A Travellerspoint blog

Porto de Galinhas

Day 10 to Day 12 - 20/01/09 to 23/01/09

sunny 34 °C
View SEAN-SEAMUS'S BIG ADVENTURE on SeanSeamus's travel map.

I left João and Misha and got on a bus to the Airport in Recife. This is where the bus left to go to Porto de Galinhas. Previously I read up on the resort and on one site it said it was that a magazine rated it the best beach in Brazil for 6 years in a row. Plenty of magazines out there. Anyway I went to the helpful Tourist Information desk at the airport and in there very good English they told me where to go, how much, timetable etc.

I got on the bus fair was cheap. It was a 1 1/2 - 2 hour bus journey. After a while more and more people got on the bus. It was packed. I thought about giving up my seat but I had my side bag and didn´t want to risk it.

I got to Porto de Galinhas and went straight to the Tourist Office. Unfortunately the girl did not speak English. I spotted a leaflet for the hostel I wanted to go to. I got her to basically point the direction and I set off. I walked a bit and eventually found it. The weather was very sunny. I went in to the hostel and asked if they speak English. the guy spoke a little bit. I asked for 2 nights. He looked at his book and said no beds. Great. I knew that from the asking the Tourist Information office in Olinda that there was a campsite nearby. I asked the guy in the hostel and he said Maracaípe. He pointed on the map and I set off.

I walked for about 20 mins the sweat beating from me. Carrying the backpack is really hard now that all the heavy cloths and boots are in it. A taxi motorcycle asked if he could take me but I was determined to walk. He even went as low as r$3. But I was so stubburn. Every so often I would say "Camping" to someone and they just pointed in the direction I was walking. Plenty of people in beach buggies past me.

I walked for about 40 minutes to an hour. I got to this little sandy garden which had about 4 tents in it. He had room for about 8 tents in total. It was called Al Zira. It had a small house at the bottom. I went over and there was an older women. She was Al Zira. She reminded me of a Granmother you would find on the side of a sause bottle. She had a presence about her. She spoke no English so it was very hard for a few minutes. But luckily enough 2 Argentines came over and helped a bit with the translation. It was r$15 per night and payment up front. Happy enough. I was also able to keep my backpack in her house.

I then began the task of setting up my tent. I walk already totaly exhausted from all the walking. I had only set up the tent twice before and there was 2 of us each time. I stuggled for a bit. Had the outer tent inside out. But evenutally I started to get there. Then a nice girl who could not speak only sign language came and helped. I think she may have been Al Zira´s grandaughter or basically everybody in the small beach village of Maracaípe is Al Zira´s grandaughter. Maracaípe has about 300-500 people. This was very peacefull compared to the hustle and bustle of Porto de Galinhas, which must have tens of thousands of people. It is covered with Palm trees and every so often there is a beach bar. This place is really paradise.

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There was lots of surfers as the waves were very good. I took up a quick lesson and gave it ago. Lets just say I can swim alot better than I surf. But God loves a tryer. I then wanted to go to the shop whereever it was. Al Zira pointed me in the direction. It was getting dark though and I must have looked apprehensive because she called for the silent girl who showed me the part of the way then asked another girl who was going in the same direction to show. Brazilian hospitality in really underated.

I have a 1-2 man tent. It is really good quality. I think you could do Everest in it. 3 seasons or something. One thing it is not designed is day and really something similar at night. It turned the inner tent into a sauna. It was really hot at night. I would wake up several times in the night with real sweats. Although saying that I did not receive any bites all my time there. Although on inspection of my feet there was plenty of blisters. I have done some walking since being here.

The next day I strolled about, going for a swim etc. Then I met the Argentine couple I met in the Hostel in Recife. They were also staying in Al Zira´s. Very small world. I spent a bit of time with them, few drinks etc. Later I went for pizza. It was pretty quiet and I was by myself. Then Brazilian owner came over. She was from South Brazil near Sao Paulo. She spoke good English and worked as an English tutor. She asked where I was from and when I said Ireland she laughed. On the table not to far there was about 6 people and one of them was Irish. He was having his food but she told him I was here and when he finished he joined me for a drink.

