Friday, February 28, 2014

How to Avoid Freezing to Death on a Brazilian Bus

Buses in Brazil are nice. Visually. 

Temperature-wise, they're hell. It took me three long-distance bus rides to learn how to dress appropriately. It doesn't matter if you're on an overnight bus or a day bus; the air conditioning will find you and make you yearn for the next middle-of-nowhere trucker stop where you can jump off the bus and stand outside while waiting for the circulation to return to your veins.

Here are a few tips on how to stay warm on these arduous journeys. 

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Curitiba: The Things I Saw

Curitiba is known as Brazil's 'sustainable' city. But from speaking with locals during the rainy, whirlwind of a two days I spent there en route from Florianopolis to Sao Paulo, I couldn't quite gather why. Curitiba looks like a pretty normal Brazilian city, albeit a bit gloomy and run-down. Supposedly there are some nice parks. Probably best enjoyed on a sunny day, though.

Anyway, despite the rain, I spent my first morning in Curitiba doing exactly what I usually do upon arriving in a new place. I wandered the streets, by myself, for hours.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Slow Times in Montevideo

Uruguay is a well-run country. There are few political problems and the economy is strong and stable. Roads are smooth, street names are clearly marked, and buses leave on-time - if not a couple minutes early. Gay marriage, abortion, and marijuana are all legal. The people are friendly and attractive, and, more importantly, seem to enjoy their slow-paced, relaxed lifestyle.

Carnaval is a 40-day celebration.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

13 Reasons why you should go to Namibia

Namibia is a lovely country located on the south-west coast of Africa between South Africa, Angola, and Botswana. Unlike two of its neighbors, Namibia enjoys few political problems, a stable economy, and low crime rates. With a population of only 2.2 million, this sparsely-inhabited country has a scenic Atlantic coastline, impressive national parks, magnificent sand dunes, and great weather. Culturally diverse, Namibians collectively speak English, German, Afrikaans, Oshiwambo, Nama, Kavango, Portuguese, and more. If you're not yet convinced, here are 13 more reasons why you should go check it out:

Thursday, February 6, 2014

8 Great things to see in Botswana

Botswana has about 2 million people and 150,000 elephants. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, the president of this calm, landlocked country, is an avid conservationist and recently decided to ban hunting and promote eco-tourism. This fairly non-corrupt country also happens to have the largest diamond mine in the world, as well as the one of world's largest inland deltas, the Okavango. Here are 8 great things to see in Bots: