Preparing for the Jungle - 2:45am Tue, San Diego

Finally, I finish my packing for the jungle. It consists of lot of clothes stashed together hoping I have not outgrown them ( in size :-) ), hazaar medicines which are recommended and cost a fortune, some insect repellants to prevent obesity amongst mosquitoes and my camera which I hope not to donate to the airlines on my trip.

I will fly at 10:15am Tuesday from San Diego to Dallas and then Dallas to Sao Paolo and then Sao Paolo to Manaus for a "refreshing" 24 hour journey. Upon reaching there, I will be put in an ecological 5 star resort called Tropical Hotel Manaus which is so grand that it boasts of a full size zoo in its premises.

Already, Fashion Street like bargaining (Bombayites know all about it) has begun. My first quote for a pickup from the airport to the hotel was R$ 140. Upon much bargaining and complaints to the conference organizers, it has been reduced to R$20 which will translate to less than 10 USD. I would say a great start and a pat on the back is deserved.

Brazil makes me excited and nervous at the same time. Amazon intimidates me. Being alone scares me. Not knowing the local language puts a tourist on the back foot right at the start - right from higher prices for English speaking guides to plain fleecing in local markets. My current master plan is to do the more touristic things at the start of the trip - stay in a jungle lodge, visit the city in a tour, etc. which can be done alone and depend upon Brazilian junta coming next week for the conference to help me enjoy the nightlife and the local stuff. Let us see how the events unfold in the next few days but I hope there will be a lot of opportunities to see the bio-diversity as well as have a look at the nightlife and soak in the beach and its views.

Need to catch some shut-eye before I leave. I plan not to miss my flight by oversleeping. Next post hopefully will be from Brazil.