His name was Donal from Dublin. He was about 50. He met a Brazilian and got married and 2 young kids. I told him what I was doing and he was so jealous. He had the a look of the same sort of appreciation for the adventure I was doing a Ciarán always had when I talked about my trip. Donal too had been a traveller. He told me about some of his trips. Small world. He spent most of his time between Brazil and Portugal. In Albufeira he has an irish Bar in the new town. My first trip with the boys had been to Albufeira. Very nice place. He then got his wife keyring and gave it to me. I just laughed. The owner was giving English lessons to his children and this was the first time he had been to her restaurante. What are the chances? I was the 2nd Irishman he had met in Porto de Galinhas.

I had only planned staying 2 nights. The next morning I got up early to go to Porto de Galinhas to find out the bus timetable. I found another Tourist Office. This time a lovely looking girl spoke English. I told her where I wanted to go and she said I would be better off going back to Recife as the buses would be packed and my not take me. After quick consideration I decided her advice was good. I remembered the bus trip. I then went to the cash machine where I found it would not take any of my cards. The other machine was broken. Nightmare as I didn´t have enough Reas to get the bus. I rushed back to my tent to get some of my dollars. I exchanged them and decided that I would stay another day. It would leave me more time to get buses etc.

At night I went to Porto de Galinhas. It was lively town. After food and drinks I got a motorcycle taxi back home. Next day got up and working out times and the fact that my body cannot take the temprature up north much longer I decided to go to Salvador. One rule I have is not to arrive in a new place when it is dark. If I went to Maceió it would be dark and that would just freak me out. So I went to Al Zira and asked for her to get me a taxi. She was about to phone when I think her son arrived with his wife and baby. She then asked him to take me. I had to wait a while but it was nice. Alot of the family where there. The little baby was so quite, most have been only weeks old. He gave me a lift to the bus stop and lucky enough a bus was leaving in 5 mins.

Posted by SeanSeamus 10:40 Archived in Brazil Tagged backpacking Comments (3)

Recife

Day 6 to Day 9 - 15/01/09 to 19/01/09

sunny 35 °C
View SEAN-SEAMUS'S BIG ADVENTURE on SeanSeamus's travel map.

So I got up early to get a move on in my travels. I decided to go to Recife for a couple of days, even though the guide books didn´t rate it much. I went to the tourist office again. Told him that the headquarters was not open. Its like on the map but just a closed office. He gave a form to complain, but I said no hassle. Just the way things are.

So in my 2002 Brazil Lonely Planet it says there is a campsite in Olinda. I asked about this and gave them the number. But it was no longer there. Note to everybody looking to do a trip/expedition don´t think that going on Ebay and buying travel books for £1 plus delivery is a good idea. Its not. Basically everything dosn´t exist. Really annoying.

So in my other book there was youth hostel in Recife. I got the friendly tourist guy to phone them up to make sure they had room. They did and he wrote down the bus number and where to get off. Great. So I went back to get my gear. I then took another walk around Olinda for a few more photos. I then went to get the bus.

Buses in Brazil are a bit different than back home. Only my second time getting the bus. Quite scary. There is the bus driver and another guy who takes the money. He sits a bit into the bus behind a very small turnstyle. The front of the bus is for OAPs. The bus driver drives one people are onboard. Even before he closes the door. Pretty mad. The buses stop basically anywhere someone shouts or waves them down. The price is very cheap. So I have this insanely heavy bulky backpack that is an operation to take off my shoulders. So a few women on the other side of turnstyle got up and helped it through. Then one moved so I could sit down. I was a bit embarassed about this but was so tired I took it. I could not see ouside the bus to where I was supposed to get off. Stop 13 in Boa Viagem. A beach district in Recife. So after a while I started to panic. Eventually I got off. And of course it was the wrong stop. Stop 13 somewhere else. Crazy.

I started walking towards Boa Viagem. It was midday so very hot. I walked on and asked a few people to show me where I was. Unfortunately no joy. Starting to panic I was. I asked this other guy and just after about 10 seconds a car stopped. The guy spoke a bit of English. He said very dangerous. I told him where I wanted to go. He said go back a get a bus there, gave me the number etc. But with the heat getting to me I thought I better just get a taxi. He showed me on the map where a taxi stand was. 300 meters back. He was a really good guy.

