Rio is a truly amazing city, and despite it being the end of their winter, the place is hot hot hot! It is also cheap cheap cheap, so no money worries here. Should have pushed the boat out a bit on the hotel. Came down one of the main boulevards out of the city centre the night we arrived and just as we got into the depths of Rios answer to the Bronx, the cab turned off down the street our hotel was on. Inside it had a feel to it of one of those places you see on American films set in New York where hotel rooms can be rented by the hour. Lisa got out the cleaning wipes when we arrived. You get the idea! Stepping out was an experience, but we soon relaxed and enjoyed authentic Rio, away from the main tourist areas. The city is famous for the sand and the sea and the heavenly bodies that move between the two. Went down to Copocabana beach (for the thong count). A bit disappointing, Plenty of bare flesh, but most of it should not have been on display. Copocabana was a bit rough around the edges, but had a good vibe. Not so great a feel to the nearby Ipenema beach, but cleaner and more pleasant. No trip to Rio would be complete without seeing the two blockbusting attractions of Sugar Loaf mountain and Christ the Redeemer. Two cable cars took us to the top of sugar loaf. Went late afternoon and stayed for a couple of hours, enjoying views of Rio and its beaches in daylight, during sunset and at night. It was a clear day and the views of this incredible city were simply superb. A rack railway snakes up through what is left of the rainforest to the top of the mountain where Christ the Redeemer stands. Went at a similar time of day. Excellent. Our final day, we went into the main commercial area of Rio, then on a street car upto Santa Theresa, a bohemian part of the city, a world away from downtown. Met the Tour Guide and the rest of our group. There are 20 of us in all. Generallly aged 20 - 30 and like minded singles and a few couples. Mainly Brits, but a guy from Mauritius, one from California and a couple of Kiwis are among us. Quick briefing then out for a buffet by the kilo. Good food, and yet another opportunity to have a good steak!