Journey to Iguacu, Day 1, Sao Jose dos Campos to Antonina

1/18/14  The Beginning of our Epic Journey to Iguacu Falls

Of course we left later than we wanted, don't I always say that.  Jamison was worried about getting through Sao Paulo traffic.  I was worried about having all the things we needed in the car.  

10:30 leave listening to Frozen  soundtrack

Felix just finished a cup if juice. 

We will probably have to stop in 30 minutes.

10:56 "I need to go potty!"

11:23 another potty stop. Just made it to São Paulo

11:36 kids practicing great oak tree, from studio C

You know what's good about São Paulo traffic?  

Besides, "Nothing!"
 It makes you grateful you don't live here.

We took a wrong turn and it cost us 40 minutes of trying to get back on the right road.  

Can you find the temple?

Sao Paulo Temple!

So excited to just happen past the Sao Paulo Temple. Best "taking a wrong turn and getting lost" ever

 I don't think I would have ever had a chance to see this temple.  I hate Sao Paulo traffic and I would never have gone there when I can drive two hours to Campinas over lovely green hills and lakes.  I was so excited and grateful to see this temple. 

12:45 on the road again. 

1:18 first video. Barbie and the Diamond Castle (we are going alphabetically to avoid all the squabbling)

1:40 traffic 

2;26 at least 30 kph = 18 mph

2:58 end of construction

I can't get over the gorgeous clouds here.

Watching Bolt, after yet another potty break for Felix

5:28. Parana. All kids asleep but Grace.

Banana Fields. 

6:21 viewpoint. 30 minutes left

Via Graciosa - such a beautiful drive past Hydrangeas and Flowering Trees

Just gorgeous!

7:13. Here we are! Antonina, 335 miles.  8 hours 45 minutes on the road.

Swimming.

Perfect dinner at Le Bistro (filet mignon (sans bacon), rice, french fries, salad, fresh squeezed orange juice, fresh squeezed lime-ade, and fish (Kris only)) .

Church from the 1700's

 Lovely nighttime stroll.

Funny picture of our walk after dinner. Yes, we bring our own ketchup to dinner. And yes, we do catch a romantic embrace amidst the constant motion of the kids.

Then girls room and boy room (the place we are staying is a converted house, so there are no rooms big enough for all of us).  Us girls watched Studio C on my phone before bed. 

Really nice room. No geckos or cockroaches. Even Grace likes it!  And they have AC. 

Quote of the day Abby, after driving by favelas. "I want to live in one of the poor houses but still have the same amount of money. Because they are cool."