I got the taxi and it was per meter. I should have negotiated a rate before I got in. The taxi driver didn´t or appeared not to know where to go. I could have killed him. I seen we where 3 streets down and tried in vain to say um, dos, tres left. And pointed and hand juestered. Of course he took the first left. Driving around he stopped a few people and eventually we got there. Fair was r$40. That was easily double what I should have paid. If someone brought Sat Nav here they would make a fortune. Even some policemen 3 streets away don´t know where streets are. Crazy.

Got there anyway. Really tired by this stage. The staff didn´t speak English. The owner spoke a bit. I stayed in a Dorm with 10 beds. It was not my first time in a Hostel but first time in a big dorm. It only looked as if 2 of the other beds where being used, so not too bad. I had a big locker to put my gear into. I had a small padlock so that was all good. It was r$2 extra for a blanket/sheet and pillow. But I had the inner sleeping bag and Laura had given me a travel bag that works as a nice pillow. So a few bob saved there. So I went for a kip as all the excitment for the day wore on me. Got up a couple of hours later refreshed and took a walk around. After a while I spotted an "All you can eat Sushi Restaurant" for r$20. I walked past it and heard the voice of Ciarán say don´t eat shellfish. It was my fourth day in Brazil and I have only had Sushi for lunch in a wee packet from Tesco.

Eventually I decided I have a strong stomach nothing bothers me. I went for it. Sat down and the waiter asked what I wanted to drink. I was fed up of Coke so I said Oranange in Spanish. Which is very different to Portuguese. Eventually he got it. So I went up and got I of each type of Sushi. About 25 different types, some small some big. I ate the lot and went back for the ones I liked the most. Natasha you would love this. The kitchen was next to the food and you could look in. Big lump of Salmon dangling looked great. By that stage I was pretty full. Then they brought out the Orange juice. It was so fresh and made from about 10 oranges juiced about 10 seconds earlier.

I went back to the Hostel and sat in the communal area and read my book. After about an hour or so (around 9pm) another backpacker came by. I thought he looked a bit European, but didn´t have much hope. Then about 20 mins later the backpacker came over and said "Hi, speak English?" I think my reply was something like "Fucking yeah". After a few formalities he asked if I wanted to go for a beer. I duly accepted. His name was Misha from Hannover, Germany. He was a 23 student who spoke exceptional English. I think all Germans speak great English.

He had been travelling for 1 1/2 months. He was going North (Unfortunately I´m going South). He had started in Rio de Janerio. He had spent 2 1/2 weeks in Salvador where he did Portuguese classes for a week. He also met a nice Brazilian girl who asked him where he was spending Christmas Day. He said in a hostel. She then insisted he spent Christmas with his family in Brazilia. She spoke a bit of English but the rest of her family didn´t. This is what I mean by how nice and friendly the Brazilians are.

A few beers then back to the hostel. On first coming into the room you could not miss the man with his hands down his shorts. I quickly looked to my left where another man was lying naked with his bear ass on show. Not a very nice sight. I quickly jumped into my bed and pulled the inner sleeping bag over my head.

It was very warm at night. The guidebook says about the place Is very bad for mosquitoes. I work up with about 12 bits all over my left arm and legs. Worse than that it rained and rained. The roads outside flooded. Then the footpaths and finally the pathway to the hostel. It rained heavily for only a couple of hours but the place was like Venice. Its so ironic as Recife is marketed as the Venice of Brazil due to the many rivers and canals in the city. So basically the day was ruined. We went out a bit but not far, then on return had to shower our feet.

Later we sat and had a beer at the hostel. It was also a Mexican restaurant. We had a beer and sat with a Brazilian man of about 50. His name was João from Fortaleza. He did not speak English but luckily enough Misha spoke a bit. Talk flowed and João was very good at speaking slowly or explaining words that Misha didn´t understand. After a while he left to get money or something as the water had recided a fair bit. Misha and I got something to eat.

After a while a guy and girl from Argentina arrived at the hostel. A bit of small talk but they were tired so went to bed. A Chilean and his girlfriend turned up just as I was saying to Misha that the differences between Spanish and Portuguese are making it difficult for me. The Chilean turned and said tell me about it. Another Brazilian was sitting behind us by himself. I ask him to join us. He didn´t speak English but was able to talk to Misha. His name was Andre from a city inland about 22. He spoke a bit fast for me to even understand a word here or there. João returned and the four of us went to the beach for more beer.

