Have survived two overnight bus trips - one lasting twentysix hours - but both in air conditioned reclining seat comfort so not as bad as I have expected from "local transport". Now in the lovely historical town of Paraty some 250 klms from Rio. Cobbled streets - which are so cobbled that you spend the entire time looking down or falling over - painted houses, colonial style churches and dozens of eating places selling every style from local to Sushi! And the bossa nova trickles out from the doors and windows of just about every bar and cafe that one passes. Last three days have been spent at Iguazu Falls on both sides, below and above. Awesome is a word that finally fails to work when you experience this wonder of the world. Over 275 falls - who counted you wonder - and the noise is tremendous. Just to make sure that the water was real my companions and I took a power boat beneath and into three of the main falls. Again it was an adrenalin moment as the water sprayed off the rocks several hundred feet above and crashed onto us in the boat below. Largest and coldest shower I have ever had. Heat here is fairly oppressive at 34 and above but I am managing to stay cool with a collection of cold drinks and funny hats. Food has been assorted to say the least with trips to Gaucho restaurants where they appear at the table with meat on a very large skewer and then proceed to cut it and throw it on your plate until you call "enough". And the other feature? It usually comes as an "all you can eat deal" for prices ranging from $4 to $15!! Off tomorrow to Isla Grande for three days without internet, hot water or laundry. Then on to Rio where I understand from local television that armed military units are fighting their way into the favelas to combat the drug dealers and bring peace to the area! Finally, thanks to everyone who had written to me on the noticeboard. I cannot make a direct reply from this site but will try and get back to you individually when time allows.