Oh my 2 weeks in Rio and i am exhausted!!! it was however AMAZING.

Quick note to the oldies there may not be as many day activities here as you might like but thats because Rio de Janeiro is party central - the City does not sleep. The Cariocas (native Rio people) do not ever seem to work they play hard, when their not partying they are beaching it working on their tans!!!!

When i last wrote we had arrived in Leblon and one of the first things we did was hit a street party. The hostel we were in was so friendly and we met sooo many people to exchange travelling stories with. I enjoyed the hammocks alot and just chilling with a beer or capirinha (more about these later!). I was however not a fan of being in he top of a 3 tiered bunk bed - such a hassle to get up and down!!

With a group of people from our hostel we took a trip to Lapa - famed for being an endless street party. So many people there with many clubs all around. Much of the music was samba music but we found one club with hip hop music and had a fab night dancing the night away. The people in Lapa are very aware of Gringos (Tourists) and take fun out of the pale and blonde - they dont take much notice in giving you your personal space and this particular night i was actually licked by a emphusiastic local!! Not fun.

On the first sunday we were there we went in search of one of Brazils biggest passions - the football. We saw a match at the Maracana - the bigges stadium in the world. We watched Flamengo play Botafogo from the flamengo side and bought footie shirts in support for them! I have to say it was a crazy experience I have never seen people so passionate about something - it was like the religion. The actual game itself wasn't actually that good and was a draw in he end although the Flamengos did take their time in scoring leaving it to the last minute before getting a goal. The stadium was only half full but with all the atmosphere of the world cup rolled into one local game. After the game it got a little frightening as there was a riot going on - many people running in all directions, police were everywhere and the helicopter was so low you could feel the wind. But hey it wouldn't have made it a football game without witnessing how crazy brazilians can get!

The next day we had gorgeous weather but this was the day we chose to go see Rios most famous figure the gig J.C as everyone calls it. The huge statue of Christo the redeemer was so awesome it is something everyone should have a chace to see. The ride up to the hill is quite steep and at one point our train started going backwards!! When you first get up there you get an amazing view of Rio and on such a clear day it mean looking out for miles over this stunning landscape. We tok the stairs to see the statue which in the heat was definately not the best idea! We spent a long time taking photos from all angles. Its quite funny watching other tourists as they all have to have photos taking in front of Jesus with oustretched arms - i didn out of non originality but turned around and found Kate and Sian doing it which was immensely funny! You also get an fab view of the sugar loaf mountain from up there.

On the tuesday we popped down to he beach. All Rio's beaches are seperated by posts and seem to attract different groups you have the family beach, the rich beach the gay beach and so on. Naturally we went to the beach meant for the beautiful people - impanema's Post 9. And yes i can confirm everyone is bronzed, toned and beautiful. I have never seen so many thongs and speedos in one place. I have also never felt so white!!

Most nights we chilled at the hostel making the most of the bar, the food from around the corner and the people that we met there.

On our last night at Lemon spirit we went out to a bar and met alot of aussies which was alot of fun. We also went for pizza at about 3am in the morning which was well received.

I was so glad we got to Rio some days before carnival because it meant we could do some of the things that would be full up or stopped over the carnival period. We also go to prepare ourselves for the madness that would be coming. We moved from leblon to Copacobana for he remainder of our stay in Rio, which will be updaed anytime in the next couple of days so i can fill everyone in one the carnival greatness!!!

Tchau for now xxxxxxxxxx