Good craic it was. In the book it says Boa Viagem is notorius for prostitutes. And of course one turned up. She was very good looking but a bit skinny. She seemed like she was on something. It was very funny. She was definately off her tree. She said at one stage "Fuck you". I think she forgot or didn´t know to say "I". Anyway after a while in which I missed her flashing Misha and Andre we went back. Was very funny. I later found out I would have cost r$20 (about £6).

Next day I woke up with another 10 bites. A big Norwegian arrived at the hostel. I didnt get his name but he spoke English. He was in Brazil for 6 months and learned Portuguese while working in a pre school in Sao Paulo. Pretty cool way to learn. He gave us a few pointers of things. He recommended Porto de Galinhas as a good place to go.

Misha and I went on a bit of a tour of the city, went to the beach. It is unbelievable. You sit on the sunbeds and are waited on like royalty. And it dosn´t cost much money. Also I noted in Recife that every 100 meters there is a farmacy. Bit crazy. Also you could buy anything from your seat on the beach. They work hard going up and down the beach selling the crafts, drings, foods, cd´s, cloths, etc.

Later that night Andre introduced us to another Brazilian. He was Peter and about 28. He was good craic, though didn´t speak English was able to explain what he meant, or there was alway Misha. The 4 from last night and our new friend went to the beach for drinks. After a while Misha who had th latest Lonely Planet Brazil handbook said there is a good bar/ nightclub around here. So Misha, Peter and I went. We already had about 5 beers in us. We got there and were told it was strict dress code. It was a fancy place with an attractive croud. We were all in t-shirts, shorts and flip flops. So we went back and got changed. I had the full gear on, boots, jeans and nice shirt.

On our way there we past a street stall and got a can of beer. Was good. Got there and it was r$20 in. Peter went first then Misha. They closed the door and I was in panic stations. They let me in and Peter explained that you pay at the end. They gave you a credit card and you swiped it for drinks. Sounded like the recipe for disaster. The place was called Audreys (Hepburn). It had a very nice vibe to it. Nobody was rough looking and looked expensive. After a while a live band came on. I think the lead singer was Argentine. The band where very good. They mainly sung in Portuguese, but the songs where familiar. Later he song half a song in English then Portuguese/Spanish.

The women in the place were very hot and the more I drank the more I wanted to talk to them. But of course I have like 2 sentences and one is I don´t speak Portuguese. But better than that Peter was grabbing girls hair and smelling it as they went past. I was gobsmacked. I mean imagine doing that to a girl from Lagmore. She would castrate you in seconds. Every so often a girl would turn around and think it was me. I always had a grin on me like a 10 year old girl every time he done that. I would get bad looks. I didn´t care as it was so fun to watch. I decided not to do it myself as I don´t think I have the finese to do it.

After the live music it turned into a hardcore Nigel rave. Strobe lights everywhere and music pumping. I had already had 6 bottles of beer in Audreys and went on the Caprinhas. 2 of them and I was Frank Gallagher. After these I approached a group of 4 girls and Parla Inglese? I got a No and as I was turning away rejected one said "I speak a bit of English". I can´t really remember what I talked to her about but it didn´t last as the disco was over and a bouncer was scanning the cards to tell everybody how much they owe. He scanned my card it said r$110. I near had kittens as a 600ml bottle of beer normally costs about r$3-5 (£1-1.80). I chased after the bouncer but never got him. On leaving I was ready for a riot. They scanned my card and it wsa r$58. That was more like it. I never seen the girl outside but was too drunk anyway.

The next morning I had the worst hangover ever. Didn´t feel sick but my head was busted and I was knackered. I lay about the hostel didn´t do much. Went to get something to eat, back to bed etc. Later lying in my bed Peter came in with a Brazilian girl. She started to tickle my foot. So I said all right I´ll get up. Got ready and joined them downstairs. She spoke a very little bit of English and asked if she should call her friend. I was like why not. Then Misha and the others joined. I had a beer but was still dying. Misha said he thought she a prostitute. I said no way as there´s no chance they would let them into the dorms. After a little time Andre said Girl of the Night. O shit. That kind of made me feel more hungover. She came back and was all over me like a cheap suit. I was like I´m not interested. She kept kissing me and all but I kept saying no. She spoke German as she works there for a couple of months every year and was able to talk well with Misha. Asking why not? through him. She wanted to join me for a couple of days in Porto de Galinhas. Nightmare. After a while her friend turned up. Even more attractive. But I was definately not interested. Peter disappeared this the first one and between us 4 nobody talked to the other one.

