Well we've made it 24-hours here in Rio without a mugging. As was the case in Buenos Aires, I suspect that the stories of robberies and assaults maybe a thing of the past. I can understand if you like to walk through the Favella's at the north part of town, then you're likely asking for something to happen. Here on Copacobana I think things are good.

I took my Nikon out with me today and walked the Malecon from one end to the other - simple, no issue - not even the type of people that I'd be suspecting were on the prowl. So I think we're OK here.

I wish I could do something about the weather, but that's a little out of my control. Today has been overcast with spitting rain - not enough to stop you from walking, but wet enough to know it's there. We've hooked up an all-day tour tomorrow - 540BR$ or about $250US for the two of us but it should allow us to take in all we need to see before we jet out of here on Sunday night.

I spoke with the front desk again this afternoon and they apologized for the mix-up at the airport. It seems the only concession that I got was that we can a "late check-out" on Sunday without any charge. We went out for dinner again tonight - this time it was Sindicato do Copp Restaurant - not sure what this means, but loosely translated I think it means Syndicate of Steak.

We've realized two things here in Rio, especially during dinner - 1st we miss Gerry and wish she could be here to help us order things and to translate - it's just that much different from Spanish. And secondly, when you close your eyes you'd swear that you were in the middle of a VanDeventer Birthday party - everyone here is LOUD. They talk loud, they party loud.

Back in the room a little early tonight - and there's no English TV whatsoever. Every station is local, but then again we've become somewhat used to subtitled TV so that's whats on the agenda for tonight - maybe a little Netflicks if I can worked the power convertor for the MacBook. All we have is the last couple of days to what has been an awesome adventure for the two of us. We're really looking forward to seeing Aaron, Tracy and Hannah in the next couple of day before heading back to reality.