Rio - Where to begin....

Starting from the beginning we met Amy in our first of four hostels in two weeks! We stayed in Copacobana for 3 nights and met some great people! We felt really safe in the area and went out in the evenings to a few bars and club. We also went to Copacobana beach, had to pinch ourselves a few times, being there was like a dream come true.

We went on a favela tour in the biggest favela in Rio, Rochina! It was a very different experience to how we imagined. Riding in on motorbikes to the top of the hill was quite a thrill if not a bit scary! But if we didnt shoot, they wouldnt shoot! So everything was todo bien (all good!) We met a few locals who were incredibly friendly and even making music with tin barrells! The atmosphere and community spirit was really positive and the streets felt alive! The views were incredible as we looked across the whole favela at the colourful houses, mountains and sea! We visited the art gallery within the favela which had some beautiful pictures of the favelas and Rio itself and couldnt resist buying a piece ourselves.

One day we visited the botanical gardens and the area of Ipanema! We took the bus around a lot so got a feel for the city and our bearings as we walked around.

And then CARNAVAL began. The start of an incredible 5 days! We joined in the local street parties at Lapa on three occassions. People danced under the famous Lapa arches and danced and sang. The atmosphere and city was alive. We managed to get ourselves tickets to the Sambadrome on the Saturday night and went along with some friends we made at our hostel. The night was undescribable. Every Samba school performed and paraded through the Sambadrome with music and dancing. Each costume and float made to perfection with such delicacy and detail. We had a great view of all the parades each with a different theme. It was the type of thing we can only imagine seeing in pictures, the Brazilian women parading through in practically nothing and grand floats and the sight of Christ the Redeemer up on the hilltop in the distance. We even saw the sunrise at Copacobana as we watched from friends we met in BA's apartment overlooking the whole beach!

Of course a trip to Rio wouldnt be complete without heading to the famous sights which represent Rio! We went upto Sugar Loaf mountain and saw great views of Christ the Redeemer as he peaked through the clouds and saw right the way across the city seeing Central and over the other side to see Copacobana, Ipanema and Leblon. The views were breathtaking. Despite not having the best weather during our 2 week stay we ventured upto Christ the Redeemer and waited as he hid in the clouds. For the brief moments he was visible everyone screamed with excitement and went crazy with their camera. It was another moment where everything felt surreal!

We went out for Sophie's birthday in Lapa for another street party! We danced with the locals and even got ourselves a dreadlock, which we later throughly brushed out! We went into a couple of clubs and danced the night away!

Leaving Rio was quite sad as we made very good friends and had such an amazing time. Tears were nearly visible especially when Jaz took us to the wrong airport at 5am! Luckily we still made our flight!