Week 1...in the sun

Thought I would let you know that we are still alive and well. For those that didnt know Hannah and I are off on extended leave in South America, see Itinery.

The flight was budget to say the least but got here in one piece. My favourite quote from the Thomson holidaymakers was from a middle aged woman quoting a friend from work (note cockney accent) "Brazil, what ya wanna go a Brazil for?", followed by renditions from accompanying family members.

We started just a little bit south of Natal in Ponta Negra, on the beach. The photo on the right was the view from our room.

3 days later we ventured onwards to Praia da Pipa, an hour and a half down the coast. It was still touristy but much more relaxed, and no Brits, bar a couple we spotted who we could tell were from the UK as the girl had the same George (Asda) bikini as Hannah.

Everyone drives around in sand buggies here and the bird feeders have nectar in them for the humming birds. Those who read my stories from our last trip may well remember that I quoted Brazil as the country with a pharmacy on every corner, I am able to report that they now have them in between as well. I dont know if this is a reflection of the economy but Brazil is more expensive than the last time we came and it was expensive then.

Whilst we were in Pipa we visited an eco sanctuary, a 400 hectare section of Atlantic rainforest and turtle conservation site, where I proposed to Hannah, she said yes.

Now in Salvador surrounded by colonial buildings and a church for every day of the year. Capoeira is popular here (I would say it comes from here but seeming as it was started by the slaves, the whole country seems to have developed off the back of the slave trade, it could well originate from Africa) and every corner you turn you can hear the Jenga (the percussion and string rhythm that this martial art is performed to).

We are heading inland tomorrow to Lencois, hopefully it will be a bit cooler.

As I write this I am surrounded by music to the front and rear of the building so heading off to join the party.

Ciao