Finding Moksha: August 2014

Finally, after over 4 months of travelling through 16 countries, we landed in Rio De Janeiro for the FIFA World Cup. Heerey and I, as well as most of the football following public, always realistically thought Australia weren't going to make it through the group stages, and with that Peter La Fleur (Dodgeball) quote in the back of our minds, we began to make the most of the Brazilian atmosphere.

Following Australia included starting in Rio, then hitting out to Curitba for Australia's first game against Chile, then onwards to Porto Alegre for the second game against the dutch. After that it was a bus trip north to the Brazilian surf mecca of Florianopolis for a few days rest before finally heading on to Sao Paulo for Australia's final encounter with the Spanish.

View from our hotel in Leblon, Rio

the big building was our home for a few days on one of the most popular beaches in the world.

Pre game session in Curitiba

At the Chile Game, Koala's fully donned.

After being so popular 4 years ago in South Africa, the Koala's proved equally popular in Brazil.

Porto Alegre; just outside our apartment we heard some chanting, thinking it was some fans heading to the France Honduras game. It was actually the start of a mini riot, quickly stopped when 400 G.I. Joes rocked up.

Porto Alegre Fan Fest with our new Argentina friends.....

Who also liked to drink.

And drink some more when Argentina won.

Fan Fest

Played a game of soccer against the local Brazilian team, the kids came out because we donated some computers to the school.

Aussie Super group gig, featuring guys from Powderfinger, Whitlams, Spiderbait, Jet and some others. Bogan Central but a good night.

Marching before the Dutch Game

Porto Alegre before Aus v Ned

After the Dutch game, 100m from the stadium, the Aussies "celebrating" the result (more like Cahill's goal).

Florianopolis

Saw Fatboy Slim in Florianopolis, with 10,000 other Brazilians.

Pre Game in Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo vs, the Spanish

Every time Brazil played, the country stopped, and street parties like this became normal.

One night out in Sao Paolo, Cam found his good pal Kim Jong-Un doing some recon whilst posing as a security guard.

Do I know you?

Tom, Andrew, Heers, Nick (Tinderlord), Me, Steve and Cam enjoying one more drink.

After the Aussies had all gone home, Hannah came to Brazil after chilling in the USA and Canada. Our Itinerary was a week in Ilha Grande, and old leper colony island just south of Rio. Then a few days in Rio, before going north to the African based city of Salvador de Bahia.

The day we transferred to Ilha Grande coincided with Brazil's second round game, after watching the closing stages in a bar, the boat captain taking us to the island had to make a move before dark. As a result we heard the game, and the ensuing penalty shootout on the radio enroute. This is one of the crew just after Brazil won the shootout.

A little waterfall swim is always good.

Town square in Ilha Grande

Enjoying the Brazilian winter

This Bar/Restaurant became a favourite at sunset, along with the 6 other bars on this beach.

The courtyard of our pousada

Ilha Grande

Brazil's Quarter Final

And the celebrations in the Town Square

Later IG

Rocked up to Rio just in time for Argentina's Quarter Final at the Copacabana Fan Fest

Hannah and some Bums

Yep, Brazil

Saw this guy one day.

View from Christ de Redeemer

Soaking up the Rays on Copacabana.

These bears were painted by every country in their own way, me admiring Australia's "attempt"

Afternoon view from Sugarloaf Mountain

Always on the lookout, this little wedge had one bodyboarder out.

Went through some Favela's one day.

Rocinha Favela, the largest in Brazil with over 80,000 people living in it. Right next door to the Country Club, a 5 star golf course and some of the richest properties in South America.