Traveling by train in France is more expensive than in other countries, that is why we chose to do it by car. This way, we had the chance to see the roads, pass by cities and towns, take pictures from inside the car and have freedom to come and go as we pleased.
Paris is the most expensive and touristic city I have ever known. Full of Brazilians and people from all over the world. I spent 6 days there and enjoyed it to the fullest, but it was not enough to know everything I wanted.
Alsace is on France’s eastern border and was, for many years, the subject of war with neighboring Germany. Around Christmas, I visited Equisheim, Colmar and Mortzwiller.
I escorted my grandma, who was 78 at the time, with a group of Catholic elder ladies and an Italian priest on an excursion to Fátima. It was quite odd, I only recommend it for the really devoted ones. But it was fine, for after 5 days the group came back to Brazil, we paid a fine and spent a couple more days traveling around other cities. Eventually, grandma confessed she had her dream come true, but that the following days had been the most fun.
I went trekking in CERRO COCODRILO in POTRERILLOS and ACONCAGUA PARK. Up there you can see some eagles and let your mind wonder, while you admire the view. I also went “radical” rafting in the Mendoza river(almost had my teeth broken with the paddle during a violent wave), but it was amazing to face those waters and the view in The Andes. The river is brown because of the desert and has a lot of rocks that you do not see, you only feel them scratching the bottom of the boat.
Mendoza is the perfect place for the fans of extreme sports and good wine. The views in this region of Argentina are beautiful and embrace Aconcagua, the highest mountain in America (only losing to the Himalayas).
The Cayos Cochinos are a group of small islands that seem to be flooded. Cayo Largo del Sur is in the southeastern end of Cuba and comprises several islets, where you can have a boat tour and go diving. It is paradise! I had never seen such green water and thin white sand before. I went diving in a transparent salted sea with colorful fish, coral reef and a shipwreck – all this in pleasant temperature.
The argentinian side of Iguassu Falls is the coolest part of Iguaçu Waterfall, in Argentina. We took the train through the woods until the footbridges, leading us to GARGANTA DEL DIABLO, a hidden place with an impressive amount of water. I was scared of keeping on walking because it began to rain heavily, I pictured the river going up and reaching the footbridge, like some other times. I was soaking wet from the rain and the waterfalls.
Whoever goes to Rocha – Uruguay, finds several options of leisure and accommodation – starting in CHUY, great for shopping spree in the freeshops and for those who like gambling. On the Brazilian side there is BARRA DO CHUI, a beach with rock formations and a lighthouse. Crossing the border, there is FORTE SAN MIGUEL with great architecture and a museum.
Located in a military area, Santa Teresa National Park is a fascinating place, designed with an aesthetic sense, keeping the ecological balance. It started in the surroundings of Santa Teresa Fortress, in 1762. After being abandoned and laid waste, there was a restoration in 1928, and has been taken care of by Uruguayan military men since then.