RTW #10 Japan

My short Japan trip has to be in the itinerary of my Round The World tour. Just because, this is my favourite country. Tokyo is my favourite city. I met my friend Mar in Shinjuku. Strolled the night in Harajuku and Shibuya. We had Okonomiyaki and Tokoyaki that satisfied our food cravings. But most shops are closed in Omotesando. And Mar seems not to enjoy Harajuku. I feel bad if someone didn't appreciate where I am bringing them. And even the next day when we went to Yoyogi Park, we just went to the entrance and then we just went back and hit the shops in Akahibara. He liked shopping, I supposed that's that.

At night I enjoyed a long steamy Onsen at the hotel. It is one of the reasons I love Japan. You just soak yourself and forget all the troubles. Let the heat melt them down until you feel all the pain in your body and soul disappear.

Shibuya and Shinjuku will always be my favourite places to go here. Because its crazy. City never sleeps. And the atmosphere spells FUN.

Then the next day is something to look forward to. I have my A350 premium economy with SQ from HND to SIN. Not too bad. I would not buy this product because I would want the undivided attention. So its either full economy for me or business. Not somewhere in the middle.

SIN-SYD was a fabulous treat. A380 business class. I needed that. Good things must come to an end. It is the final cap of my world tour and what's best but to toast with a champagne as I return back home in Sydney travelling in style.

RTW #9 Taiwan

PEY Upgrade from BR

I got upgraded to Premium Economy and this is my first flight with Eva Air. I scrapped my MNL-HKG-TPE with Cathay Pacific, just because it doesn't jive with my 55kg baggage. Star Alliance gold has its perks for additional baggage. So that's that. More room for my happy feet.

Taipei and the missing Vendome Hotel

First I shall say that the transport system in Taiwan is so awesome. But finding my hotel is really frustrating because normally I stayed in Airbnb for my world tour but this is one of them cities that I decided to book a hotel. Then I realised Vendome Hotel is not like you're typical Sofitel, Shangri-la. It is hiding in a huge building and it occupies levels 11 and 12. So that's why I couldn't find it.

Location was perfect. Starbucks at the lobby next to Zara. Uniqlo is around the corner too. Shops close late at night. Taiwanese chicken popcorn just next to Starbucks. Just perfect.

Hazel Erika's Arrival

My cousin arrived 2am that night. And she was so tired from the trip. She ended up reaching the hotel 4am. I told her not to sleep. Otherwise she will miss one whole day of fun.

The Manic Itinerary

We went to a famous old buddhist temple, Lungshan. Then we realise how hot it is in Taipei. I wish we had an umbrella. But we ended up catching the train all the time. We went to shopping place similar to Shinjuku. The place is called Ximen. We ate a weird bread stick and washed it away with Taiwanese milk tea, tasted like Gong-cha. Then we took a bus to go to the famous Changkai-Shek memorial. Walked through the park and saw Taipei 101. We finally walked to Sun-yat Sen memorial and there we saw Taipei 101 with a nice picturesque view.

We went home because my cousin can feel exhausting creeping in. I told her my batteries are still good. So I went for walk to another temple called Hsing Tian Kong. It was a very quick visit. The water cups they have are literally pieces of folder paper that you shape into a cone then pour water. How cool was that? Then I took a bus and missing my stop, I went all the way to Jiantanshan Park. But its good, the garden was really mesmerizing. But the walk to Martyrs' Shrine took most of the time. Before I know it, it was already closed. So then for my final stop, I went to Shilin Market. It was really nice. I wish I have my cousin with me but she was still busy with her beauty sleep.

She woke up when I was about to return. So I told her to meet her Taiwanese friends and enjoy the rest of the night. I was about to rest anyway and do some quick shopping in the area.

Rain and Fog up in the mountains

The next day's itinerary was about exploring the mountain region of Yangmingshan area. We went to the park through bus and uber. Later realising how massive the park is. It reminded me of Lake Kawaguchiko the way it was setup. We walked through the Erzipping trail. It was all the same for the next 30 minutes. While walking, it was perfect time to talk about our family concerns. Open up every issue we had with the Bonuses. Then we just realised how we are unbreakable and we attested to our closeness and nothing shall make it falter. Reaching the end of the trail, it was a very beautiful garden with pond and scenic view like in the movies. Very authentic Taiwanese rural setting even with the fog. I just realise how beautiful it could have been should it had been a clear nice day.

