An unexpected treat at Rio airport.
Over the years we have enjoyed escorted tours from Voyage Jules Verne. Our taste of South America was certainly one of the most memorable. Our trip included Chile, Argentina and Brazil so you can imagine we were visiting the most obvious sights and sounds. I do like this type of taster trip because if you really like something you see, you can revisit at a later date.
We visited Chile first and loved Santiago but were a little unlucky as our planned trip to the Chilean Alps was cancelled. The Volcano Villarrica erupted and all the locals were evacuated. You can see the picture as we saw it on the news. I was grateful we were not already at our intended hotel which was getting covered with ash.
From Chile on to Argentina where there was so much to see but the Iguazu Falls really stand out as simply fantastic. I had, of course, read about them but nothing prepares you for the real thing.
On from Argentina to Brazil and a stay overlooking the Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro. As I said, this was really a taste of the country and there was little time to investigate very much but this trip really gave us the feeling of this amazing continent.
Poor Bill had a very poorly tummy on the way home (I think a suspect prawn…) and I left him suffering and went off to explore the shops at Rio airport. I rather unexpectedly found a treasure trove of embroidery. This simply perfect little shop was amidst all the usual expensive, mass produced, designer label arcades and I stood transfixed. I bought some exquisite little bootees after watching the young woman working very fine embroidery. I had some currency left over and, as it was illegal to take it out of the country, I had to spend it!
The spectacular eruption of Volcano Villarrica, thankfully only witnessed on TV news.
