To Paraty

Friday December 3rd.

Taxi showed up at 8 instead of 9:00. As a result the hostel guy had to wake me up so I could quickly eat and get organized for another bus ride. This time the bus was to take me to Paraty (pronounced Parachi) Brazil. This is the town where my GAP tall ship adventure sailing from Rio was supposed to end (unfortunately it got canceled due to mechanical problems). The ride is down the Costa Verde, which is beautiful with low mountains and beautiful ocean views with lots of islands.

The bus arrived in Paraty about 1:00, after a four hour ride. Walking to the hostel was supposed to be a ten minute walk, but turned out to be longer because I got lost in the narrow cobblestoned streets carrying my full backpack, in 33 degree heat (isn't that always the way). Finally found the hostel which was located on the small local beach.

I spent the rest of the day exploring the town. This is one of the oldest colonial towns in South America, originally set up for the gold and slave trade. It is located between Rio and Sao Paulo and serves as a weekend getaway for city people. The town is beautiful and there are lots of artisans working here. I sat and talked to one of them, Marcelo from Uruguay. Really nice man who does some excellent work. I sat and watched him do his work for an hour or so. I might buy something tomorrow.

The hostel bbq'd pizza tonight. Not bad and three different kinds.

That evening was the first night of the three night Paraty Latino Festival. I went and checked out the music. They had set up a big tent and a stage. There were two Cuban bands playing this evening. The music was good and people were having a great time. Mike, you would have loved it!