Sunday 5^th March 2017

Paraty to Sao Paolo, by boat and bus.  Guide was again Lucy/Lucille from Paraty Tours who was excellent, and gave a commentary regarding the historical alignment of the Portuguese with one of the tribes, who co-married, versus three tribes who joined to fight them.  Terrible wars ensued with the Portuguese alignment winning and wiping out most of the others.  Also described the various trees in flower – the Flambuoyant Arvore (the red tree in most town squares), Epe (yellow, white or pink) and a grey-leafed tree which the Sloths like to eat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arrived in Sao Paolo to find that most of the central road had been blocked off for their Carnivale.  Took a while to manoeuvre around to our hotel. Booked in then straight back out again to walk through the festivities. These seemed even better than the Rio street parties, as more buskers, street dancing lessons, and general music along the complete road. 

 

 

Loads of activity and everyone in really good humour, posing for various photos. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

However, large clouds loomed so we ducked off for a burger with Loretta and Ed. Then eventually started to wander home about 6 when the party concluding.  As the rain started we ducked into the nearest bar to the hotel, to find Gunna, Cindy, Allan, Don and Pam!  Heavens opened and torrential rain ran down the road and into the bar. We happily drunk wine and watched from the dry, with thunder and lightning directly overhead. Very impressive storm.