It must have been cooler last night as there was no need for the aircon and we both slept well.
Thank you Raphael, for entrusting us with your house. We enjoyed our brief stay and hope you enjoyed your holiday with family. Your keys are in a plastic bag where doscussed. We hope you get to resurrect that VW camper and can hit the road soon.

Porto Alegre.
Once again, on the 53 k’s to the city, the road west was packed. Bumper to bumper traffic. As we got closer to the city, populated areas became more prevalent. Rounding a corner in the motorway we were blown away by the size and expanse of the city.

It’s huge, but just a small dot on the map. With a population of 4.25 million it’s twice the size of Auckland! We are now on the Atlantic coast. or close to it. The intensity of dots on the map have increased massively. As Jen said yesterday, this is a BIG country with a BIG population. It seems bold and unapologetic. Totally underestimated by the west, in my opinion. But what really stands out, is the unbelievable friendliness of the people. Always a smile, and genuine warmth.
As if to confirm my point, we have just had the pleasure of chatting with Theo. Theo at 20 years, is studying medicine and has an excellent grasp of English. He called to our camp site to inform us that he is following us on our blog and too has some suggestions of places for us to visit. He has been imbued with a travel bug his father has fired in him, following a solo motorcycle trip around South America 30 years ago. What we do to our children…:)
We have worked our way south from Colombia, traversing the smaller latitude numbers at altitude and not experiencing the heat and humidity. Now we are returning to those numbers but at sea level, or near it. The luxuriant countryside, with mile after mile of rice growing, and colossal storage silo’s to accommodate it. The vegetation, and much more too, reminds me of Queensland in Australia.
Cost of living.
I can understand now, why so may Argentinians travel here to holiday. The cost of living is significantly lower than in Argentina and in most of the countries in South America, that we have visited so far. Ecuador being the exception. Fuel, food and camping, and if I can find a BF Goodrich supplier, we will replace our four road tyres too. They are very close to being unroadworthy. The one that sustained a bolt in Medallin, has developed a slow leak and has to be reinflated daily.
Our camp for tonight.
Situated on the shores of one of the many lagoons in this area, our camp, down a shady track, is family owned and packed with family holiday makers.




One of the many inhabitants.
The camp has brilliant 5G wifi too, so we are relaxing under the awning and loading down photo’s in a heartbeat.
American politics.
Yes, I know, it has nothing to do with traveling around Brasil (Brazil), but I have been, as I always do, like to keep up with latest political developments in my own country, but also America. That global influencer. The hearing to challenge and certify Trump’s elected leaders, is going on right now. The revelations coming out of those hearings has been a breath of fresh air. RFK Jr, exposing the corruption of senators grilling him, for their own selfish reasons and Tulsi Gabbard calmly and with dignity, batting away the stupid questions demanded of her. Boy, I am so excited about the future, if these former Democrats are successfully integrated into a rejuvenating Republican party, the party of Abraham Lincoln, the future is bright. But the fat lady hasn’t sung yet!
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It’s awesome to know you. Enjoy your trip and keep safe. Thank you for the conversation. We will see each other around the world!
Hi Theo, thanks for dropping bye and sharing your vision. Good luck with your studies and maybe we’ll see you in NZ one day?…:)
Now listen here Johny Reb, just concentrate on the job in hand, and make a plan. Could be a poem there. Great that the people are so friendly and as you say, a big country. Worth 2 bites? The DMax will need a new set of feet after this next trip, will go the Goodrich way too I think. Now there’s a thought, could be our last set tyres bro. Who knows.
Proof, you can’t teach an old dog, new tricks…:) Keep up bro.
Buying our last set of tyres, now there’s a sobering thought. Our lives measured by tyres…:)
Hi Dennis and Jen. In Canela, a city next to Gramado, there is a campsite called “Camping Sesi” that is great. I also recommend visiting the cities of Garopaba (6 hours by car) and the city of Rio de Janeiro (3 days by car), which are two coastal cities with incredible beaches. Gramado is a tourist city with enviable beauty, and is known for its beautiful Christmas festival. Enjoy Brazil. You’re welcome in my country.
🙂