I just got up from my hammock turned the light back on, grabbed my pad, pen and retractable pencil from the wooden draw in the wardrobe and checked the watch - 23:57.

I've decided to write something now for the blog.  For some time now I've grown out of the habit of feeling that new experience, holiday buzz and have, to be honest, been caught up in trying to make money to get by.  Since leaving home I've worked as an English Teacher, Art Director, Barman, Street Craft Seller, Manual Laborer, Sculptor, Web Designer, Logo Designer and Illustrator.

I think I feel quite out of touch with things 'backhome' -  not on all levels but certain things like coming across a cool site where everyone interacts and that... yeah, so sorry if I was rude to anyone in my first messages, I didn't mean to be.

Yeah I'm sitting here on the tericota tiles of my room, there are these things called buzzers that look like flying ants...  tonnes of them crawling on me and flying about coz the light is on but they're cool, all they do is buzz.

I can hear the waves, they sound good, loud, clearly seperated, deep booming serieses arriving one after the other.

The thing is that I've broken two of my fins and not bought new ones or wax yet.

Rather than chase after any money earner I've been dedicating myself to my art and design.  So far I haven't sold much but I'm getting excited about my illustrations.

Things are cool here.  I'm in Natal (North East Brasil).  I've been here for the Carnival Season and some months since.  It's hot - 30´ is normal here I think and the last few days everyone's complaining that it's "hot"  - but there's this big, warm, cooling breeze that makes everything ok.

It's as hot as anything but the people are mad friendly, even by Brazilian standards.

Today when I get up I catch the bus and ride through the North Zone and past the shopping centres and to the plush borough of Largoa Nova.  That's where I am now typing this up and online at my friends house, Breno.

He's ace.  A practicing yoga and meditation student and full of good karma.  Thanks to him and his mum, amongst so many other things I'm getting my global-communications-self back together.

Anyway it's time for bed.  The insane cockrel next door is already crowing and there are tonnes of mosquitos arriving.

Peace out