Hi everyone. I am currently in Paraty with Jim and Laurie, Ed went home yesterday so dont be surprised if you see him walking around in fordingbridge! Anyway, despite that, the three of us are having a brilliant time. Paraty is a really beautiful coastal town. There is a fantastic 'old town' which is filled with vibrantly coloured, portugese style houses, shops and churches. For most of the day, the cobbled streets in the town are partly flooded by water, adding to it's character. The weather has drastically improved, and is meant stay this way for the remainder of our trip. I have actually managed to catch the sun today. Every other day here so far has been very wet!

Our hotel here is easily the nicest i have stayed in on our trip. We have breakfast included, which has helped my previous hunger problems, and also free tea and cake. Unfortunately, cake has lost its appeal to me as it is served with every meal here. One night, i just ate cake, a lot of cake! Nevertheless, it is still free so i cant complain! It is also good to have a brilliant shower. The one in our room doubles up as a steam room which is a fantastic idea. I think we should get one at home!

On our last night in Rio we went to the maracana stadium which was incredible. It used to be the biggest stadium in the world until the Neu camp extended its capacity. It is massive. We chose a good game to go and watch. We saw Flamengo play Botafogo (i dont expect anyone to recognise the names!).  They are two teams from Rio, playing in the final of the Brazilian league. The atmosphere was unlike any other i have ever experienced. Every single fan in the crowd of 100,000 was going absolutely mad. There were fireworks and flares being thrown on to the pitch and hundreds of drums playing throughout the entire game. There were riots outside after the game, as could only be expected but luckily we managed to stay out of them! Only just though. We went with a group on a bus. One of the other guys with us was wearing an Argentina football shirt and whilst sat in the stadium queue we had mad brazilians shouting,swearing, making fists and shaking the bus. Im sure that you can understand when i say that i was more than a little scared! We didnt visit Christ the Redeemer as the weather wasnt great. We have a few days in Rio before coming home so we intend to go then.

Im sorry that i havent put any pictures up of Brazil, the computers that i have used havent been up to date enough to be able to upload them. I have taken quite a few now though, and will hopefully be able to put some up soon.

I completely agree with everything you said Robby. In fact, it moved me to tears, it was so beautiful. Sorry for the lack of photos gran'ma and grampy! If i cant put them up dont worry, i will come up to see you shortly after getting back and will have got them developed by then!

May has finally arrived, so i will see you all this month. Well most of you anyway! I am very excited about coming home, especially now the co-op has been refurbished! Take care, lots of love, Mat x