Leaving South America

It's been a wonderful 5 months in South America.  We saw almost all of Ecuador and Chile, some of Peru and Bolivia, and a smidgen of Argentina and Brazil.  I'm glad we spent time in the cities, but I particularly treasure our time in nature -- the volcanoes, altiplano, rivers and glaciers were unforgettable.  

Our last days here have been spent on a remote spot on Ihla Grande, an island without roads located a 2 hour boat ride off the coast of Brazil.  It's been as good a place as any to relax, reflect and prepare for the stage of our trip.  Our pousada is run by a lovely Argentinian/Brazilian couple.  As a pleasant surprise, Spanish has been the best common language so we can try to forget our fumbling efforts at Portuguese and actually carry on a conversation.

The owner's mom is visiting from Buenos Aires and it's low season, so we went together yesterday on a day-long excursion to Praia Lopez Mendez, the beach on the other side of the island often touted as Brazil's most beautiful beach.  Another day, we walked along jungly trails to a various beaches and one small village.  The island has 102 beaches and few visitors right now, so it really does feel like Gilligan's Island.

The pousada is feeding us well with breakfasts full of tropical fruit, good coffee, and baked goods.  We also had amazing moqueca, seafood stew, and homemade gnocchi (in Argentina, the 29th of every month is gnocchi day).

We know that everyone at home is finishing up school and getting ready for summer.  We are trying to wrap up the kids' math curricula (running a bit behind), and prepare for South Africa and 

China with relevant readings and movie watching.  Kaffir Boy and Invictus.  Any suggestions for China?

Tomorrow, our journey away from South America begins - a 2 hour boat ride to the mainland, a 7 hour bus ride to Sao Paolo, a quick overnight at the airport hotel, then a 9 hour flight to Johannesburg.  Wish us luck!