Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > South America
South America Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11 Apr 2008
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Guess who got electricuted in Brazil !! SHOCKING !!

In true spirit of my travels, iv got myself into shit again !!

Last night I decided to take a dip in the hotel pool.

There was a tall, thick brass street lamp next to the pool. ya know, the ornamental heavy bolted down things that you can usually lock your bike too..

Soooo, Ted decides to hold onto this and dip his toe into the pool to check the temperature...

0,1 seconds later, Im in the pool with this street lamp on top of me being electricuted underwater for about 10 seconds (Thinking to myself, what a way to f**king die in South America) before it finally shorts out.

I drag myself out of the pool, in disbelief that im still alive.

Im ok apart for some deep electrical burns over my feet and smaller ones on my arms. Sean (the dude im with here) bandaged me up while the hotel staff giggled like its an everyday event.

Anyway, theres my vent over !!! Enjoy Brazil, its beautiful really
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11 Apr 2008
PocketHead's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Sucre, Bolivia
Posts: 535
SCARY, people die from electrocution in pools all the time, you are very lucky go have a !
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11 Apr 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
Lightbulb

So that will be free accomodation, food and drink for yourself and Sean while you are there. See the manager. Make the statement ... and leave the office without waiting for a reply.

Edit
Oh and any doctors bills too. And new bandages for Seans kit.
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11 Apr 2008
Mr. Ron's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Vancouver, BC, for now...
Posts: 792
Talking

you should go buy a lottery ticket, now!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11 Apr 2008
MikeS's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
...and if you think that's bad, just wait till you try the electric showers in Bolivia!
__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11 Apr 2008
farqhuar's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Oztralia
Posts: 646
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeS View Post
...and if you think that's bad, just wait till you try the electric showers in Bolivia!
I've experienced those Mike, and also in Rio in Brazil.

Sometimes the South Americans take a very laissez faire attitude to earthing their power suppplies and that's what causes it.

Ted, to be honest, when I first read the title of your post I thought you must have had an electric shower experience too. Personally I reckon you're bloody lucky coming out as lightly as you did, I'd be worried about having my heart stop as a result of all that electrical activity. I assume the lamp must have toppled because it was either rusted out at the base, or not bolted down properly.

Garry from Oz.
__________________
Garry from Oz - powered by Burgman
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 11 Apr 2008
Xander's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Back Down Under (WA)
Posts: 562
Glad your okay mate, but you are not alone...

In India (new Delhi), in a hotel somewhere in the bazzar.. It was as hot as only a Dehli night can get, I woke up dripping wet with sweat. I slowly realised that the fan was off. Not understanding why we would have tried to sleep with out it, my sleep muddled brain got me up to rectify the situation. Bare arsed and footed, I padded my way to the wall switch.. I reached out for the switch, my body involuntarily contracted and I woke up on the floor with my wife (gilrfriend at the time), crying over me, the smell of ozone, my head hurting, and my fingers stinging. My wife saw a flash of light bright enough to instantly wake her, in that split second she saw my body spasm and bounce off the wall. I was only out for a few seconds (although my wife to this date swears that is was two years). I seemed to be okay, shivering and shaken, with my head feeling like it was 5 sizes to small for my brain, but alive.

The next morning after being on concussion watch for a few hours, I was fine, except for some small burns on my finger and a large goose egg on my face.

We went to tell the hotel manager, no threats no complaints, just "something went wrong".. and he replied with that he was going to bill us for the black mark on the wall... That is when I reach passed him and picked up the phone to call the police (not that I knew the number). He laughed in a clipped forced way claiming that he was only kidding. A few hours later we started to leave he handed us a bill that was 15X the agreed price. I laughed and said I was only kidding that he will get ever get paid anything. We left to him threatening to call the police. We never saw the threat fulfilled.. I don't know who would have won, the tourist or the hotelier if the cops did come, but it would have been an interesting story to tell. The sad part was that if he had not tried to over charge us, I was going to pay for the room without complaint.. Things happen, no ill intent no foul.
__________________
2000 Africa Twin
http://two-up-ona-twin.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11 Apr 2008
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Newport
Posts: 65
Every see the movie Babel?

you're one lucky dude!
__________________
Allan - WorldRider
2005 - Adventure & Discovery - 2008 http://www.worldrider.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 11 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Jaborá, SC/Brazil
Posts: 229
Good Luck

Ted my friend,
What are you doing here?

A big hug,
__________________
----------------------------------------
Robson Giovanni Parisoto.
Fortaleza dos Bruxos Moto Grupo
Visite: http://fortalezadosbruxos.blogspot.com
-----------------------------------------
Jaborá, SC - Brasil
Fone: +55 (49) 9104-5536
GPS: 27° 10.445' S 51° 44.107' W
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Brazil BR-319? liketoride2 South America 21 25 Sep 2016 02:32
Bandits In Brazil simongandolfi Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 10 18 Dec 2007 05:15
Buying in Brazil bryondes South America 2 22 Dec 2006 23:17
KLR-650 for sale in BRAZIL !!! ohad South America 0 14 May 2003 05:18
Florianopolis, Brazil!!!! spliffy South America 2 25 Feb 2003 20:43

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 06:13.