Chui Uruguay to Florianopolis Brazil

So we took a local bus out of Punta del Diablo to a border town called Chuy or Chui depending on which side of the border you are on. We crossed the border after only about 1 hour and had to wait 15 hours to catch a bus from Chuy to Florianopolis.
The bus was scheduled (not very reliable) to arrive at 1:30 in the morning and it decided to show up at 2:30 in the morning. We arrived in Florianopolis at 630 pm or so.
We navigated our way with local buses and some Spanish which was of course MINIMAL as far as helping us speak or understand Portuguese! we managed?

We are here now. It is amazing. Florianopolis is south of Sao Paulo. Its an island and it has SO many beaches. There are 42 beaches, many mountains, lakes, moorlands, dunes and small islands. We took day trips to visit multiple beaches in one day by a rented van and 15 people. The rented van first took us to Amaçao, then we went to Arante which is famous for people all over the world stopping there and writing a note or drawing a picture on a small piece of paper and taping it to the ceiling ot wall, after this stop we went to Naufragados beach which included a 45 minute hike there and back out. The water here was the most calm because of the geographical location of this beach. From the water you could see forest trees surrounding us and a lighthouse on the other end. The only downfall was being stung by a jellyfish in these waters. But, its not a bad sting just feels like a huge mosquito bite.

The next day we took a day trip walking 1 hour to Mole´ Beach which was beautiful.

Yesterday, we took 2 buses to a trail and hiked 1.5 hours up and down rock and beautiful tree filled trails with creeks and waterways surrounding us and ended at Lagoinha do Leste, which was incredible and of course secluded because its only entrance is after a not-so-easy hike. Well worth it!
Lagoinha do Leste


Naufragados

Mole Beach




Today, We leave for Rio de Janeiro.

Punta Del Diablo, Uruguay

Well, Kevin noted that we would not be here in Punta del Diablo if it weren´t for a friends suggestion. so, thank you Francis.

We were headed to the popular Punta del Este a resort town by the beach. Francis casually says its not our style and we would probably fit in at this other place Punta del Diablo. We just got off the bus from Montevideo a few hours ago. The minute we got off the bus I couldnt feel how heavy my two backpacks were. I was sooo excited to be where I still am. This place is again somewhat of a La Jolla feel as far as rocks leading up to the ocean. But then there is a small village by the water and very few tourists compared to other beaches. Within 15 minutes of lugging two heavy backpacks (which still felt feather light because of my excitement) I saw two horses eating grass right on the edge of the beach. Nothing I´ve ever seen.

Apparently, this hostel 'El Diablo Tranquilo´s' owner is from the states... Milwakee or something. Lots of English speakers. But the sunset was beautiful. Although since we are on the East Coast the sunset was behind some houses. still beautiful colors.
We ran into a couple we met 2 months ago in Bolivia on our Pampas Tour. CRAZY small gringo trail.

Cant wait to walk on the beach tomorrow.

The Beach, on thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

argentina...chile...uruguay

After Buenos Aires we spent a wonderful 2 days in Mendoza.
This city is full of bodegas or wineries.
We rented bikes for a day and rode under rows of trees.
It was beautiful-

We then got to Chile and stayed with 2 friends of Kevinś sister.
Whom we met in Buenos Aires!

We got to see Vina Del Mar which is a resort town right on the beach and their apartment had an INCREDIBLE ocean view.
We took a day trip to Valparaiso and this was another town FULL of culture and art on the walls. I got to visit Pablo Nerudaś house which is now a museum. That was ẗruly magical as my cousin Lily phrased it-
It was a friends birthday so we then were able to spend one full day at the beach called Maintencillo which was very similar to San Diego La Jolla or Del Mar type beaches....beautiful weather but not crowded AT ALL. The only problem was the water was 2 degrees or something crazy- Perfect for sunbathing and barbeques!

From Vina Del mar we took a 26 hour bus to Buenos Aires then a 3 hour ferry (i like to call titanic) because it was the nicest ferry boat id ever been on with 3 floors a bar on each deck a casino ...arcade ...cafeteria...and more!!! so the ferry dropped us off at Colonia, Uruguay and we spent 4 hours here exploring this incredibly historic feeling old town.
Then that evening a bus to MOntevideo and now a bus to Punto del Diablo to lounge on the beach!!

movin quick.
The more time we take here the less time in Brazil and I cant WAIT to get to Brazil!

woot!

Buenos Aires for my birthday!!

I got to spend my birthday in Buenos Aires. This was amazing.
A friend from high school now lives here and I was able to visit him.
He took me out to a wonderful delicious pizza place called Guerrin.

Best things about B.A.
Parrillas. All you can eat. delicious food!
the inexpensive quality wine
the nightlife which STARTS at 2AM- very difficult to keep up with!
The history and many many many sites to see.
The communities which are all very neat with character and differences.

This was a city I could actually see myself living in.

This blog is WAY TOO SHORT for how much fun we had... we spent 10 or 11 days in Buenos Aires.