Travel

Brazilian Portuguese Crash Course

Brazilian Portuguese Crash Course

“So, do you guys want to spend the weekend with my family in Macaé?” Washington asked. “Sure,” we replied, despite having no idea where Macaé might be or why anyone would go there. But the chance to spend a weekend hanging out with Brazilians on their home turf wasn’t one …

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Kayak with Dolphins in South Australia

Kayak with Dolphins in South Australia

The heat of Adelaide’s summer days send people flocking to the water. The city’s beaches are a great place to start, but the prevalence of sharks in this area of Australia make me wary of swimming out too deep. Kayaking, however, is a perfect solution – you’re out in the …

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Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro

Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro

The statue of Christ the Redeemer is a symbol of Rio de Janeiro, and a trip to the top of the hill to visit it was a definite on our to-do list while in the city. We had the opportunity to go as part of an organised tour on the …

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Visiting the Itaipu Dam in Paraguay

Visiting the Itaipu Dam in Paraguay

The Itaipu dam is one of the seven wonders of the modern world, the world’s largest hydroelectric power plant. It spans the river Paraná between Paraguay and Brazil, near the triple border of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.  You can visit from either side; we chose the Paraguayan one – mostly …

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Getting into Paraguay: an Adventure in Bureaucracy

Getting into Paraguay: an Adventure in Bureaucracy

Paraguay is one of the few South American countries that require New Zealanders to obtain a visa to enter, and at US$75 for a single entry or $100 for multiple, it’s not a cheap one. Last year, travelling through South America with a group of three other Kiwis on a …

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Tango in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is known for tango; it’s part of the history of the city. It is kept alive in restaurants and tourist areas in the ever-present “tango show,” which features the iconic music — often live — and several dancers, the women dressed in the appropriately short skirts and high …

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Three Touristy Spots Still Worth a Visit

Three Touristy Spots Still Worth a Visit

Have you ever heard this warning (or something similar to it) after telling a friend or fellow traveler that you’re planning to visit someplace firmly located along the tourist trail? It might be the Las Vegas Strip, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or the Forbidden City. It might be Niagara …

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$Aving Tips For Quality And Budget Travel

$Aving Tips For Quality And Budget Travel

Scheduled airlines offer comfortable seats!!! (usually lots of leg room), flexibility, airmiles, good after-sale service (in case of strike, flight cancellation, etc.), decent on-time arrival and departure record, and a good price if you know when and where to buy! And if you don’t like their service, write and complain …

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Are you are Burner?

As an Aussie, Burning Man was a mysterious event only few had heard of and fewer had been to. Now, residing in Southern California for almost a year, I was amazed to find it was well known and popular. It kinda put me off. However, an opportunity to go came …

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