The Crocodile Hunter (piranha too)

Just left the Amazon - what an amazing trip. To get to the lodge it took almost 2 1/2 hours. Our guide told us we had about an hour to swim and get our cabin prepared before we took off on our first expeditiion. So I took to the water...how many people can say they have swum in the Amazon before, right? OK, OK, OK, so my toes aren't exactly pointed in the back-tucks, but it was nice to know I still have it in me. I saw SO many animals, alligators (caiman), BIRDS GALLORE, monkeys, toucans, lizards, and both grey and pink river dolphins. So awesome.

(Check out the video in high quality)

"Poor Niagara" is what Eleanor Roosevelt exclaimed upon seeing the Iguazu Waterfall. There are two sides, this is the Argentine Side

The waterfall is beyond words. To think that it is like this 24 hours/day 7 days a week, it makes you wonder how there is any fresh water left in the world. It is beyond words. Another one of the cool parts was that in the Iguazu National Park they had signs up that as you walked over the bridges that were flanked by trees, they warned that snakes are hanging from the trees so be careful.

Trekking across Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande is Brazil's 3rd largest island. It's about 2 1/2 hours from Rio. It's located in the Atlantic Ocean and gorgeous, but it does NOT cater to your average tourist's demands. For example, there are no roads, no cars, no banks, and no atms - I think that is what gives it such charm. (watch the video en high quality - check out those insects)

Brazil - Qué sabes de Brazil

I will write the answers to these multiple choice questions in the comment section. Let's see how well you do.

1). What is the current capital of Brazil?

a) Rio de Janeiro
b) Sao Paolo
c) Salvador de Bahia
d) Brasilia

2) Which of these used to be the capital of Brazil

a) Salvador de Bahia
b) Rio de Janeiro
c) a & b
d) none of the above

3) T or F

You must apply in advance for a visa to go to Brazil

4) Brazil's population is quite unique because it combines elements of _____ cultures.

a) European and Indigenous
b) Indigenous and African
c) Indigenous, African, and European

5) The Amazon is the largest river in the world (T or F)

FACTS ABOUT BRAZIL -

* Brazil is the world's 5th largest nation (after Russia, Canada, China and the US)
* Brazil is the world's largest (and most populous) Roman Catholic country
* Brazil is the world's 8th largest economy
* Brazil contains the world's largest tropical forest and has the world's most biologically diverse ecosystem. This ecosystem contains TWENTY PERCENT of the world's bird and plant species.