Rio de Janeiro (meaning the river of january) is usually buzzing with tourist, never mind during the time of carnival, needless to say the packed city was in party mode and rearing to go. On 28th Feb the first day of carnival Rona, Leanne and I had our primary introduction to the "Blocos" and also little did we know that the energy of the city would rub off on us and leave us invigorated and sleep deprived at the same time.

A Bloco is an organised "get together" often with brass and drum bands followed by floats and a crowd of people. These blocos are programmed for specific times and dates within carnival.. Blocos usually start at 9am and can go through until 8pm, whereafter spontanious street parties con-bust. Our first Bloco was the opening one called Carmelita in the afternoon. Ofourse we had to experience loads of blocos which were so unique, including blocos of the Beatles, Va odora (flying orchastra,) Lapa ones and many a Santa Theresa bloco.

These 5 days of carnival were filled with many highlights which included going to the Samba Drome with it's spectaclar floats and performances, after the show they throw all their costumes away, which left us with some pretty impressie gear to brase the rest of carnival with. We went on the Sunday night which had many f the previous years winners parading. After wearing some of their costumes it became clear it requires some skill to carry these garmends and dance at the same time.

Other highlights were cable car ride up sugar loaf mount with views of the sun set and evening lights, panoramic island and city views from Christ the redeemer, caipirinhas (Brazilian national cocktail) at the cococabana palace, swimming and frisby at Epanemha beach, coconuts and volleybal on Flamingo beach, dinner on Cococabana beach, watched football at the new Maracana stadium and much more.

The Pousade (Casa Auria) we stayed at for that week deserves a mention. Besdes giving us a safe place to lay our heads in the rather dangerous city of Rio, it was an amazing retreat from the hustle and bustle out there. Having a fairytale layout in the entrance complete with hammocks and de-core to calm the heaviest sole, it's not surprising that they rent the venue out for weddings. It is here where the best accommodation breakfast I've had was served and over which we also met the most amazing people and our 2 body guards for the duration of carnival. There was also a Cachasa flask, shakers, lemon and sugar available at all times for creating Caiparinhas on demand, except one had to make it oneself. It was also really central which was handy for the Santa Theresa blocos and close to the oldest pub in Santa Theresa (Bar de Gomez).

It was definitely an experience not to be forgotten!