Eventually I went to bed. Had to get away from that. The next morning Misha said the girls were very disappointed that I didn´t come down to say goodbye. He also said that it would have cost r$10 (£3) although I doubt they paid for any of the drinks. I exchanged details with Misha and João and got on the bus to Porto de Galinhas.P1000256.jpg

Posted by SeanSeamus 10:38 Archived in Brazil Tagged backpacking Comments (0)

Olinda

Day 3 to Day 5 - 12/01/09 to 14/01/09

sunny 32 °C
View SEAN-SEAMUS'S BIG ADVENTURE on SeanSeamus's travel map.

I got up in my hotel at a decent time. Got a good fed. Went to the big train station to get the underground. It was not very easy. I kind of knew where I was going but it was all in German and there is more than one airport. I asked around and followed other people carrying heavy luggage.

On the metro I recognised a few places that I past on my way to Frankfurt. So I was happy enough. I looked around and seen other people carry big bags and was happy. After a few quick stops I thought this looks familiar but the other few people who had big bags did not get off and the journey was too quick compared to last time so I thought it couldn´t be my stop. Just in case I asked a man beside me. He said he thought it was the airport. So at that point it was Linford Christie off the train carrying an oversized backpack. Close shave alright.

Got to the airport and it was fairly easy to find my way to the Condor desk. In the queue I started to read the terms and conditions again. It said which I had not seen before that you should "Phone to confirm the ticket 48 hours in advance". I nearly cried. I got to the counter and straight away was all apologetic. The girl said no problem. I think she liked me. Bag came in at 21kgs. 6kg or 25% over my planned amount. Not good.

So I got on the plane no problem. I was centre row on the outside. Looking around I could not see many Europeans, well no English speaking ones. On take off there was nobody in the 2 seats at centre row. After a short while 2 Brazilian girls in the low twenties sat on the seats. One was very pretty. I made a wee introduction in portugese and asked if they speak English. Well thats about as far as I got with the talking. I just watched the film on the monitor. I could hear them speak but could not understand anything.

After a while the flight attentants brought around tourist cards and immigration cards. Nobody really bothered filling the in. Then about 1 hour to landing the 2 girls started filling them in. I of course had no pen on me was wanting to use theirs. I realised they where finding it difficult to fill in. The forms where in German with English underneath, which I thought was smart as most people spoke Portugese. They asked if I spoke German (in Portugese). I said no but point to the English writting. I started to fill in the forms and using my passport they copied the basics. Just before landing they went back to there original seats. But both turned around to give me a nice smile and wave.

I landed pretty late around 8.45pm. Very dark but still . It was a nice airport, easy to get off the plane then over to immigration. This is where the fun started. The plane was about 50% Brazilian 50% foreigners. They split us to go through. Around 150 each side. It took about an hour. I was knackered. I didnt get much sleep on the plane.

At the airport I went to the Tourist Office. I had not pre arranged accommodation so I spoke to the girl who had really good English. I had an idea where I wanted to stay from my Lonely Planet guide to Brazil - Pousada Peter. It was owned by a German so after my experience with Germans who have very good English I thought happy days. The price was r$125 per night. This was a joke and I said not a chance. It is pre Carnival prices but still. So we renogiated r$99. Which according to my 2002 guide book was high. I didn´t really care as it was a nice place.

I then asked the tourist information how much it was to Olinda in a taxi. After 10 they get to charge extra. It was 9.45 yah. She said it should be r$35 but do not pay more than r$40. I got outside and straight away a women ushered me to a taxi. I think She said r$51. I said Nao. Trenta (30). So more or less bundling me into the taxi she said 51 in English. Just before that a young man took my backpack and put it in the boot. A whole 2 meters. So 3 around me saying all mad stuff in Portugese. I still said 35 or trenta cinco. Eventually he wrote on a bit of paper 51. I took his pen and wrote 35. He wrote 40 so I said ok. The young man who put my bag in the boot put his hand out looking for money. I was like no chance mate. I just carried that bag for miles and you want money for 2 meters. LOL

So the journey to Olinda was fun. Zero talking. We crossed a few bridges in the centre of Recife which were lit up. Very nice. We also passed a run down place which had graffiti. On said "stop the massacre in Palestine". Which I liked.