We then went to Beitou after that and had a more relaxing time in the hot springs. I forgot the time and my cousin paged me for crying out loud. It was past 3 in the afternoon and we haven't had lunch yet. We order heaps of Xiao Long Bao and some fried dumpings. Washed away by Hazel's bitter tea and my awesome Taiwan beer.

Final stop is Maokong

The sun is still hiding even though it was my last day. Hazel is not my lucky charm. It was raining still but not to windy that we were able to ride cable car to Maokong. We walked for so long in search of temples and my ultimate goal was to find the Pothole. Erika was furious, because we descended hundreds of steps from top of the mountain to find that bloody pothole. And after awhile, we found it. She cooled a bit and was happy to see the Maokong Pothole too. The view back to the paved road is interesting. So many nice little falls, I call it little iguacu. And beautiful landscape of rural Taiwan. 

Taipei 101

At night we visited Taipei 101, because we were in search of a nice shopping mall. This was to luxurious though. All the brands you can think of is here. Upscale but we found the basement grocery store so we got our cheap Taiwan chocolates and of course, Pineapple cake for our family and friends back home.

Laurel Class and ANA Business Class

I went ahead and left my cousin enjoying Taipei for couple of hours. I think she met with her friends so I am not feeling guilty. It is hard when you can't offer lounge access to your relative. So I went ahead and enjoyed my pampered treatment at the EVA lounge. This is one is extra special because of the unlimited Movenpick. 

Laurel class was really really nice. I like EVA Air's hard product. ANA on the other hand is good too. I remember my first time with ANA I was bumped to business. And its on Dreamliner so it is extra special. I slept like a baby the whole time and it means I have more energy when I arrive in Tokyo after 6 long hours.

RTW #8 Canada

Late arrival
Perhaps it was not the best idea to take the bus from New York to Toronto. But still, I can't be bothered getting visa for just two days stay in Canada. I learnt that entering by land doesn't require any kind of permit. Anyway, blame it on the late departure of Greyhound from Buffalo, half an hour wait in Niagara Falls plus the rush hour traffic. I arrived a little late past eight in the evening.

I met with my cousin's best mate from uni, Ralph. I asked if we could eat in any modern Canadian cuisine so we went to XXX. It was really nice. But a bit expensive. Come to think of it, we are in Canada and perhaps I should adjust my expectations. But still for $50 meal, I reckon it was expensive.

We had a nice chat. Tried to look for common things that we know about my cousin, Fatima. We did realise that she's weird but fun! There is something in me that thinks he is not as warm as I expected him to be. But all that changed after he went to all the trouble going to my booked Airbnb and carrying my bag too.

Unusual Airbnb
I arrived rather unexpectedly in the apartment surprised that everyone was outside the premises. There are firemen everywhere but we were told it was a false alarm. The keys were properly placed in the fire exit water hose and I find it easy to checkin. There were heaps of instructions from my host, Daryl. I never met him but it seems he is everywhere in the apartment. So many rules like you cant eat in the room, no walking barefeet, don't touch the kitchen, and dont get me started on the toilet rules.

Anyway in all honesty i found him to be rather rude. Or maybe because something happened to him before. Later I realise he is deaf that maybe is the reason that he was taken advantage of. But respect the rules and you're good to go. When in Rome... as they say.

Halloween in Toronto
I went for a night stroll in Toronto. Desperately following the yellow brick road leading to the overrated Toronto CN Tower. And I did. Later realising that I am dead tired. I just needed to have my grocery samples. Something maple. Some fruity chocolates. And that's it. However, to my horror there were so many homeless people. Shouting. Very scary. Suspicious looking people really. I felt like they are zombies because its too dark in the streets. And I've never felt scared in my life. I walked briskly and slept like a log knowing I survived the horror.

Air Canada 77W in C
My salvation in Canada is being pampered in business class in Boeing 777-300ER of Air Canada. I just love Star Alliance. It definitely exceeded my expectation. It is the best North American airlines in the alliance. Of course, United is the other one so every other airline would be the best!

