Caught the bus down to São João del Rey yesterday. It`s an old colonial town built in the Gold Rush in the 17th Century, full of old churches. Today I took the local bus to Tiradentes, another colonial town about 10 miles away. It`s set in magnificent countryside below the wonderful Serra de São José mountains. Spent the morning wandering around the town and then did a trek up into the hills for some wonderful views over the town. Part of the trail was on an old stone road built by slaves to link the colonial city`s with Rio, the then capital. Boy it was hot up there but worth it. Plunged straight into the hotel pool when I got back. Cold but refreshing.