ok.  The next day I walked around and really felt uncomfortable.  It is a poor city, and the supposed sculptures aren't that impressive. So, I went back to my room and read for pretty much the whole day.  I guess I am still kind of shaken up, because I don't want to be anywhere that doesn't look like Disney land right now.

I head to Paraguay tomorrow and will need to buy a new camera, and sort of regroup after a kind of crazy experience.

Mendoza

I spent 3 nights and 4 days in this lovely city.  The first day I really just at rolled the nice plazas and beautiful boulevards.  Following this I went on a bike tour of the wine country hopping from one vineyard to another.  I went with this Canadian man, and we had a real nice day.  I followed that by going rafting the next day which was really fun and something I had wanted to do for some time now.  The final day I walked around the town and checked out the beautiful park just out of town.  Really just a good place to spend a few days.  Very nice city.

Tonight I head to Santa fe where my days in Argentina are slowly running out.

Valparaiso

Valparaiso was pretty interesting.  It's windy roads and back alleyways staircases added a ton of character to the city.  It is a huge port town that has a long history dating back to the 1540s.  I loved the street art and the winding passageways that all seem to curl around the mountain providing an incredible view of the port and sea below.  I didn't really do much here, but wonder the streets, but I get the feeling that this is really all there is to do.  I only stayed 30 hours or so, and am going to board a bus back to Santiago in order to get myself a bus back to Argentina so I can finally visit the jewel of the country: Mendoza.  I have heard really great things, and I am really looking forward to exploring it.  I am running a little heavy on time, so I may stay a while there if it is nice.  We'll have to see what happens.

Salta

Salta was nice!!!  Compared to other places in South America this is like a Royal Palace.  I really don´t know what to say other than people are right, and this is much more European.  I have eaten well, and drank well, and seen some nice things along the way.

The Australian couple an I started out by just walking the city.  We then met up with some friends of theirs and got drunk in the afternoon of day one.  We followed this with a nice dinner and just a good day in genera. the following day we went to a park to view the city from above, had lunch in the park and they left.  I was able to hook up with a dutch couple and another Australian guy for a three day road trip before meeting up with Mike.

The road trip was nice, but had to much driving.  Cafayate was incredible and one of the best times I had in South America, but we should have stayed longer.  We ended up staying at this hostel with almost all Argentinian girls and singing, drinking, and eating all night.  >the owner had a guitar and led us in songs all night, and it was just a really good time.  We then went for a hike the next day to a waterfall (where I ruined my shoes which I loved and bought for my Asia trip originally).   We then headed north without the Australian guy, which sucked because he sort of promised to chip in for gas and the car and then backed out of the final day, which stuck us with the bill.  Either way the drive was nice up north, but it wasn´t so spacial.  Mostly just a way to burn time before mike joins me on the 9th.

Tonight I head to Cordoba where I will wait a day for Mike.  i have a few errands to run, so it is fine.  I want to fix my I Pod, which is broken and that is the worst on road trips.  I also want to see if I can fix my shoes, and book a trip for Mike and I to the river or something on the 10th.

Santiago

I didn't spend much time there (2 1/2 days), but I gt the idea. It is a nice place to live without much tourism.  I went to the main market for an almost identical experience to the one in Montevideo, only with seafood. I then headed to the free walking tour, which was really nice, and informative. The next day I went to the top of two hilltop parks, which were both nice, but not spectacular.  I had an early dinner, went o sleep early and headed fr Valparaiso the next day.

I got to Santiago

After  12 hour bus ride that included an hour stop over I arrived in Punta Arenas.  On a whim I dashed to the airport and hoped there would be room on the 7pm flight to Santiago.  There was, and at about midnight I landed in Santiago.  It was a hell of a day starting at 5am, but nice just to be here, and not have to waste a day in Punta Arenas.

When I did get in I got the airport van, which takes you to your door, and just told him one of the addresses in the lonely planet.  Well, there turns out to not be  hostel there anymore, so the driver insisted on taking me to another place.  That place was full.  SO, he insisted on taking me to another place (all the while a girl waited patently to be dropped off herself).  At the third place there was room, but as soon as I went in to check the driver split with my stuff.  After a half an hour or so and time on the phone with the company he returned.  So, all is well that ends well I guess.

Good to be in Santiago!

Ushuaia.

I arrived in Ushuaia 4 1/2 hours late, which was a joy, but I did find a hostel at 1:30 am, and was able to sleep.  I met another American Jew, which was cool, and had a nice enough time chatting with him on the bus and early the next day.  On the following day I went to the nation park and just went on some of the hikes.  Predictably it was really pretty and a very pleasant day.  I then headed back and fell asleep crazy early, as I hadn´t had a good night sleep in quite a while.  Today I went on a small cruise of the area and saw the penguins, which was again predictably cool, and went along with some stunning views of the area.

Tomorrow I leave very early for Punta Arenas, which is where I get my flight to Santiago, and am just waiting to see how that all plays out.

Bariloche and El Calafate

I arrived in Bariloche in the morning, and immediately saw how gorgeous it was.  That day I headed to the lookout point on the top of the hill, and then to dinner with two Israelis and a Welshmen at a famous steak place.  It was good, but the high end one mike and I went to was better. 

