Our brief Brazilian jaunt took us north to Salvador and a much deserved holiday. Salvador wasn't quite what we had envisaged. To be frank, the city is not in the top 100 in terms of appearance nor for that matter security. That said, we found our way to the historic, if overly touristy area of Pelourinho. Two nights was to all intents and purposes sufficient. We followed the road further north to the upmarket Praia Do Forte beach resort. This is geared to the wea...

Rio, we must say, has become a major wow for us. We planned on 4 days. We struggled to leave after 9. We have no doubt that Rio is to say the least, a little risky. Us gringos are prime targets for the less privilidged amongst the Cariocas. For the unitiated, Rio is vibrant, chaotic, massively cosmopolitan, dangerous, beautiful - infact Rio is just about everything. Most of all though, Rio is truly wonderful. 13 journeys on the cities buses proved a lucky numb...

HAPPY NEW YEAR, LIVE FROM RIO! WE WILL BE ON COPACABANA BEACH TONIGHT, DRESSED IN WHITE WITH 2 MILLION OTHERS. CURRENT TEMPERATURE 36 DEGREES. HAVE A GREAT NIGHT AND BEST WISHES FOR 2006! PaS

Just a quick 'real time'update! This is our hotel for the next 5 nights. Right on the beach at Copacabana, we just couldn't face another backpackers! We have an ocean view room on the 20th floor. HAPPY DAYS INDEED! We took a couple of quick snaps just a couple of hours ago on the beach and they are on the site for your perusal. Just one thing left to say: 'MERRY CHRISTMAS!' PaSxx