Im in an internet cafe in Parati

I pretty much conked out at that first hostel that night, but i got to know Adam and Angeline who were the couple who also booked the wrong hostel. Theyre doing an amazing honeymoon and are with me on the bus.

The next day I took a walk along Botafogo and bought some Havainas (cant believe I went to Brazil without flipflops). I got some advice from some people I met at breakfast and found a mall.

I then changed out of my trekking boots which were pretty hot, managed to get the sheets off my 3rd story bed and checked out before finding out the bus to Copacabana. I made another friend at the bus stop who actually chatted to 2 bus drivers for me to find me the right bus! However I did not anticipate having to squeeze through a tiny turnstyle after paying and made a fool of myself as I dropped my change and got stuck with my massive hiking bag. Obviously I cracked up too though.

The bus driver kept telling me to sit back down everytime I thought I was in the right place so I didnt get off. Then the bus stopped, EVERYONE got off even the bus driver and I was left alone on the bus pretty confused. Long story short If reached the end of the line and the driver came back and turned the bus around. I knew where I was so i just stopped listening and jumped off.

Checked in at the right El Misti and hit the beach - the Copacabana is the BIGGEST beach I have ever seen and the sand was so lovely. I couldnt leave my stuff so i didnt go in the water.

I had a nap before meeting my group who are all really nice! Im the youngest of course theyre all over 20 and there are 4 couples. But everyones really friendly and theres only 17 of us so we each have 2 seats on out big bus which is called Trevor.

Our tour leader is Heinz and the bus driver is this hillarious guy called Bella. Today I had cook duty for lunch with Sophie (one half of a Belgian couple) and Dave (one half of an Aussie couple). And we bought so much food at the supermarket, cos we also have cook duty for dinner breakfast and lunch on the 22nd so tons to prepare for. We just did a salad today though which was really yummy and well appreciated.

Im sharing a tent with Natalie who is Australian also (tons of Aussies on the trip). Shes never camped before though so should be really fun :)

Ermm Parati the town is a bit like Lagos, really cute and old with some colourful touches. Im not taking too many photos just yet because I dont know everyone that well and i dont want to make a prat of myself with lots of myspace shots but Ive got a month so thats cool.

So much more I can say but this is getting so long! Im going to take out some more money because the optional excursions are pretty pricey. Will be worth it though - there are some amazing opportunities I definately dont want to miss. Theres a cruise tomorrow around some islands but Ive got a feeling it will be a booze cruise too lol. Not everyone drinks a lot though so Ill see how Im feeling and whether I have enough cash.

Dont know where ill next get internet but in the meantime if got my cruise, this river ride/snorkelling experience and a waterfall tour above the jungle with a 6m jump off too! and Hammocks and camping tonight and then we will be at foz in a while too! Oh and kaushal I know what you mean about real dulche de leche and.... wish you were all here!!!!!

xxxxxx