Yeserday was a bit of a washout - rained most of the day bút being English it didn´t stop us going up Sugar Loaf mountain in order to look into the cloud. (We did see some views to start with but then the cloud came in and didn´t shift for the rest of the day). However, you will be pleased to know that we made the most of the time we spent waiting for the cloud to lift and Richard lead an exercise class - Tracey wins the `most impressive press-ups´ competition.

In the evening we went to a different area of Rio and sampled some local live music, while dodging the prostitutes (we go to all the nice places!). Hanging onto your beer is an important skill that has been learned as we have discovered that as soon as you order another one, they think you are finished with the one you have - it lead to Tracey´s being swiped while still half-full. Oddly, despite her protests and nabbing it back, it happened again 5 minutes later.

The sun came out today!! Made the most of it and went up to Cordovado to see the statue of Christ the Redeemer, which is amazing. As it is so high, the cloud came and went (but mostly came) so we have ´moody´ photos rather than gloriously sunny ones! There is a small chapel at the top and it is the first time I have seen a coin operated electric prayer candle facility! The views were spectacular as you can see the whole of Rio from up there.

In the afternoon we went to see the main cathedral - unlike any other we have ever seen. From the outside it looks like an upside-down concrete bucket and is really ugly (see photo) but inside it has huge stained glass windows. They are almost floor to ceiling and are stunning. The whole place is cavernous and has pretty much no other decoration other than the windows. Oh, and the alter looks like a pool table!

We met all the others who we will be sharing the next 9 weeks with today - a mixed bunch of all ages and from all over the world. There should be some interesting times ahead...

Oh and for those of you who are wondering - our big guns are developing!