Chapter 14.1

The Land Rover headed to the Tijuca National Park. Waldir was driving, and in the overcrowded cabin traveled Teresa, Emil, Marcelo and Amalric, carrying only some light equipment.

At first they circulated by densely populated areas covered by the ubiquitous favelas, clusters of dwellings built without any order, which covered the foothills. The houses turned gradually scarcer, interspersed with lush greenery that surrounded the whole picture. The streets narrowed down to trilhas or dirt paths and were outlined by tropical plants six and more meters high.

“ I'm amazed at the size of these plants.” Said Marcelo. “In Buenos Aires we grow them as indoor plants and they usually fit in a medium size pot.”

“ Well, but this is probably their true habitat and it is logical that here they develop all their possibilities.” Said his wife with a professorial tone.