A bit more detail

Our time in BA was really pleasant, even if we had to last a day with no luggage. The La Paz situation was a bit bizarre, apparently weather conditions and load factors were involved.

Anyway nothing a bit of late afternoon shopping in what turned out to be a mecca only 5 minutes from the hotel couldn't fix.

The day on the horse property next day was not only different from our other experiences but in its self a refreshing change. Rode horses that might have well have been doped to the eyeballs on loco weed as they just played follow the leader. The horses and horsemanship of the residents was something else, as was the bar-b-Que, never seen chickens that big!

The following day did a city tour, usual mix of old and new, and plenty of free time which was appreciated. Mitch and I visited an old theatre which had been turned into a book shop with a coffee shop on the old stage. One of the few times we did not bring a camera, and as we thought Aerlyn would be fascinated I returned later to take some shots.

BA as I said in the summary blog is very European and particularly French/Paris influenced, lovely parks and squares. Did the Evita bit and visited the cemetery where she resides. Photos will tell the story.

To see the Iguassu falls had been a desire of mine for several decades and they did not disappoint, simply awesome, probably the only thing in my experience to rival the Grand Canyon. Saw both sides, went up close and under in a rubber ducky (drenched and laughing) and then over the top by helicopter. Words escape me rarely but they do here.

More delays on the plane trip to Rio and arrived pretty late. Staying at Copacabana, which is pretty tough. Unfortunately yesterday, our designated day for the Christ the Redeemer and the sugar loaf were misty and rainy, but went to the top of both anyway (without a rain coat, as usual we picked the wrong day to leave them out of the day pack!).

The city tour was OK and although we are cathedral out by now the one here is modern and spectacular. Had a great lunch in a 120 year old cafe/restaurant (rivalled tats for atmosphere) and then dinner at a steak house just up the road which rivals any meal we have had since we have been here and that says something! Did not pay much attention to the dancing girls (not).

Considered on giving today's tour a miss, which would have been not the move to make. Went up into the Mountains this morning to the town containing the summer palace for the Brazilian Emperors of he 19th C (cant remember the name Pedros.....). Firstly when we came here I did not expect to visit Imperial Palaces, (my ignorance of Brazilian History). Not only an enjoyable day in the sun (still a bit rainy in the am in Rio) but fascinating and involving the obligatory lovely lunch. This time in an "adapted private family house" which only caters for group bookings. The Chef is the mother using old family recipes and the waiters her 50 something sons. Food, delicious and interesting, ambiance captivating. Bugger another gastronomic wonderment.

In the arvo a bit of shopping (not on my account) and then a walk up the beach to get the atmosphere. Its hard to describe but the Rio vibe is certainly different and all that is written about it. A low level of constant excitement prevails.

Tomorrow is our last day on the Scenic tour, and unfortunately we will have to go straight from tomorrow nights Samba show to the aeropurto for our 3.00 am flight to Santiago.

We will miss the company of our fellow travellers and be back on our own for the next week (Santiago, Easter Island, Santiago, home). In general, they have been a great bunch and in particular the four we started off with at Sacha lodge. Scenic, as in Canada have been terrific and will continue to be highly recommended by us.

For those contemplating a trip here, particularly the Willington's and Hunter's

Firstly pack light, we have found we over catered in heaver clothes. One jumper and a T shirt as a layer is more than enough. On the few occasions its colder Rain gear suffices. (Jumpers are also extremely good value here, so you might consider not bringing any).

Secondly clothes and shoes are ridiculously cheap almost every where so don't shop for new gear before you leave.

A good pair of walking shoes/boots and a second pair of joggers or shoes is the most you need to leave Aus with.

Laundry is over the top in hotels and Laundromats hard to find, also hotels do not have irons, therefore consider easy drying crush proof gear.

We have found the cash card a really convenient way to go, have used the credit card probably 5 times and the debit card once. $us are also accepted in most places.

The easy pack overnight bag we brought has been invaluable as has the similar day pack. Next time we would bring two of both. Also picked up a really nice leather overnight bag in BA at a great price.

Phil as to Lima and Santiago, can't really say as we really only spent a few hours in the former, however you get to see a lot of the rest of Peru and we found Santiago really interesting. We also found Colombia well worth the visit despite all the negative publicity back home. Phil you met Brett Headrick at the Grill night and I know he agrees.

Finally the question of organised vrs unaccompanied tours. Both would be OK depending on what you are looking for, on the proviso that you picked up good quality local guides everywhere. I believe you can not do it from the book. Our local guides have been fantastic as Scenic obviously source the best. Guides absolutely necessary in Peru and Bolivia in particular. Obviously you take a bit of pot luck with day tours, but I,m sure these can be researched. Can speak for Condor in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia and Walpax here in Rio, can't recall as I type the firm in BA or at the falls, but both were first class. Met a couple of self tour Aussies who seem to have had mixed results.

Happy to discuss further on our return!

Keep working!

Geoff and Michele.