What a fabulous first day. Thanks to everyone who saw me off at the airport, that was really special to me :o) Flight was 11 hours to Sau Paulo and then only 35 mins to Rio, infact it took longer to clear customs at Rio than the flight! The plan was to sleep when I got to the hotel, as I only had a couple of hours broken sleep on the plane, but the draw of Copacabana beach was just too much. Have been drinking fresh coconut milk at the bars and then this afternoon laying under an umbrella watching the world go by and getting drunk on the local firewater. Watched beach football as the sun was setting, there was a big crowd who were all passionately telling all the players and ref what to do, it was great to see it in the flesh. Only spent about 5 mins in the room, it's been 90 degrees and sunny, so perfect for eating outside and a great first day ............ps so much for my South American Spanish phrase book as they all speak Portugese!!!!!!!!!! love Grae :o)