Back in Rio and after a couple of days of overcast weather, its hot and sunny again, perfect timing for the Carnaval!!! I headed back to Ipanema and got ill again, this time things werent so pleasant, so I was pleased when I finally made it out and about. Yesterday I was ast watching Flamengo draw 2 all with local rival Fluminense in the Maracana, the Worlds largest football stadium. Needless to say the atmosphere was pretty damn impressive though filling a stadium that size proved difficult!! We were right next to the locals section so were right there with the drums and flares and screams and shouts from the crowd - brilliant!! Met up with Ian again and today under the blue sky sunshine, headed to Sugar Loaf Mountain for some of the most fantastic views of Rio, the 'Ciudad marvillhosa'. Tonight is the first night of the world famous Rio Carnaval parade at the Sambodromo. We decided in the end to try our luck with just turning up and getting some dodgy cheap tickets at the stadium...fingers crossed!!!