Arrived at Florianopolis!

We set off (what seems like days ago) yesterday on yet another bus journey... We had better get used to them, no trains and another 16 hours to Rio!

We happened to be doing the same route as 4 Americans who we'd met earlier and seemed to get along well with (thankfully different from the Texans we met only days before).

Upon arriving at Foz du Iguaçu station we ate some dinner and loaded up with snacks for the journey. Unfortunately Brazilian bus travel isn't the 3 course meal, wine, champs and breakfast offered over the border in Argentina.

At 18:15 we boarded our bus and prepared for the 14 hour trip ahead. Ciao Iguaçu, next stop Florip'

Leas than an hour into our journey, the bus stopped in a service station (presumably to fill up), the locals were immediately hanging their heads out of the window, but soon they had their head firmly in their hands. As it turned out our fan belt had snapped, and the radiator was overheating... Perfect!







As we had no idea how long we'd be waiting for a replacement, we headed into the services for a beer with the rest of the folk on the bus.

Thankfully and right on cue (an hour later) another bus arrived. So back on the bus and away we go... but not before the Americans had to empty their bags for the Police. We were asked, but after explaining we were English were not required to empty them, result.

Several hours later, we (and a coach in front) were forced to stop for a spot check by the Rosavario Federal. Not sure if it the bus in front was someway involved or if it was purely coincidental, but this 206 was also right next to the bus?







Another hour later, after they'd checked a handful of bags we were sent on our way.

We went to sleep (in an 'eyes-closed-but-can-hear-everything' kinda way) pretty quickly afterwards. This morning we woke to yet another sunny 30+ scorcher, and some hours later rocked up at Florip' bus station.

The next apparent hurdle was the bus drivers here being on strike, at this point we had no way of getting to our hostel. Me, Miranda, an Argentinian girl (from our bu)s, and a random managed to grab a lift with some guy in a Corsa (5 adults, 3 big bags... the chassis was bowing).

So finally 16 hours later arrived at our hostel, Tucano House. We'd managed to book it online yesterday where it had received some acclaim as being 2nd best hostel in South America... Seems like a nice social place complete with (bath sized) swimming pool, pool table, internet, tv etc, we booked in for 5 nights (we get a 6th free) as we figured we deserved a break!

Now, for sleep! Tomorrow, the beach!

Ciao ciao!



-- Posted from my iPhone