We decided not to head north to Sao Paulo and Rio De Janiero as they are both huge cities with lots of security problems, plus it rained there the whole time we were in Brasil. We really want to see Rio, but will travel the north of Brasil another time!!

Travelling in the southern part of Brazil is all about beaches, which is fine by us!! We stayed with another freeloaders family- Ricardo and Michelle in Porto Alegre and had a blast!! It was great being part of a family again as they have two children- Lucas 3 years old and Rafael at 11 months old.

Eating in Brazil is another experience!! Ricardo and Michelle introduced us to the Brazillian concept of "eat till you bust"- the waiter keeps coming out with meat and you say si or no mas gracious!! Needless to say we are Fatrick and Balloonda again!

After a sad farewell we continued south, following the coast of course, and stayed at a little beachside village called Cassino. It was Sunday night of a long weekend and the 15-18year olds were out in full force. We entertained ourselves by sitting on the balcony of our very central hotel with a rum and coke watching!! Brazillians (of any age) really now how to have a fiesta and enjoy themselves.

We then crossed the border to Spectacular Uruguay.

Heres a summary of what Brasil meant to us:

- The people are exceptionally friendly and helpful and really made our stay in Brazil memorable.
- Brasil is a hot, humid, tropical country; very green, but also very wet.
- Do these people know how to eat!!- buffets everywhere- we hardly looked at a menu! Lots of BBQ meat eateries.
- Of course the wonderful beaches and surf culture and amazing beachfront properties.
- Brasilians love music and dancing.
- Fiestas everywhere- the Brasilians would have to be the happiest and most carefree people in South America- especially the teenagers.
- Brasil has 75 million people and 20 million of them live in one city- Sao Paulo- thats the entire population of Australia in one city!!!
- They speak Portugese and we couldnt understand a word of it!!
- There are small, locally produced cars everywhere.
- Yamaha Super Tenere parts were easily available.
- Brasil has only been out of dictatorship since 1990 and they have a new President that everyone is watching closely.
- Everything is cheap as they suffered from devaluation; similar to Argentina for the cost of everything, except wine!!