25th February 2007 - Day 331 Our first full day in Rio, so when in Rio do as the Cariocas do!! (Cariocas are Rio-ites) Yes we headed for the beach. Went out on our second recommendation from Patrick at the pousada to Ipanema as there is a craft fair held there every Sunday. The market was in full swing when we got there (after a rather round the houses route) and rach picked up some souvenirs of the Brazilian variety. Then after a dose of retail therapy off to t...

24th February 2007 - Day 329 Arrived late and tired (and sick) in Rio bus station, with Pingo our pick up driver not acting too annoyed despite the hour wait for us. Set off to our new pad in the favela - above the historic Santa Theresa. A tramp up and over a hill to find our hostel in what is known as a favela or shanty town/slum. So a little worried as to what we´d find. Anyway the reception was good and friendly and the view even better. The view accompanyi...