Last day of our whirlwind central and south American adventure. A brilliant time had by all, but alas it is over, nearly. Spent the day preparing for the final leg, avoiding the Rio rain and thinking over the tremendous experiences, many of which seem years ago in countries a long way away. Enjoyed a 'last supper' in a lovely fish restaurant along the Santa Teresa 'strip', followed by brownie and ice-cream in an equally lovely cafe. Shortly we will haul our ba...

Awoke to a grey sky, followed by drizzle - not great for our Corcovado summit attempt to see Cristo Redentor. We went for it anyway and flagged a taxi. As with our ride in to town, the taxi driver didn't seen to know where he was or how to get out of Santa Teresa, even to get to the city's number one tourist attraction and a wonder of the world! With use of satnav we got there and rode the train up the hill. Still raining when we got to the top but at least we co...

After the nicest breakfast of our trip (including cereal with nice, cold milk!) did out last bit of hand washing for the trip (ok, Amy did it). Local bone shattering bus along the cobbled, tram lined streets of Santa Teresa to Carioca. (The tram is currently out of operation, and given the poster appeal and memorabilia on display seems to be dearly missed - not surprising given the rollercoaster buses.) Metro to Cobacabana to hit the beach and enjoy the most sunn...

Began the day in a 6 person dorm room with our noses a few feet from the ceiling, ended it in a much more luxurious suite with room for a small pony. After filling a bag of clothes to be left in the Vidigal favela, jumped in a taxi to Santa Teresa. Taxi driver did well to get us to the general area but had to stop a few times for directions - quite a successful trip given the winding cobbled streets of Santa Teresa. After settling in explored the streets by foot,...

Walked down to Leblon beach and lazed about for a few hours, interrupted only for a trip to one of the street corner juice bars for lunch and....juice. Later walked the length of Leblon, Ipanema and Arpoador beaches to the Arpoador point for great views toward sugarloaf, of the Ipanema bay, and of the many surfers. Bus back to hostel, 'favela cheeseburger' from dubious little shack, few games and clambered a few storeys up on to our bunk beds.