Closing time for the Three Amigos has arrived.I am back on Canadian soil as of December 14th.I must say it wasn't as cold as I anticipated although it can't compete with the 35C beaches of Rio.Naturally the last week of our 114 day trip was spent in Rio de Janeiro...a very good call.

A few fun facts of Rio are that it will host the World Cup of Soccer in 2014 and the summer Olympics in 2016.Also 20% of the population lives in favelas which are small concentrated slums in which poverty and drugs are common.Linking those two points, the police are pacifying these regions dominated by drug lords, gangs, and militia before these major events come to Rio.

On the first few day in Rio we toured the Rocinha favela near Ipanema in Rio.The toured started at the top of the favela or mountain and to get there we took a motorbike taxi to the top.This was the first time I have been on a motorbike and it was a frightful experience.The drivers were crazy and appeared to attack the road like Gran Tourismo 3 on Xbox.I had to remind him I only have one life.After a few minutes and a few skipped heartbeats we made it to the top.The first impression was eye-opening.Streets don't exist, plumbing and sanitary is medieval, and the houses are built on top of each other.We toured around and visited a bakery, an art studio, and saw 3 boys dance and drum on scraps of metal and tubs.One thing the guide stressed was to not give money away.The philosophy is to only give money when they provided a good or service which will hopefully motivate the locals work opposed to beg.This was truly a unique experience for me.

Switching to the nightlife of Rio, we experience Lapa street party on the Friday which consisted of 3000 partiers walking a popular bar/club area outside.We got a group together and took in the scenery.The locals were dancing everywhere.From samba to funk to reggae tone...they are machines on the dance floor.

Another night we went to a samba favela party. The pre-drink consisted of Caipirinhas which is the beverage of choice among Brazilians containing sugar cane liquor, lime, ice and sugar.At first it tasted like tequila to me but I acquired the taste after a few glasses.The samba party atmosphere was awesome.We quickly learned that drinking for this event is not needed.There is so much dancing and quick steps that in a few songs you are drenched in sweat (hot and heavy Brazilian dancing).Not only did we learn a few samba steps but also saw a pageant show and a funk band "Funk n Lata".The locals in the crowd were great people and gave the night a solid vibe.They were always willing to slow down the steps and give us little lessons which we severely needed.Another great night.

After 4 solid drinking nights we decided to give our bodies some R&R on the beaches of Rio.The two main ones are Copacabana... "at the Copa Copacabana, it the hottest place south of Havana"...and Ipanema.The latter was the most beautiful beach I have ever been to.Both the environmental scenery and...two legged scenery.The legend of Brazilian bikinis and bodies is no myth.Their hips don't lie.Let's get back on track.The beaches were activity havens with soccer volleyball, soccer, dribbling soccer balls, and the odd paddle ball.We were outliers with our frisbee and football.The soccer talent of the average person was mind blowing.I managed to keep up a rogue ball in a group as we were walking along the beach and felt overly happy with myself and decided to call it quits after the one touch.James managed to get in two hits.A rogue ball squared him in the left and right crotch.The locals loved that.James tapped out after that as well.

I have no doubt the two global events in the coming years will showcase what I think to be the most beautiful and exciting city in South America.Rio de Janerio was a great blend of classy downtown amusements with exotic beaches a few blocks away.

As the days were winding down we began to look back on our travels and realize how awesome the trip was from start to finish.The last night in South America we poured a few rum and cokes with the sacred 'Zaya' rum James received from our Queen's house for his 21st birthday and watched the sun set on Ipanema.As the sun dipped below the horizon between two miniature islands, the beach crowd erupted in cheers.What a way to end the trip.

To close, I'd like to say how lucky I am to travel with two great guys in James and Adam.We had a great run gents...I'll miss you bros.

Also to anyone thinking of traveling South America, I'd love to share my thoughts on places to see and visit.Thanks for following the blog for the past four months everyone!

Signing off,

Jordan