Got to the Pousada (Like a B&B back home). Greated and went to my room. Pretty small but for the equivalent of £30 it was ok. I always knew that landing I was going to treat myself. It had a small pool and very good breakfeast. Bread, butter, jam, ham, (unmelted) cheese, and about 4 different fruits. I did a Ryan Lennox in Rome and made lunch. Might awell as I paid a bit too much.

So the next moring I went for a walk. The street are very nice. All cobblestone and mainly 1 storey houses all coloured in bright colours. After about 2 hours I realised that de Baroid´s list was not great for the Northeast of Brazil. With only 2 t-shirts I was screwed. I knew I had to go and buy more. Only problem was I knew I would have difficulty carrying anymore. But with this weather and hills it was a must. I went to the big shopping mall in Receife. It used to be the biggest in Brazil. I got 2 cheap t-shirts and a pair of shorts. Walked around and ate some food. The taxi to and from was about r$30 each way. The airport is not too far from here so I was happy enough with the r$40 I paid last night.

So I went for a stroll taking photos etc. It was nice. Very steep hills. Unfortunately except for the guides constant approaching me nobody spoke English. Even at the Pousada there was no sign of the German owner. I think he sold it. My book is a few years out of date.

For dinner I went to a nice wee restuarant on the same street.

Next day more or less the same. I explored and took some photos. I went to the beach. Or something like a beach in Olinda. There was a big sign saying "Greater Risk of Shark Attacks in the Area". Loads of people swimming. Class. I decided not too. Again all day no English speakers. Even the other people staying at the Pousada where Brazilian. Later for dinner I wanted to go a resturant recommended in the guide book. I walked for ages and could not find it. Eventually got hungary so went to an Italian resturant. Got a pizza that was probably for 2 people. Ate most of it. Then trying to find my way home I was well lost. I heard this great drumming and followed. I was approached by a shady guy but just crossed to road and went the wrong way. I walked for a good bit, up this massive hill. Past some very nice churches. Then I came to this open market. About half of th stall were selling food, quarter crafts etc and quarter drinks. I was raging as the smell of the food was great, but I had already ate too much. So walking around I found the Pousada easy enough. I knew that next night I was getting dinner at a few stalls.

Next day I went to strolled about. Went to the tourist information office. Very good english. Very happy. I already had a couple of maps from the airport tourist office. I went for a walk to the convention centre which was between Receife and Olinda. It was a longer walk than I thought, definately about 3/4 miles. Got there and it was closed. My luck. It was supposed to be the headquarters but because of the location it would not have had many visitors to I can see why nobody was there. There was a billboard at the centre saying Alanis Morissette was playing there on the 30th January. I like her but knew I was going to be a fair bit south.

So I started to head back. Went through this section and a security guard starting pointing. I said Olinda and he showed me to the Main road to get a bus. He waited and made sure I got on the right bus. Very nice guy. The hospitality I have received in Brazil is so good. People back home start being nicers to tourists. Really go out of your way to help. Thats what I have received.

Went for a small nap. It happens a fair bit here for me. The heat is unbearable. Later I knew exactly where I wanted to go. That market of really good smelling food, music and life. I past a drinks stall and between saying Caprianha and pointing to the list I got there. It is like a national drink. I had to try it. First taste my body started to shake. It was like drinking pure vodka. It is a cut lime, bit of sugar and bit of ice with this "51" in it. A kind vodka made from sugercane. So I decided as I struggled to drink it FIRST RULE NO MORE CAPRIANHA´.

I then got a cold beer and some food. It was a flour dish with some butter and then some coconut. Was nice and filling. Then I got a green coconut. The guide book says green coconuts are not to be missed in the Northeast. It didnt say how much so I was trying to ask the 12 y.o. boy but was difficult. I do all money tranactions with fingers. Eventually his mother said One. I gave the boy 1.20 and he was so happy. He couldn´t understand. The fresh coconut was really nice. Really Really Nice.

I then got a meat skewer and chilled listening to the live music for a good while. Unfortunately no English speakers. Tried a few other nice local foods. On my way back I passed the same drinks stall and got myself a Caprianha. Then went to bed.