The next day me and one of the Israelis along with a Frenchman headed back to the lookout I was at previously and then on a long bike ride along this giant circuit.  It was stunning and amazing!  We had a blast!  It was one of the most beautiful places I had ever been.  I was so glad I went.  We then had dinner with some pretty stupid and annoying kiwis, and went to bed. 

I heard the following day on a 28 hour bus ride to El Calafate.  OHY!

I got to El Calafate Thursday afternoon and did nothing.  I met an american and had dinner, and arranged to go to the glacier the next day.  When I did get to the glacier it was really cool.  Maybe not as beautiful as the makers of Bariloche, but way more different than any thing I had ever seen before.  Well worth doing.  When I got back I had a huge shabbat dinner with 7 Israelis and then realized that it was 10:40 and my bus to Ushuaia was at 3am and I now need to figure out how to kill 4 hours..... What fun!

BA #2

We returned to BA and were pretty tired. Honestly we had very little to do. We did several self guided walking tours and kind of just wondered. On the second night we headed to cafe totoni to see a tango show, which was nice, but not mind blowing.  On Friday we went to a nearby weekend spot called tire, which was again nice, but not mind blowing.  Finally on Saturday we walked a lot and went to visit the president's house, which was surprisingly not nice compared to other things in BA.  We also went for a final steak dinner together st a small neighbourhood place.

Sunday we bought a few presents, and sort of lamented him being there just a little too long.  I took the 2pm 22 hour bus to Bariloche and said my goodbyes.

Uruguay

The morning of the 14th we got on a ferry to Colonial de Sacramento, which is a small port colonial city in Uruguay.  It was super nice and charming, but with little to do.  It was picturesque, but that is about all I can say about it.  After a few hours of walking we headed to Montevideo.

Montevideo was a nice small capitol city.  When we got in at night we just walked the main strip along the pedestrian only area and had a steak sandwich for dinner.  We also gawked at all the people having Motta, which was really crazy.  The next day (15th) we headed to the main market to have a giant parilla style lunch, which is more or less as much meat as one can eat in different forms.  It was good, but sickening.  After we rented bikes and roads along the coast, which turned out to be nicer than the rest of the historic district.  Overall Montevideo is a nice city worth seeing if you are in the area, but nothing worth going special to.

The following day (16th) we got on a bus back to Sacramento and then the same ferry back to BA where we would stay until mike leaves on the 20th.

Buenos Aires #1

We got to BA early on the 12th and began to walk around.  We immediately really liked it. While we didn't do all that much other than walk it was apparent what a spectacular city it was.  We did stumble upon the old cemetery, which was really awesome.  We also did a fancy steak diner, which was better than most other steaks I have had in life.

The 13th was hard, because mike was sick, and my feet were hurting. We went to Boca in the morning, and it was cool, but mike was obviously not so happy and wanted to rest.  So we headed back and tools nap.  We then went to the big park in Palermo, which wasn't overly nice, and headed back for a small simple dinner of empanadas near the hostel

Cordoba and Rosario

Mike finally joined me in Cordoba.  It was nice to see him, and we really just spent a day and a half wondering a very pretty city and seeing some nice things.  We had to wait to leave Cordoba until my shoes were re soled and in the mean time we saw a very pretty colonial center and some nice outer areas, but nothing mind blowing.  We also had a huge steak dinner with a bunch of Israelis in the hostel, and headed out in the late afternoon of the 10th.

We got to Rosario and spent the night walking wondering where the people were, as the streets were deserted.  We eventually stumbled upon the flag monument, which was kind of the most impressive urban monuments I have ever seen.  The next day we walked around and changed some money with a strange lady who the hostel sent us to (black market exchange rates are much higher than normal), and went to the beach.  It was a decent beach, but was cool because it was on a river.  We heard back, and went to dinner at a nice enough place and called it a night.

Uyuni

Uyuni is kind of a crappy city.  It was just a hub to go and visit the famous salt flats Bolivia.  So, that´s what I did.  I signed up for a tour which was pretty cool.  Te scenery was really different and well worth visiting.  I was impressed maybe more by the lakes with flamingos than the salt flats themselves, bu the lakes were weird colors and this is caused by the immense amount o sulfur in the ground, so it is sort o one in the same.  I was on the tour with an Australian couple, a Brazilian couple, and this older Italian guy.  It was a nice group an we really enjoyed ourselves despite kind of a crappy guide.  It was just a pleasant 3 days.

We got back to the town to try to head to Argentina, and found that because it was New Years Eve there were no buses, and we would have to spend the night in Uyuni.  I didn´t care, but the Australians were disappointed.  We had dinner, lit a firework, and went to bed before midnight. 

Te next day we got a bus at 6am and headed to the boarder. It was a terrible road, and was really uncomfortable.  It did´t hep that a Bolivian man was yelling at the tourists to get out of his country the whole time.  We finally made it and got another bus on the Argentinian side to Salta, where me and the Australian couple ended up after almost 36 hours of trying.  It looked like a nice city as we entered......