We are on retreat and life is easier now! Everyone is in the same location and chilling out. It's been a lovely couple of days here... But it is coming to an end. Tomorrow the pilgrims leave and I head back to Rio for the night before heading to chile to meet Matt - then the holiday truly begins.

We are sitting on Copacabana beach waiting for the Pope to arrive for the vigil. People as far as the eye can see line the shoreline. It's very beautiful - sugarloaf mountain in the distance. As the twilight begins to set in, anticipation sets in. People are mad for the Pope, three million people can't wait for him to appear. I wonder what he is thinking... It does seem quite mad, but it's all for Jesus

Home sweet home! Yep this is what I've been sleeping on and I do miss a real bed and pillows and sheets but Matt will arrive in ONE week and South America will get a lot more luxurious!

Well WYD week has kicked off and millions of people are beginning to descend upon Rio. I finally had a nice shower today at the hotel. I am staying at "Aussie Central" with 1200 other Australians with mattresses on the floor and communial bathrooms of varying states of cleanliness. Nice to feel human again

Well I'm starting to lose my voice a little but I am surviving. Fab day today - catechis and Mass, Aussie gathering too. Big day tomorrow as well hope my voice comes back soon!