We woke up late after our long day and late night yesterday. We lay in bed a long time as we had no plans today and wanted to be fresh for the party tonight. We reflected on last night and devised a plan on how to be safer with our money.

We eventually got up in the early afternoon as we got hungry. We decided to head out and get some food close by. We ended up at a tex-mex place on the square. We got a table and ordered a couple of burgers and juices. The food came and was pretty decent. We quickly ate as we hadn't eaten for 24 hours.

We then headed over to the beach to do a bit of people watching. It was already late in the afternoon and was cloudy so the beach wasn't overly packed. We sat on the sand for a while before it started to get a little quieter and we were bored. We headed to the supermarket to get some supplies. It was really busy with everyone buying drinks and party esstiantials. We only wanted a few things so went to a smaller shop to get them. The queue was still long but we eventually got what we wanted.

When we got back to the hotel it was already past 5pm. We had arranged to meet Rash and Shika at 8pm and Shivani wanted to take a nap too. We both had a quick sleep till 7pm before getting up, showering and putting our white gear on. It was 8pm when we were ready to leave and we got a text from Rash saying they were leaving for the beach, so we decided to meet them there. We were also due to meet Nimmi and Mitul although I wasn't sure how we would find them in the crowds.

We set off for the beach but on stepping outside found it was raining. It was light so we decided to walk though it and hopes it would stop soon. We walked towards Copacabana beach and we were met by loads of other people dressed in white heading the same way.

Getting to the beach we could see all along it, the rain hadn't kept people away and there was a good buzz in the air. We walked down the beach towards the main stage. There were lots of stalls set up selling drinks and all the beach bars had private parties. In the sea, all the big cruise ships were lined up ready to see the fireworks. There also a couple of really good sand sculptures, one of which we took a picture of.

As we walked down the rain got a bit heavier and the poncho sellers were doing a good trade. We decided to tough it out hoping the rain would stop soon. We were now getting really wet and our white stuff was getting see through. We were half way down the beach and past the last stage I got a text from Rash and amazingly found he was on the other side of the road. We went and met him and the rest of his group and had a drink there for a while. He asked about our pickpocket experience before telling a story about his friend getting robbed by a bunch of transvestites last night.

While we were there Shivani also got talking to a New Zealand couple, Lucy and Tomma and made friends with them. After a while we continued along the beach towards the main stage. It was still raining but it didn't dampen anyone's spirit and the crowds near the main stage got bigger.

We wanted to get in front of the main stage but the crowds were big and it was hard to to keep the group together. When we got to the Copacabana palace hotel we lost the main group and were left with Lucy and Tomma. We decided to head onto the beach and find a good spot. We slowly made our way through the crowd but found that the access to the beach was blocked by the parties of the beach bars. We eventually found a gap between them but this seemed to be the only one around and there was a big jam trying to get through. We decided to go but were caught in a big crush as people pushed through. It was pretty dangerous and it was hard to keep our feet but we eventually got on to the beach. However things were not much better there as it was rammed and people had set up tents and had made little areas for themselves.

We decided to head further in and Lucy needed the tiolet so we headed for the sea. It was really hard going though and the crowds didn't get any smaller. We got stuck a couple of times but eventually got down to the sea. It must have taken over an hour to cross the beach that would normally take 5 minutes in the day.

Down by the sea we found loads of people swimming and jumping around. There were also a few going to the toilet and Lucy and I joined in. It was now 10.30pm and we decided it would be best to stay here as it was too hard to move anywhere else and we would have a good view of the fireworks. The rain still came down and we hoped it would soon stop. We were soaked now and even feeling a little cold. However Tomma managed to find a guy selling bottles of Bacardi and we went halves on one. It was only 30 reals so was a bargain.

We waited for the fireworks and as they got closer more people came to the sea, getting ready to jump seven waves and put flowers in the sea, as was tradition. The rain didn't let up and the crowds were big too. There were people of all ages but it was too much for some, who passed out from it all.

Midnight finally came and after a Portuguese countdown the fireworks ensued. It was a really impressive display and lasted for almost 20 minutes. The crowd cheered and popped champagne and I think it was one of the best displays I had seen.

Although it had rained we had enjoyed the show but we were now really mucky and though David guetta was on at two decided to head home. It was easier getting back to the edge of the beach but getting out we were met with the same crush and pushing a before. It was too much for us an we quickly headed for the back streets to get away from the crowds. The rain, sand and all the garbage made a nasty mix and our feet and legs were disgusting.

We made it to the back streets and were finally able to walk normally. We picked up some popcorn and headed home. We wove round the streets, as I looked for food, and headed back to the beach further up. It was less busy here but the rain wasnt stopping so we continued home.

We eventually got back after 2am and jumped straight in the shower. It was so good to get clean and dry. We thought about going out again but it was still raining so decided to call it a night. It had been nice and a really good experience it was just a shame the rain had ruined it a bit for us.