January

January

When people are feeling down people channel their emotions differently, some people drink and smoke, others shut themselves away watching TV; I channel mine into my work and for this some people may even call be workaholic. On my free days so far I have worked solidly on reading papers and writing my introduction and methodology on my project. However now I’ve reached the point in which other than minor corrections the first draft is done. I’ve finished this quicker than I expected and this should be a good thing. It’s not. With a reduced workload, my days off from the field are completely free to do what I please. Anyone who knows me well enough unless I am kept busy with either work, socialising with friends or just hanging out with Joe and my family, I am completely lost. When I am not kept busy my mind wanders to thinking about home and the familiar. Safe to say the lack of structure to my days is bothering me a little. This being said, things should start getting abit more exciting here. Starting next month I have something planned almost every month. February I have Carnival in Rio for a week, end of March Joes parents here are visiting which shouldn’t affect me too much, April I have booked Iguassu Falls for a few days!! This is something I’m seriously excited about I am even seeing the Argentina side. May I have Pantanal for a week!!! Something I am equally excited about, largest wetland in the world alongside some amazing wildlife spectacles. June I will be solidly working on my report writing. And July My Joe from home is hoping to come visit and we plan to go to the Amazon Rainforest together !! I hope this keeps me busy until I go home J.

My family and friends continue to be supportive and my friends sent me a brilliant Christmas present. A moonpig card with some crazy unusual writing in it and pictures I am thankful for your consistent support J

Christ The Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain

On the 20/1/2015 I decided to do some of the tourist stuff in Rio, I could have done this during my week in Rio during Carnival but I figured it will be too busy. Nether the less the Christ was still super busy and R$61 which is quite expensive to enter; I expected nothing less being a tourist attraction. To get to the Christ we took a train up through Tajuca forest, when we reached the top the statue was larger than I thought and the view was spectacular.  It was very crowded with people though and everyone with cameras taking pictures of the view and the Christ. Being crowded the nice but over-priced café the top was worth it as in 33 degree heat was beginning to take its tole. Sugar Loaf Mountain was cheaper entrance and personally I think was better than the Christ. We went up by cable kart and the views of were spectacular; you could honestly appreciate the beauty of Rio from the angle. There were shops and restaurants at the top so nothing beat having a nice cold beer and some lunch with this view, and it was no way near as crowded.  It was also cheaper entrance than the Christ as well and from sugar loaf you could see the Christ overlooking the city. Overall both attractions were good and the view of Rio from above should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Apart from this January has been a pretty quiet month compared and its given me time for reflection. Reflection to me usually means listening heavily to my Ipod, so heres a song for youJ

To Joseph Christopher Scholes – “and all that I am you let me be, I will remember you. For all that you’ve done and given to me. Oh love will remain this I concede now and forever more. Because of you now I believe” – Alterbridge (A wonderful life)

To Joe and everyone I love:-  some search, never finding a way,  before long , they waste away , I found you, something told me to stay, I gave in to selfish ways And how I miss someone to hold when hope begins to fade… a lonely road, crossed another cold state line, Miles away from those I love, purpose hard to find- Avenged Sevenfold (Dear God)

To my best friends:- How do you measure, measure a year? In daylights, in sunsets In midnights, in cups of coffee In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife, In five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes How do you measure, a year in the life? It's time now, to sing out, Though the story never ends, Let's celebrate. Remember a year in the life of friends-  Seasons of Love (Rent the Musical).

To my mum and dad, whom have always supported my dreams no matter what and taught influenced my taste in Music. :- “I wont stop running I’m only getting closer, To getting off the ground this time The sky is calling, the wind is at my shoulders, Won’t let this chance pass me by. Mama, I’m bent to fly” – Slash

To Evie,  Isobelle, Delilah  and Amelia’s Bump- (Forever young)