Jan 4 2008 - Caracol, Brazil - How Hot Is It?

34 ºC (93 ºF) may not seem hot to the sturdy rural folks in the dry NE area of Brazil, but to a San Francisco Bay Area gal like me, it's absolutely withering. I can't imagine what it would be like to live in this state's capitol of Terezinha, where it was recently 45 ºC (104 ºF)!

This is my last day in the small town of Caracol (named after a spiral sea shell), where our small contingent set up in a family run hotel from which we've been exploring the countryside's amazing rocky terrain. Amidst tall oddly shaped rocky hills, and dramaticly dark rocky ravines with swallows and small springs, there are some incredible cave paintings several thousand years old. Since this area gets less official support than the nearby more well known park Serra Capivera, exact dates are unknown.



Cactus, cows, and red clay houses, pepper the most rugged landscape. It would all be depressing were it not for the beautiful hills and colorful buildings and people. We were blessed with a little rain over the last couple of weeks, bringing green to the red landscape, as well as plentiful drifts of bright yellow and green butterflies. Some of the rainwater has collected in beautiful temporary pools surrounded by white flowers and patches of tall marshy grass. I'm inspired to paint, and just seeing these rare sights makes the mosquito population worth suffering.

Eventually, I will return to the volunteer center in Capim Grosso, Bahia, where my heaviest luggage and laptop are. From there I'll soon head to Salvador again to regroup, and restructure my itinerary. Seems I have an extra week or 2 to fill, what with my previous plans with Dieter partially falling through. I hope to get some ideas and make some contacts while in Salvador.