Ever wondered about an epic road trip in an unfamiliar land? Two adventurous Bangladeshis, Smith and Saidur, embarked on an extraordinary Brazil bus journey, covering approximately 3,500 kilometers over five days. Their destination was Belem, a city nestled on the Amazon river, where the UN World Climate Conference was taking place. This wasn’t just any trip; it was a testament to human spirit and a desire to experience the world beyond comfort zones.

The Epic Journey Begins

Many Bangladeshi delegates and journalists, including Smith and Saidur, arrived in Brazil for the conference, initially landing in cities like Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. However, the conference venue in Belem was an astonishing 3,500 kilometers away. While domestic flights were available, their high cost – sometimes exceeding $1000 for a three-hour flight without prior booking – pushed many to seek alternatives. For Smith, a lawyer working with an NGO, and Saidur, an online journalist, the bus presented a cost-effective option, costing around 1000 Brazilian Reals (approx. $200) compared to plane tickets up to 200,000 BDT (approx. $2000).

What started as an exciting adventure quickly unfolded into a challenging 52-hour (or nearly 5-day) odyssey. They chose the bus not just for economy but also for the chance to witness Brazil’s vast landscapes firsthand.

Challenges on the Road

The long Brazil bus journey was fraught with difficulties:

  • Duration: A grueling 52 to 56 hours of continuous travel, often requiring bus changes and ferry crossings.
  • Language Barrier: Brazil primarily speaks Portuguese, with English rarely used. Smith and Saidur, only speaking Bengali and English, struggled to communicate with fellow passengers, restaurant staff, or for urgent needs. They relied heavily on Google Translate.
  • Food: A significant hurdle for Bangladeshis accustomed to flavorful cuisine. The dry, non-halal food served or available along the way was a major discomfort. Many times, they survived on fruits and chocolates.
  • Hygiene: While buses had toilets, they were often unhygienic and malodorous due to constant use, leading to health discomfort and even illness for Smith.
  • Exhaustion: The sheer length of the journey, coupled with inadequate sleep and food, left both travelers severely fatigued and, at times, dispirited.

Adventures and Observations

Despite the hardships, their Brazil bus journey offered unparalleled views. They traversed diverse terrains, from vast agricultural farms and open fields to mountains, forests, jungles, and rivers. They were amazed by:

  • Changing weather patterns, from high temperatures to rain and clouds.
  • The stunning, ever-changing scenery that made it hard to close their eyes despite exhaustion.
  • Abundant mango trees laden with fruit, often falling onto the roads untouched, indicating a sparse population.
  • Vast empty roads and very few people or houses, highlighting Brazil’s immense size and low population density in many areas.
  • Encounters with local Brazilians, which, with the help of translation apps, made their journey slightly easier.

Saidur recounted that he had never faced such a journey in his life, feeling that his experiences could fill a novel. Smith, on the other hand, was so overwhelmed she thought she might not make it, battling fever and cold post-journey.

This incredible tale of resilience and adventure illustrates that Bangladeshis, with their determination, can overcome immense challenges. This particular Brazil bus journey serves as an important lesson for future travelers, especially those considering similar long-distance ground travel in such a vast country.

This video captures the incredible 5-day bus journey of two Bangladeshis across Brazil. They traveled 3,500 km through Amazon jungles, dry regions, and mountains, facing real challenges and experiencing local culture, food, and stunning landscapes. An eye-opening look into life and travel in a distant land. For inquiries, you can contact us at [email protected].