layover in Sao Paulo

We have arrived in Sao Paulo. See: http://www.saopaulo.sp.gov.br/ingles/ We are in the airport for about 9 hours waiting for our flight to Manaus. Originally we would be flying to Rio first but our flight was changed due to a delay (and it ended up being a good thing saving us a flight). I managed to find an internet cafe at the airport. I am right now assisting a tourist in accessing her email :) good times...

I am super duper tired and looking forward to the brief hotel stay (1 night) we have in Manaus before going to the ecolodge. The flights were fine although they did not have a veg meal so we got 2 salads.

It is very hot here and the cement floor is looking inviting for a nap.Only 5 more hours to wait for our flight.

Take 2 tablets daily in left ear...?!?

so said the instructions on our travel diarrhea medication.... When I phone the pharmacist she was laughing so hard and said that certain things you type in their system will auto fill in. Preparing the medications for travel is always fun. 

We are now fully vaccinated against: rabies, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, dyptheria, Hepatitis A and B, tetanus, and others I probably can't recall. For over the counter medications pepto bismal, imodium, ibuprofen are the absolute necessities in my book. 

Packing for Brazil

After many trips we are fortunate to amass most of the essential items. I have learned from many a heavy pack to really pack light when traveling unless it is directly to a resort. For clothing I recommend the following: one pants, 2 shorts, swim suit, 2 pair of socks, 7 underwear, one long sleeve shirt, 4-5 short sleeve shirts, one pair walking shoes, one pair flip flop/sandals, and a hat. Remember where ever you are... everyone has to do laundry so it exists in either a laundromat or by having it done by someone. 

Other items I bring are a good back pack, day purse/hippie bag,  (nothing screams "rob me I am a tourist" like a big ass fanny pack), a microfibre towel if the accommodations are on the cheap side, and a good assortment of over the counter remedies. 

I know what you are thinking... 2 pairs of socks.... really? But I literally live in my Keen Antigua flip flops no matter the terrain unless it is absolutely freezing. They are amazing supportive flip flops (which seems like an oxymoron). See: Keen Flip Flops

Now when we go to northern India which is cold and then all the way south to snorkel I am going to include the super duper light long johns and snorkeling equipment (such a pain to haul but worth it if you are spending a good chunk of time snorkeling. rented stuff is dodgy).