Arrived in Rio just past midnight. Landed & settled into my airport hotel in under an hour. Was mistaken for Brazilian & told to go in the immigration queue for citizens when I tried to use the foreigners queue! Staff were lovely to me. Cleared immigration in 10 mins! A record!

So excited & nervous so sleep was difficult. After a few hours of kip it was time to raid all the complimentary toiletries, check out & start my Brazilian adventure.

Hmmmmm must learn to think more like a traveller. Took a radio taxi from airport when could've taken the bus which stops 2 mins from my hostel for a fifth of the cost! Duh!!!

Dumped my bags in Mango Tree (my home for the next week) & headed out to the beach. Walked the length of Ipanema & Arpoador beaches in the rain then wandered the local area. Found some great little spots to eat & most importantly bought a pair of customised flip flops at the Hawaiana shop!

Off to see a football game tonight....wonder if it will be just like England in this pouring rain?!