I had a very nice waffle in cranberry-apple compote drizzled with maple syrup and sausages. I really like it. I slept for a bit. Between Toronto to Vancouver was like 4-5 hours from recollection. It's like Sydney to Perth. Then my arrival to Vancouver was all good. I deposited my bags in left luggage and I was good to go.

Sunny Vancouver
Vancouver greeted me with a warm sun. It was just nice weather all throughout my stay. Partner it with scenic mountainous view. Nice breeze from the ocean. Splash of the waves from distant shores. Boats and Yachts sailing across a perfect day. And my taste of Pacific Salmon and chips for lunch. It was just perfect. I realise then that I can definitely live here.

Wings, Footy & a mate
When I got tired of walking and I can see that my complexion started to darken. Damn, I forgot to put on sunblock. I stopped by Starbucks to re-hydrate, charge my phone and I meet Hendrick, the Filo barista. He was really friendly and we talked about the struggles of staying overseas. The tricks you learn being in a foreign land. And eventually fitting in to the culture that is so western. We went for beer and free wings while watching footy Argentina vs Portugal. So many South Americans watching and they are quite passionate.

Hendrick went with me to take photos of the quay near Science World. Relaxed and talked more about life, rebellion and its resolution. He is now a changed man and wants to do better. Study and work and save. Aren't we all, at some point? Oh well, he is a kid maturing to be a man imho.

I rushed to the other side towards Sunset beach. I walked briskly. And I did catch it. It was so beautiful. At night time I went to the marina and enjoy the view even better.

I went back to my Airbnb and slept good. By the way, my host is from Iraq. His name is Simon and he owns a lot of birds.... they live inside the house. Go figure!

RTW #7 USA

Stranded in the middle of the bridge en route to New Jersey
Meeting the family is one of the reason why I returned to the US. I initially planned on exploring Central America like Panama or see more cities in Canada but knowing that I have not seen my relatives in US since 2012, five years is a long time so I did have a reason to see them again. Plus I wanted to see my new nephew, Julien.

My mistake was to book the wrong airport, JFK instead of EWR, knowing that my first stop is NJ. So it suits me right to go ride a transit airport bus that later I realised doesn't go directly to EWR but will change over at Grand Central. How do I know? I was so frustrated that I ended up seated in a packed bus. My italian seat mate can't pay the fare too cos he only have euros. I have to be a good samaritan and change is euro to dollars. Later he helped me use his phone's wifi. Hence, its always good to help. You wont know you needed them eventually.

So what happened was I have my Vodafone sim lost somewhere in Kenya when I changed to Airtel. I asked the helped of my friend, Roi to request for another Voda sim and send it to my cousin in NJ. So at this point I havent met my cousin so I don't have any means of communicating to them.

But in NYC everywhere there is wifi. So I was wifi hopping. I was constantly updating my cousin of my whereabouts so she can plan when to leave office and pick me up at EWR airport.

Then the most horrendous thing happened, the bus' lower right tire exploded and we were stranded in the freeway in the middle of the bridge. After few minutes only five unlucky ones were left in the bus. Others who have departing flights were the priority. So for us who just arrived, we had to wait. Police came over and said that we were unsafe outside the bus so we had to stay inside. My fellow unlucky ones were old couples from US and UK. I offered them some biscuits from Colombia but they all declined except for an old chap from UK. He loved it. Oh, my italian seatmate was here as well. Maybe he was sticking with me as we share the same sentiment of just arriving in the US and how I shared my fascination of Italy. He is from Florence, and I told him how I adored it. After 30 long minutes our bus replacement arrived. I also used his wifi until I contacted my cousin.

The beautiful town of Westfield, New Jersey
My cousin drove my aunt's car and at I sat at the back trying to familiarise myself with my nephew Julien. He's so quiet and I think he hates me. He just stares and throws his toys everywhere. But when we went to Gap to buy him some sweater cos its started to get chilly, he threw tantrums. I felt bad cos I was the one who chose the elephant sweater and he hated it. We had restaurant in an italian place and soon after Julien's true personality appeared. He is so playfully that you actually get exhausted. We played hide and seek. Read him his favourite books. My aunt cooked brekkie and the rest is just relaxed vacation. It was good cos I had my little pause. A needed one before I storm the streets of New York the next day.

