Leaving Manaus, Back to Rio, Salvador here we come!

We spent our final day in Manaus locked in our hotel room. Not against our will you understand but because nothing, N-O-T-H-I-N-G, opens in Manaus on a Sunday. We went slightly crazy that day although at least we could watch cables and such Hollywood gems as 'The Brylcream Boys'. Unmissable. The England vs.France game was the highlight and lowlight of the day - no explanation needed there. Our flight back to Rio was cancelled and we had to hang around the airport for hours in the middle of the night.

Returning to Hostel Harmonia, Ipanema, felt a little like returning home. Some of the travelers may have changed but the Swedish owners and staff remained, friendly as ever and the new travelers we met equally as nice as the last. The whole hostel (20) crammed into the lounge area to support Sweden during their game against Bulgaria. Travelers of all nationalities were honourary Swedes that day, waving the flags and sharing in the glory of their 5-0 victory.

Heading to Salvador was a bit of a bun fight as in typical Brazil style, the plane was very late in (nothing in Brazil ever runs on time). Arriving at about 9pm, we were immediately accosted by beggars and we ended up in the first hostel we found. A complete hole as it turned out and Beth stayed up all night waving Steve's penknife threateningly at the door on the off chance of a stray Rastaferian breaking in. Not a great start but much to explore over the next 5 days and ample opportunity for Salvador to redeem itself!