I am back at the coast in the magical city of Salvador. Scary and vibrant - and full of the Candoble religion which seems to be a bit of voodoo style africa with a catholic bent for icons.... and they do balck magic, so i will be avoiding any confrontations with the ladies in frilly white crinolins and bright african head dresses!

Sorry - same pic -just a quick note to let you know that i returned from the jungle....what an experience on many levels!! the jungle itself is breathtaking. It is not like walking through a set of a david attenborough programme, but it is lush (at last I use that word in its correct context!) and the birds are lovely. It would seem however that I have lost none of my insatiable attraction to the two commen pests of south america - mosquitos (i am sporting 23 bit...

Well, I am now in the Amazon, still in Brazil and its hot and very sweaty. I am hoping to set off to do a trek which will no doubt bear many stories expecially since at the moment it is just me and the guide!!! AAgh! The flight in was amazing - a great view of the river and the jungle. My room is very like a cell at durham nick but has clean sheets.....and no 20stone dyke looking at me longingly, but apart from that..... will let you know how i get on!

Hi - Rio is.....WET! Fab rainstorms today mean that I have yet to make it to the Sugar Loaf/Christ/Beach...I am told however by those in the know that the real sights are on Beach 9, Ipanema Beach, where there is much budgie smuggling going down in the underpanten!! WHen the sun comes out I intend to witness this for myself, although I may get removed by the ¨beautiful police¨ and sent off to join the other non-flossers elsewhere. Sleeping in a mixed dorm a...