Good 'ol New York
How I love this city? It rained so hard on the only day I was there but it didn't stop me from going through to my plans. Simple though, I just needed to see the new World Trade Center and Oculus. Then walk in the High Line. And enjoy night at Times Square. I did all that. But with soaked socks as I continuously lost any umbrella I buy. First I forgot in the subway. Finally, I dropped somewhere. Maybe over at Dunkin' Donuts. I did have time to see my relatives who lives in Queens. They treat me to a Filo dinner, same place I was 5 years ago.  I bet they didn't know we ate here before. But still I was here to see them.

Times Square is not complete if you don't go the chocolate shops around. I bought my Hershey's and Reese's. Then went to Walmart to buy more chocolates! Finally when I bought everything I needed at I love NY store. I headed to Chelsea, and slept. I bet I was snoring oh so loudly.

12 Hour Bus Ride
The ride from Manhattan to Toronto was so tiresome. I only sat in my seat but 12 hours is really long come to think of it. Especially if its at daytime. Where you see a perfect day but you just spent yours sitting in a bus and waiting for the destination.

All in all, US was quite short. But enough to see my relatives. Enough to recall my first time in NYC hating the subway. But loving every moment of how fast paced everything is. The city that never sleeps is for me. I have strong coffee and life full of zest to keep me awake anyway.

RTW #6 Mexico

Unwelcoming Mexican Immigration
Arriving in Cancun, it wasn't as hospitable as I was expecting it. I just been to Brazil and Colombia, so I was thinking maybe Mexicans area really nice. But my first impression was a disaster. Immigration held me up for questioning why I am going to Mexico and being Australian and not holding another local ID for them was an anomaly. And being born in Philippines raised questions why I am travelling the world. It was really frustrating. Later I realised that the reason the immigration officer was so hard on me, is that she wanted to know how I was naturalised and perhaps she was looking after her personal interest in obtaining a foreign citizenship. Then, I rest my case..

Too Unsettling, Restless in Cancun
Perhaps after the grueling experience with immigration I was too exhausted and I didn't even mind the currency conversion the lady gave me. Luckily, my Colombian friend from the plane helped me get a best deal. The Mexican lady apparently gave me really bad rate and was taking the opportunity because I look like I really didn't care. When we exited the airport, a rush of steamy humid hot temperature took its place and I was sweating profusely. To add to the horror, my airport transfer is nowhere in sight. I went back inside and said my goodbye's to Mauricio and thank him again for being there when I need help. He still insisted on seeing me to my accommodation but I respectfully declined and told him he needed to meet his friends, as I am sure they are waiting.

I had to ring up the hotel and send someone in to pick me up. It is so near yet so far. The ride is like 6 minutes but the route is crazy at night that it is impossible to walk it of given the heat. Once I arrived, I saw nearby service station with Burger King and Subway, which would be my official food for my one-day stay in Mexico. I have to go back maybe in MXN just to have my authentic tacos, burrito, quesadilla and the like. Anyway, I only slept 3 hours and paying for full service hotel. It was such a waste. The tour driver picked me up at 4am and I had 5 minutes to rush pack my things, checkout. Without taking a bath. To think it is too humid during the day. This is not a vacation but more of survival.

Chichen Itza and the Mayan Ruins
Our driver had to go to an official Chichen Itza tours and transfer everyone to a bigger bus. By the time we got everyone, it was already 6 in the morning. We drove for 2-3 hours and the best thing here is that we were the first ones to arrive. I went running to the bathroom to do my morning routine so at least I am comfy when I start the tour. But still, humidity peaks as it went to noon. I was so exhausted in the sweltering heat. It was such a bad idea that I did not take shower the night before. I should have!!! I felt uneasy but luckiliy it didn't show on the pic. Who can smell me in photos, right? Poor Holland girl sitting next to me, I hope I don't stink.

