Back From The Jungle

Since I last blogged, I have been in the Pantanal. The Pantanal is a jungle in Brazil similar to the Amazon. It is away from all normal civilization and is an absolutely remarkable place. No internet, no TV, no nothing. It was actually nice to be that away from things. Upon arriving, we met our guide, Marcello. Marcello is an absolutely awesome guide who is extremely passionate about the Pantanal. Shortly after arrival, I hopped on my horse, Romario for a long horseback ride deep into the Pantanal. Where the air is fresh and the sun shined brightly.

Day two consisted of a safari. We were accompanied by some really cool folks, Ben from England and Romain and Jerome from Switzerland, who are also all in Rio now and ready for some partying. Of course, it rained all day. Which was actually not a bad thing because it wasnt so brutally hot. It was full day safari and we saw all kinds of great wildlife. Monkeys, Capiburras, Caymans, Toucans, Storks, Kingfishers, etc. But no Jaguars which was the constant joke.

Day three was fantastic with one slight exception, which I will get to shortly. We took a boat ride to see more wildlife up close and do some Piranha fishing. Somebody was a natural reeling them in left and right. Well, not exactly, but I did get a few. Marcelo than took our Piranha and made Pantanal Sushi. Fileted the fish, squeezed lime on it, added onion, ginger and soy. Delicious. That night back at the lodge, we drank Caprinhas, the Brazilian drink and laughed about many things, including telling the Aussies that just arrived about seein the Jaguar. They are actually very rare to see, but some dutch girls told us they saw one when we arrived.

Now for the exception. After cruising on the boat and looking at wildlife, Marcello took us to the highest peak in the Pantanal for a hike to the top. The Pantanal is exceptionally flat for the most part. We were warned about the mosquitos by the swiss guys. So, in 95 degree heat, I was covered head to toe with repellant and was wearing pants and a light jacket with a hood covering my head. It didnt matter. The hike was a nice little exercise. But the mosquitos were FUCKING BRUTAL. There were a million of them in my face the entire time. We reached the peak and I was ready to go down. It just FUCKING SUCKED. Pardon my language, but I have to tell you accurately how I felt. So upon getting down, Marcello says that this is the last time they will do the hill. And all I could think was why didnt you decide that yesterday. No fault of his. He was trying to give us the best tour possible. Which he did.

It was a fantastic few days and now I have arrived in Rio De Janeiro after having taken buses and planes for the last 12 hours. Rio is going to be awesome. Take care all.

PS-
I just found out some info on the games this weekend. How about them Buckeyes? Cant wait for my dinner. I will bring the argentine wine and make caprinhas.