Brazil was a blast!

I'm back in Pretoria after three weeks in Brazil. I traveled with Andrew, Ben, and Berry and Hana Pinshow from Israel and have to say the company was definitely a memorable part of the trip. The first week was at a conference in Campos do Jordao. Not much to say about that week...a very average conference in an obscenely expensive resort town.

The second week was spent at the Pantanal Wildlife Center, and wow, was it worth it. The Pantanal is a birdwatcher's paradise, and while I'm not much of a birder, it was still amazing to see. Far cooler than the birds were the giant river otters, giant anteaters, and crab-eating foxes. The entire three week trip was made very worthwhile by a very up close sighting of a large male jaguar while by myself in the bush (sorry about the crappy picture, it was almost dark). That was an experience I won't soon forget.

The third week was at Igauzu Falls. It was an amazing sight, but it was exceedingly touristy and we made the mistake of visiting during the long weekend associated with Brazilian Independence Day, so it was even worse. 

All in all, it was an amazing trip and I would suggest you visit Brazil if you get the chance.