The tour comes with an english speaking guide. I did listen to most of the stories how Chichen Itza was used to tell Mayans about the time, date, rituals they do. Their beliefs are all incorporated in the ruins we saw. It is so mesmerizing how astronomy plays such an excellent role in all aspects of Mayan lifestyle. When they do harvest... They believe in various gods, fertile harvest, sun god, war, etc. At some point I had to split out from the group. It was too sunny and humid. I have to seek shelter in the shade. The pace was so slow that I felt bit bored. So I did my own tour and was able to see a lot of places. And also to charge my phone.

If only I stayed in Cancun longer..
Overall, I think that it is best if you drive in Cancun. So you can maximise what you want to see. An hour in Chichen Itza should be enough. Then you can go to Tulum for another hour. And the rest should be spent in the beautiful beaches. So many to see. The night life is another thing! I wish I could have done that.

I talked to my tour driver and sat in front of the van. I asked him if he can take me to the beach. Later, it was like he was touring me privately together with his two kids. His name is Alberto Jose. He was really happy to show me around. He gave me 10 minutes to feel the beach sand and take photos of the famous sign where it says 'Cancun'. It is called 'Playa Delfines'. I thought I can stay longer but I worked out that it would be tough to get public transport given that it is Sunday so I decided to just kill time in the Airport. In a comfort of a lounge. And by the way I got my business class upgrade so I stayed there and took my deserved shower! Finally.

RTW #5 Colombia

Uber Trouble and the friendly Cabbie
Soon as I reach Bogota airport I immediately bought my simcard, Claro. Everything here is hypo-inflationary meaning you spend thousands of pesos but it's just tens of dollars really. Then I booked my uber. Knowing that fury between uber and airport cabs, I reckon I need to walk a bit further down the road and book my uber ride from there. I was waiting forever and my tolerance is just 30 minutes. But the car I booked is not really moving. Seems to be stuck in the entrance of the airport. So naturally, I did have to go to his location. Leaving one or two messages in Spanish telling him to wait for me where he is currently at. I did go to his location only to find that he doesn't exist. I can't really cancel because of the hefty cancellation charge. So I just keep on looking. Until my tolerance was reached. I was an hour in the airport carrying my heavy baggage for crying out loud. I decided just to get the nearest cab.

The cab driver I got is really friendly and he seems not hungry for money. His name is Tony. He made sure I trusted him telling me I can either pay fixed price or he can open the meter so I know that the price I pay is reasonable. Apparently, the meter is measured by taxi units multiplied by the rate. Because I would have a heart attack if I have to pay what's on the meter. Anyway, I showed him my address. The trouble is that I was so engaged with the conversation about Colombian culture that I did not double check where we are heading. Tony inadvertently mixed up the unit number to the Town. It was supposed to be unit 201, calle 71 but he thought iwas calle 201. So we went super up north and realised when we are almost there. Poor Tony, he was so stressed and he was worried about how I would react with disappointment. Eventually, I said he wouldn't have to worry much cause I already told my Airbnb host what happened so they don't worry why it took me more than an hour to reach the place. Cut long story short, we reached the place after more than an hour. Compounded by city traffic. Tony got me coke (not the narcotics) for refreshment and we bonded more about my travels and what Colombia can offer. He was surprised I only stay in Bogota for a day. There are heaps to see in Colombia including other cities like Cartagena. Anyway, I felt for him that he was so exhausted so I paid whatever is on the meter and few more for his kindness.

Walking around Bogota
First day, I wanted a free spirited wanderlust experience.So I just want to the Park and wandered around the many shops. I was enamored by wealth of flora and how distinct they are. I walked through to something like a food festival only to find they were already closing. So I just got myself some local empanadas to fill my stomach. I walked so much that later I decided I need to go to a spa just to freshen me up. My feet aches and I was totally exhausted. I met this friendly guy and offered to have pizza with me. Its always good to get know a local. He paid for my pizza and I paid for coffee afterwards. His name is Daniel. In just a matter of minutes we were talking about our families and life away from them. He tells me his problems and his goals and ideals. Later, we went our separate ways but he did offer to go with me the next day to La Candelaria. I took his offer knowing it is better to go with someone local and a friend who can be my translator too. Not that he knows good english but at least he can explain the sights.

