Curitiba e Joinville, Brasil

Well we´re back on the move again, southbound. We spent last night in Curitiba, again. I can´t get over how clean and well managed the traffic is in that city, especially when compared to the unmanageable traffic and filth of São Paulo. But I enjoy São Paulo, I learned how to use the buses well, and the metro. There isn't much to do for the tourist, but there are always cultural events, shows and exhibits taking place. It was also very nice to be at the Coachman Compound, really a lovely place, where we were safe and well fed. Now, we´re a bit further than Curitiba, in the city of Joinville; also a clean, well managed city, and quiet, especially on Saturday. We've wandered some of the streets and up a hill to catch a panoramic view of the city and the bay that opens to the Atlantic, a really picturesque layout for a city, with little hills and canals and the ocean. This city is an example of Brazil´s diverse immigrant population, as the Germans, Pols and Italians settled to the south, most street signs and businesses are German names, the people look nordic, so we don´t stick out nearly as much, except for my clothing and a big bag on my back. Apparently, this state, Santa Catarina, produces the most top models from Brazil, due to the mix of blood I suppose. There are also a number of American colonies, not religious, just Americans who emigrated during or after the Civil war, they can be found in towns like Clevelandia and Americana. But Portuguese is still the main language, mine´s improving, slowly, and I know all I need is a month or so of immersion, where I can´t speak to anyone in English. Perhaps on the way back. I´d really like that.

As for specific travel plans, all I can say is a week or so more in Brazil, a week or so in Uraguay, a couple weeks, maybe even a month in Argentina and just as much in Chile, then back to Brazil and maybe even traveling up to Venezuela and the Carribean Islands. So at least another four months on the road. I can afford it, the question is, will I be able to endure, and not just get exhausted. I have a feeling Scott and I might go separate ways after Chile. He´s mentioned he might want to do that, but is not for sure, but it´s just a feeling, it might be better anyway. We've gotten along very well this far, it would be a shame to separate on a bad note