Jeanie Koechley

Hi Dan.

Well, I am traveling with a female friend, but I am a light skinned Anglo. Do you really think that the men in Brazil are more straight-forward than the men in Italy? I was hounded there, and never received so many whistles and "Bella's" in my life! I am not complaining, as I actually started thinking I was stunningly gorgeous = ), but to you really think Rio is worse than Italy? I sure would like to know what we can expect!

I had heard about the pick-pockets and crime in Rio, so that is why I intend to leave my jewelry at home and wear very casual clothes (aka the poor tourist!) The only thing I need to figure out is if I am going to carry my digital camera. I really want to bring it with me and cannot imagine going back to disposable cameras, but do not want to be robbed either. It is not small enough to carry in my pocket, but do you think it will be safe in my purse or back-pack?

BTW--since this is Brazil's Spring, do you really think it will be that hot? I figured I would need a light jacket at night while in Rio & Ilha Grande. What do you think?

As far as my travels, I have been all throughout the United States; Canada, Cozumel/Mexico several times; Jamaica; Bahamas; London; Belgium; Amsterdam, Holland; Germany (Rhineland & Munich); Innsbruck, Austria; Italy (Venice, Rome, Pisa, Siena & Florence); Lake Lucerne, Switzerland; Paris, France; Greece (Athens, Mikonos, Santorini). Not as many as you, but I hope to catch up with you one day. =)

Ok, Mr. 24 countries {{jealous}}, where have you traveled?