La Candelaria with Daniel
This was perhaps the highlight of my one day stay in Bogota. Luckily, Daniel was there when local police starts to question me. Apparently all I have to say is 'si' and show them my ID. Then off we go. I have to admit I was bit scared. I can't imagine being detained especially if I am foreign to their language and rules. I don't even know where is our consul here in Bogota. La Candelaria took my breath away, it was so authentic and so ancient that reminded me so much of 'Narcos'. Thanks to Netflix for bringing a sense of Colombia prior to my visit and I got to appreciate it more. It was massive area and every walk is picturesque. I got so many pictures together with my good friend. He was even nice to gypsies. But sometimes being too nice can be exploited. He ended up giving his watch and 10,000 pesos, I do have to lent him. Poor Daniel but I thought I had to help a friend. And for what's it worth the money is nothing compared to all the help and guidance he gave me while I am here in Bogota.

Last chance to try local food
It was really frustrating that I never ate anything local that identifies as Colombian. I did have my last chance to try it in the airport. So I did. Its called 'Bandeja Paisa', which is a mixture of everything really weird. Beans, Pork Crackles, Sausage, Banana, Egg, etc. I liked it because I like weird. I spent my last Colombian pesos just to have it together with a massive strawberry milkshake. People are looking at my food. It is so huge and expensive. I overheard someone saying that it costs a fortune and they were constantly looking at me when I was eating it. I didn't care and I devoured every bit of it and they can stare all they want but it was a treat to myself.

Avianca and another new Colombian friend
I bid goodbye to Bogota. I was seated on a window seat next to a young professional handsomely dressed. I never attempted to talk to him because my Spanish is really bad. But when he helped me in getting the drink from the flight attendant I said thanks and he started small talk ... and its in English. So apparently, he is on his way to Cancun to go to Acapulco to meet his friends who invited him for a long weekend escape. He was so friendly and there is something about Colombian that makes the conversation easy even with the language barrier. It sounds ironic really. I talk to him in broken Spanish most of the time but he tries his best to talk in English but eventually have to use translator to express what he meant. But it was pleasant conversation. We talked a lot about travelling. Working in Bogota. He also currently taking university. His name is Mauricio and later after my arrival in Mexico he would help me in making sure I get the best currency exchange.

I find that all Colombians are genuinely friendly and that friendship can last for a long time. I do communicate with them even after I left Bogota. They go an extra mile to get to know you as a person. Share differences in culture and appreciate similarities. They are honest and warm. Often I look for places to see, the food the country has to offer, the differences in culture. But the hospitality of a country goes a long way. I would definitely visit Colombia again and I have a reason to meet my new found friends. It something I never expected but gives a lot of smile in my heart.

RTW #4 Brazil

Sao Paulo and the rain

The rain greeted us all day long as we took the sanctuary of our house stay with Mamma Lou. She's so accommodating and though it is hard to speak with her due to the language barrier. Our first day not being to converse in portuguese was indeed a struggle.

The cold has settled in our nerves that my brother started to get sick. But I'm tough as a horse so I didn't get sick. Going to grocery without internet is a struggle as we do not know exactly where to go, what to expect. But sometimes common sense works better without the dependency on internet. 

The conversion is killing us too. because everything in Brazil is expensive. Coming from Philippines, Indonesia, India and Kenya. This is a major uplift in our budget. I did account for it but my brother converts every single thing and ends up not buying much. Oh well! At least he did have some organic savings that he can use later one when I leave him here. LOL

Raining profusely so all we can do is to manage our time and figure out where to go in lieu of Rio de Janiero. Yes, we did have to collectively decide about not going. First, we hired a car and we think that the road is unsafe and parking is out of the question knowing how massively chaotic it is in Rio. Second, as mentioned chaos resulting from unpaid local police to keep the order. Finally, drugs everywhere and violence is a result. News about tourist being killed has stamped the final decision not to go.

As an alternative, a friend I met on the plane to Sao Paulo messaged me and said that Florianopolis is a nice place. And so we did...

Mamma Lou and the housemates
During our long stay with Mamma Lou (the Airbnb host), we met a lot of locals staying with her. First can I just say how beautiful the place of Mamma Lou is. And how she is like a warm-hearted mother who takes care of her young children. That's how we are treated here. Plus the location is super safe and nice neighbourhood over the hill. She makes us really really great good strong coffee and she takes gives us medicine. Me my sprain and my brother for his super headache.

