brasilia

from the pantanal, we left the real world to the concrete jungles of brasil's capital city.  a wide expanse of concrete in the shape of a jet airplane, brasilia is the legacy of one of brasil's most well-known presidents, juscelino kubitchek (JK).  the former brasilian capitals (rio de janeiro and salvador) had historical significance with strong ties to trade and commerce, however brasilia was constructed literally overnight in the late '50s in the center of brasil.

the main avenue (eixo monumental) is littered with a myriad of insane architectural creations by oscar niemeyer.  many of the buildings emerge from the ground with movement upward or outward; they appear from another world.

the pantanal

the brasilian pantanal boasts the largest wetlands in the world.  next to africa, the pantanal offers the nature lover an opportunity to see tropical birds, reptiles, and animals such as the anteater and the howler monkey.  we spent our time on various safaris on horseback, foot, boat, and truck.

due to the oppressive heat and humidity, the excursions were scheduled at early morning and late afternoon.  during the mid-day, one could only stay cool in the fazenda's swimming pool or retreat to the air-conditioned room for a post-lunch nap.  nights were spent watching a popular soap opera (tela novela) called "camino das indias".