After having a very nice weekend in Saquaremas we said goodbye to Thyago and Hariel.

Out right rear tire had a slow leak and got it fixed then drove on to Buzios where we spent a few nice days last time, even got the same parking spot. Today we made it to Guarapari and are camped at Camping Cllub Do Brazzil. We are following the east coast of Brazil, as our next destination is Salvador and then Chapada de Diamantina. Had an overcast day, just perfect for traveling. The countryside is lush and green with lots of coffer and banana plantations.

Met Overlanders from the UK who are on the road for 4  years. Our camping has no WiFi, so we asked the hotel across the street if we could use theirs, so we met Fabio the owner, he has also lived in the USA,Boston for some years and moved back to Brazil and manages his Hotel.

Very nice place, steps from the beach. Reveillon Trancoso. Did all my shopping and laundry so we are ready for takeoff.

Hugs to all.

Norbert and Greti 

 Left Guarpari in slight rain, passed through Vila Vella and Vitoria, ver modern and clean towns, traffic was nice and orderly, I think this is the first time in South America that people followed traffic rules and were even courteous. Also there was no litter and no graffiti.

It goes to show that it is possible. Had our repaired tire repaired again as there was still a slow leak, it is good now. Then we got our air conditioning recharged which took 2.5 hours so we did not reach ur destination and are now parked at a Schell station for the nite. Tomorrow on to Puerto SEGUROS.

Hugs

Norbert and Greti 

Saquaremasafter

Finally have insurance, but it is incredible the runaround  and jumping though hoops we had to do to get it.
Got the address for the office downtown and after a crazy bus ride in heavy traffic were told that the office is no longer there. Walked to the new location only to be told thy can not sell insurance to non Brazilians. Finally ended up buying insurance with Sergio's name and SIN# then back downtown to get the papers and next morning to the bank to pay as the office can not accept payment. Bank opens late and big lineup but everything done and at noon we were ready to go. Next we had to get Propane, another big hassle. Sergio had talked to the owner of the propane depot and we should be there at 1pm. After a hairy ride  from Rio to Oxtaba, outskirts of Rio we made it on time only to be told that thy can not sell to foreigners and also the truck was not in. Waited for one hour and finally got propane with Sergis SIN#. all of the above in 35 degrees heat. Finally we were

on our way to Saquaremas and arrived at Hariels and Thyago's place whom we had met last year. Spend a nice evening with them and Thyago's parents. Today we spent the day with our hosts Thyago and Hariel and as thy had to leave for Rio for two days we have the use of the house. Nice relaxing for two days and the use of the dune buggy and air conditioning in the bedroom plus showers. What luxury.
Took a ride on the beach in the buggy and now Norbert is eyeing a new hobby, papagliding with motor. We will go tomorrow and have another look.
Hugs to all from
Norbert and Greti

Rio

Today is the 18th. and we are still in Rio trying to purchase insurance. What a runaround, So far we travelled though 16 countries and had insurance within the hour. So it is frustrating to wait a week and still not have insurance. Lucky we can stay with Ana and Sergio and thy are helping us with phoning and getting us to places. Did some sightseeing and shopping for non perishable food. It is amazing how fast food goes bad if not refrigerated. The fruit here has such an intense flavour and is very cheap. Norbert is on pins and needles as he wants to get moving. Who knows for what the delay is good, if for nothing else than to teach us patients.

Hugs to all

Norbert and Greti 

Back to Brazil.

we arrived in Rio after a 17 hour flight via Los Angeles and Houstn.
This year we have taken 6 flights and been on 15 airplanes, you get to know which airline has the best and worst legroom.
we were worried that we would have trouble with custum's as We each had auto springs and shocks plus a bunch of other auto parts in our suitcases. On arrival all luggage has to go though extray and sure enough the machine stopped instantly and all had a puzzled look on their faces when our luggage went though.
Then the main Chefe came over to have a look.
We were told it is illegal to bring in any car parts, thy can only enter the country via a shipping company. After Norbert did some explaining and sweet talking he let us take the parts at no cost or any delay. What a reliev,
Sergio was waiting for us and took us for lunch and then to his summerhouse and the Blue Wonder.
My thorough cleaning last spring paid off, not a speck of mould and no insects. So it was home sweet home right away.
Today we are in Rio and Norbert got the springs and shocks installed and also an oil change.
While he was busy with that, I went with Anna to the Collegio Babtista where she does volunteer work with the children from the fawelas. What a wonderful job these people do. The kids get breakfast when thy arrive and then help in Math or whatever needed, then some music with dansing
and crafts. After that a hot lunch and then thy go off to regular school. There are about 30 to 40 kids from age 4 to 14. I had a wonderful time with them.
We still need to get insurance for the car, so will have to Waite until Monday.
Thank you all for your mails.
Big Hugs from Hot Rio.
Norbert and Greti