I met Marcel who stays in the house every week except for weekends. He is on sumkinda secondment as he come from farther place in the outskirts of SP. Then this is the super cool techy guy, Gustavo with the braces that suits his personality. He is really funny especially when he laughs. Full of enthusiasm and charisma. No wonder he excels at his work. He come from beautiful beachside city somewhere in the west of Brazil, different state that is. And finally a girl I should call Francesca (something like that, or at least it suits her beautiful face). She is due to get married soon and her fiance is working somewhere in SP and she is spending time in Airbnb to relax and of course, to shop.

We all blended pretty well and I think everything just fell in to place and we get a bit of the brazilian culture and hospitality that is unparalleled.

Getting connected...
Vivo was the answer and this brought us to places where we wanted to go. From Se Cathedral. Teatro Municipal. to the Shopping Mall. And just anywhere our feet take us. Plus Metro train and bus are so connected. It feels like living in First World country really. Too bad politics and corruption is worse that it slows down the progress of a promising nation.

Checking gndr and you know what I'm talking about. The almost thrilling and what I've been hoping for. But too bad i can't be out and about.  I'm in Brazil for crying out loud! nuff said. Too frustrating. next!

Foz do Iguacu
This is the highlight of Brazil, really. I've never seen something so beautiful and its all natural. I decided to take a helicopter ride after my brother said that I only will be here once. I owe to myself. And I did. The quickest 10 minutes of my life. Everything was just like I am holding my breath for a second and later I want to ask myself if I really did see it. It was the most amazing display of so many falls put together, interconnecting with Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. This is a monster of a falls. The devil's throat is the highlight. The thunderous sound when I got upclose the next day that just brought the drama into a big roar of climax. The experience is just amazing. I was all drenched from the mist, sweat and tears of joy.

Cataratas Iguacu Falls is 1km away from Hotel Colonial where we stayed. It is highly recommended. I would have stayed 2 nights here, only so I can also cross boarder to Argentina and see the other side. I heard its quite a hike and you seen many many falls too. But Brazil has the best panoramic experience compared to Argentina's real feel with the falls.

Floripa and all its beautiful good people
We stayed here for a full 4 days. It wasn't too much but given that it was raining, at least we did get a chance of getting a day with the fullness of the sun. It was well spent. We went to the beautiful pristine beach. Tried lots of local food. From acai, to which I am now addicted. I loved tapioca as a toppings too. And of course the super sweet Brigadiero. Finally, the meat. Churrasco. who would say no?!

The best time in Floripa is not just because it was a perfect island escape. But the people. Yes our Airbnb host is just so lovely. Their massive labrador is my best friend, hugs me all the time. The small terrier is friendly too but he was just too much to handle. Our host, Alessandra was super lovely. She cooked for us. Invited all her friends, neighbour and relatives to meet us. Her boyfriend, Mike is so awesome. He sings for us. Talk to us about the life in Brazil. Our official translator. And he is also our free tour guide. If I have luxury of flying back, will definitely meet with my new family in Brazil. Their hospitality is from the heart. I will cherish it forever! Obrigado.

My last night in Brazil
Finally my last night in Brazil is just to look for the super huge POM-POM snack. Forgot the name but it looks like there is a small blue dog in the label. To look for PACQUITO as well. I love these. If you are in Brazil, I will pay double, triple, whatever it costs to taste these two again!! We spent good enough time in Publico Mercado to look for local treat and take photos of the local town of Floripa.

I recall in Sao Paulo the next day. I did not do much. Just rested and chat with Mamma Lou. He had a new coffee drip machine. Which I want to buy one too. The coffee is just so good in Brazil. I boarded my uber soon and waited at the lounge for my domestic transfer to Rio. I am glad I have the luxury of using my Gold card and fly Avianca.

Later that night, Rio was just so mean to me.. From the super long walk to my "Airport Hotel". To missing brekkie. Overcharging hotel. Sleeping for 2-3 hours. To no YB anywhere except when I walk 10 minutes of the hotel. How ridiculous? Oh well. I felt I was in Rio but who cares. I will see you some other time when you've tamed yourself. Haha.