Brazilian Bugs

Fact is that when you come to Brazil, you will see bugs, and not just any bugs -big, bright and beasty bugs. So here are some tips for you to ponder on before you arrive in Brazil.

Rule #1-When you enter the room what do you do? Turn the light on. Yes 'Stop. Light. Look' is my new rule. I for example run into the dark room to quickly grab my camera-CRUNCH-under my foot and between my toes.-Scream, run for the light, look...and its gone. Aka: no sleep for you until you find it. Do a thorough scan when you enter.

Brazil Wandering Spider. (I haven't actually seen one I thought I'd just add it for kicks)


Rule #2-Havaiana Flip Flops. Every one wears them, I assumed it was just a trend. Occasionally I see a couple arguing where the lady proceeds to take off her flip flop and slap him-however, they have a another use. You see Havaianas are not only comfortable but tough. You whack a cockroach with any old flip flop and it takes you a good five whacks before it's dead. one solid whip with a Havaiana and you got him. Average cost 30 Reals/£10 from most stores in every single town in Brazil.

Rule #3-Don't leave clothes crumpled on the floor.

Bugs like dark warm places. I have a lovely memory of picking up my laundry and a spider (bright and furry) crawls out. Yummy. Hang everything!

Rule #4-Check all items before using.

I reach out the shower to grab a towel, wrap it round and step out. I look in the mirror and hanging onto the back is a small gecko. Completely harmless and actually cute in its small size but still enough to make you scream for the heavens. Shake/Check everything.

...I like the fact that as I'm writing this I squished a cockroach... 

Rule #5-Be prepared for rain. 

Like us, not all bugs like the rain, and like us, they want to get inside. If you can bare the heat, shut your windows and doors. Some will get in anyway but it will help. 

After the rain

Rule #6-OFF. OFF is an insect repellent, it's not too pricey and works pretty well. It's the best I have found so far that doesn't make your eyes water and sting your nose. Costs about 15reals/£5 per bottle. Use as often as you can remember!

Rule #7-Keep flip flops next to your bed. 

Be prepared for midnight attacks! You don't want to be caught out. 

Rule #8-Keep your eyes peeled at all times. 

You never know when things might creep up on you...

Rule #9-Keep Covered

Mosquitoes are a bitch, you can never get rid of them. Keep covered at night with a mosquito net or a thin sheet. In hostels sleep in the bed next to the fan or air con if you can, as mosquitoes will have a harder time landing.

Full belly after din dins

Rule #10 -Clean up your carcass!
It's late, I see something shiny-it's a roach. I jump up-WHACK-and fall asleep. I wake up and slowly open my eyes to see the cockroaches head gliding slowly across the floor. No, I wasn't dreaming... I jump up to get a closer look with a flip flop,when I notice an army of ants in perfect formation. I follow the long single file to the roach's remains and see they have left only the shell and a leg, the rest has been carried off for dinner. 

No Pare le Fiesta!

Brazilians sure no how to party. A chance for friends, family, neighbours and strangers to get together, drink, eat and of course, dance. It feels like every other week I am going to a party to celebrate one thing or another.

I can't talk about Brazilian parties without mentioning the two most important events of Brazil; New Years Eve and Carnaval. 

I'll start with New Years Eve in Rio de Janerio. I arrived 3 days before the event, in time to do some serious sightseeing. Be aware that everyone else thought the same as me. This resulted in queuing for a total of nearly 4 hours to get the top of sugar loaf and back in the 40ºC heat... 

The city was buzzing with everyone arriving and preparing for the big event. I had already brought a white dress to wear for the occasion. The night arrived and so did the other 2 and a half million people.

At 10pm me and a group of friends arrived at the heavily packed Copacobana beach. We danced for hours to the incessant drums and Brazilians beats whilst taking advantage of the street vendors selling capirinhas :)

The 10 minute firework display was incredible. The best display I have ever seen in my life. After, we head to the shore to jump the waves and party until the sun comes up. Incredible. 

Carnaval however, is another kettle of fish. First and foremost, it is not a one night affair, its a 6 night fiasco. Thus be prepared to be tired for a week, maybe even delirious by the end of it. 

In the Camarote

Also, you are not limitied to white attire, this is the all colourful, all crazy party!

I must also add that there is a huge difference in Carnavals across the country, held in the three biggest cities; Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Salvador. I went to Salvador. 

Carnaval in Rio is more of a parade, with dancers and musicians performing down the long streets, lined with seats for spectators to sit and watch the sequins and feathers go by. 

Trio Elctrico

Salvador is not quite so glamorous... Nearly 3 million people pile into the streets to drink, dance, and sing and be a part of the parade itself. Here famous Brazilian artists perform  on a 'trio eletrico'- a large truck transformed into a brightly lit, moving stage. 

As part of my hotel package, I had tickets each night to a 'Camarote'- a stage that over looks the street, artists and thousands of people. With an open bar and constant food, I partied the each night away until the early hours, dancing like a maniac and singing at the top of my voice. Ocassionally running down into the streets to join the masses and follow the trios along their route. 

The atmosphere I cannot describe. Colourful, cramped and crazy is a start. My ears were ringing for a week, my feet ached every day, my liver also moaned a little. However, Carnaval is without a doubt one of the greatest experiences of my life so far.  

I unfortunately must add that tourists are easily spotted, and with a few too many capirinha's in me, I was not as careful as I should have been, which resulted in the loss of my camera-including all Carnaval and New Years photos and videos. A major loss that I am still mourning. Yet I feel that despite this, I have the most important memories in my mind that no one can steal from me! 

Thankfully my friends also had cameras so I have a few to show... Please don't miss this event, and please get camera insurance!

Copacobana, New Years Day