Posted by SeanSeamus 09:58 Archived in Brazil Tagged backpacking Comments (1)

Minus 12°c in Frankfurt

Day 0 to Day 2 - 09/01/09 to 12/01/09

snow -12 °C
View SEAN-SEAMUS'S BIG ADVENTURE on SeanSeamus's travel map.

Well folks I thought I better update this to let you all know. I really enjoyed my wee leaving do. We had food at La Tasca and it was very nice, recommended. I met up with some of The Community Foundation ones. The best thing about the meal was the 50% voucher I had. This meant the food and drink and cafe came to a massive £14pp.

After a big feed and couple of Sangria a few of headed to Maddens Bar. Its a nice wee bar that one. Dee had got the room upstairs for us until ten when it would open up then wee bit of fiddley dee started. Just what I wanted not a big fuss, just a few family and friends. I thought the craic was good. (I´ll upload a few pics once I find a computer that lets me) I had a few too many pints of Guiness there and left a bit tipsy at about half 12 to get my bus at 2am. I managed to get the bus no problems. Only got about 20 mins sleep on the bus and on the plane to Frankfurt. The plane journey was fast enough, no hassle except for the stupid pain in my head. I was so hungover. My bag weighed in at 18kgs. Thats really heavy and if I have to carry this for 6 months I will be like Quasimodo. I was also wearing alot of the heavier clothes so the bag will get really bad once I put them in it and 3/4kgs of food and water. I screwed.

So I got the Frankfurt Int´l airport. Thats really big and as in the title it was baltic. Lucky I got a present of a wee coat from Mommy Kearney and Da kearney. So I was in this massive airport trying to get around it looking for the trains. I kept following a sign for trains, but after walking in circles for 20 mins I realised it was on the floor above me. Doh! I was on a skyline that takes you from one part of the airport to the other, bit crazy. I got to the platform at last but was finding it difficult to work the machines. I was going to the main station in the city. I worked out the code was 50, but then it asked for other buttons and I was near crying. So as a bit of a queue formed I turned to the people behind and told them to go. The man said in english, he designs machines like this and they are very hard to use for tourists. I told him where I was going and he lucky enough it was where he was going.

So Hans sorted the ticket and I followed him and his wife. Unfortunately for this Good Simatarian there luggage was lost in transit in Barcelona. Hope he gets it sorted. So we went to platform 2 and waited. Then he turns and said we should be at platform 1. So a dash up the steps and over then down the stairs to get the train. Bit painful when you are carrying so much and have no silvia in your mouth. When we got there another tourist was struggling with the ticket machine and our Good Simatarian helped him out.

On the train Hans asked me where I was staying. I had said I got nothing sorted but I had a list of hotels that I was going to sort something out. He said that there was a tourist office in the main station and they should be able to sort things. So I went there and they got me a 3* hotel for a good price. Really helpful they were.

I got out of the station and thats when the cold hit. It was freezing. Snow everywhere. When it gets everybody is like its so cold wait to you get -12. I got to the Hotel Carlton and I was greeted by a nice girl from Russia. By that stage I was knackered, cold, hungover and homesick. I handed her my card and she said O´Hara? Like Scarlet O´Hara? I said yeah it made me feel a bit better. So I got to my room, up these really small stepped staircase and just collapesed. Never again am I drinking within 24 hours of travelling.

I more or less slept most of the day. Then at night went for a little walk. I mean little as it was freezing.

The next day I felt much better. I went back to the tourist office and got a map. It had a tourist trail on it. So I went back to the hotel to get plenty of clothes on. I had a t-shirt, shirt, wool jumper, shirt over the jumper and the coat. I rolled up the balaclava like a monkey hat and set out. It was Sunday so most of the sites on the trail were closed, but I still got to see the lovely old buildings. I stopped off at Subway for a sandwich. Got a Chicken Teriyaki, was great.

On my way back I passed O´Connors Irish Pub - CLASS. That was me Sunday dinner with all the works. I caught the end of Wigan playing Spurs. Then Man U were playing. So I had a few expensice pints, 4.90e. Went back to the hotel for a nap then back out for a few more.

Posted by SeanSeamus 09:09 Archived in Germany Tagged backpacking Comments (2)

First Entry

Keep up to date of my adventure.

I will start in Olinda, Brazil on the 12th January and will travel to Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador then back to Brazil 6 months later.

My email address is [email protected]

Later

Sean1.jpg

Posted by SeanSeamus 06:12 Comments (2)

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