29th May-We woke up this morning to find more blue skies and sunshine, this was of the highest importance today as we were attempting to go on a helicopter ride around the sites of Rio. We walked from our hostel, as surprisingly the hostel didn't run helicopter tours, to the heli pad in the hope that other people wanted a ride today as the minimum they take is 3. We were so lucky as there was a French couple waiting for the same ride as us and we were on the next flight with only ½ wait! I got put in the front seat with a clear view all around and beneath my feet. James was like a small child so happy and excited. We flew over the lagoon, Copacabana, Leblon, Ipanema, hacina favela, Niemeyer avenue, sugar loaf mountain and around Christ the redeemer. The tour lasted for about 20 minutes, much longer than we had expected. It really was amazing, the sound of the helicopter (it was the first time either of us had been in a helicopter) and the way it flew, sometimes it didn't feel as stable as anticipated, it was a once in a lifetime experience, thank you Nan! The pictures are great but you can never capture such a fabulous view with a camera. (What a shuttle cock?-Tasha!)

30th May-Today had to be a cheap one as yesterday's experience has tipped the budget in the wrong direction! We went to Copacabana beach, enjoyed the view, bit disappointed by the lack of totty, Ipanema was much better! We did venture out to the famous Lapa in the evening with a whole group from the hostel (urgh Dutch girl!). We were all too stingy to pay for a club so the hard core of us drank with the locals just outside a bar, it was too much fun as we eventually got back at 5:00am!

31st May-Our last day in Rio (with a sore head) we got up to take part in our tour of the Favela. James bonded with our guide Daniel (and the floor). He was a lovely guy and the tour was much better than I had first thought, even with a slight illness/hangover.

1-3rd June-Got to Paraty and it was miserable weather but it soon cleared for the weekend. The Historic centre was really nice, very European with its small cobbled streets. Our hostel is right on the beach with more fantastic views and so after a night at the free Jazz festival in town we have spent today kayaking and lunching! I provided the entertainment on the Kayak (his personal jukebox) and James was the engine, I thought this was a winning combination. Tonight we will be partaking in more music at the festival and delicious street snacks.