Hello everybody. Thought it was about time we dropped a line and filled you in with the latest. Though theres not so much to report as weve slowed down alot and are enjoying the sun! We spent a month in Bahia, northern Brazil. We were drawn back after being here 4 years ago for carnaval. The state is rich in Afro Brazilian culture with plentifull amounts of music, dance and capoeira. It was a sensory overload and delight to be back amongst the high energy, vibrant brazilians...

Our first destination was the small inland town of Lençois. We took a 3 day hike walking from waterfall to waterfall and sleeping in caves. Next we headed to the capital, Salvador. We danced to Samba in the narrow colonial cobbled streets of Pelourinho. Louise took an afro brazilian dance class and we both took a drumming and capoeira class. Its impossible not to immerse yourself in their culture and traditions as the Brazilian energy is infectious! Next we moved South to the surf spot of Itacare and spent 8 days camping and enjoying the beautifull coast. Then we went to Trancoso for a couple weeks and whilst there we revisited the small nearby island of Caraiva. Its without electricity but wasnt needed as we camped under the full moon and had the whole campsite to ourselves. The last part of our stay in Trancoso was in the house of the lovely couple Anna and Sean (picture coming up later guys). It was nice having a bed after spending 3 of the last 4 weeks sleeping in a train, buses, caves and tents. We were eager to get to Rio for our last month and after our last long bus ride of 22 hours (yipee) we stayed in the same hostal were we first encountered each other 4 years ago. It was a bit of a shock to be in a big city after being in relaxed beach towns for so long (god knows how we will find London!). We realised we couldnt afford Rio and didnt want to stay there so we spent a long weekend there and headed for the Tropical island of Ilha Grande. Its has protected rainforest and many beaches to explore hidden away in little coves. Its not hard to be charmed by its natural beauty so weve bought a house and Louise is pregnant. Not really! Weve been here 10 days and are staying another 3 weeks. Weve rented out a little place and it feels good to put our roots down after being on the move for so long. Louise has got a job in a massage centre (the Mandala Mix) while mikes job is to catch fish for dinner(pretty difficult from a hammock). We have joined the local capoeira group who are amazing as they start playing as soon as they can walk. Our gringo hands and feet are sore from training on the concrete barefoot. We cant afford to put photos on as the internet is so expensive here though Mike needs to take a trip to the main land in a few days so he will put some photos on then. Its Mikes Birthday tomorrow, 26!! We are planning on spending the last few days in Rio then back to London on the 28th of this month. So check the photos after the weekend!! Ciao xx Todo Bom Mike & Louise xx