It was lovely to get away from it all to Ilha Grande for a few days. Rio's attitude was getting to us. Very different on the island - everyone was friendly and helpful. No cars (a bit like Ebrington), its like a paradise island. Check out the photos. We caught a bus from Rio to Angra, and then a boat to the island. Our FIRST boat broke down at sea after 30 mins!! The boat was really rocky before they anchored it and there were a few green faces. They had to sen...

It's Rio Baby!! Well we survived the 6 hours from Sao Paulo, the bus had air con, and the views were amazing. They didn't come out very well on the camera though! It's a few degrees warmer in Rio, which is great when your carrying a rucksack (ok no sympathy expected). The Ipanema Beach House is great, we're two blocks away from Ipanema Beach, it's the posh end of town you know. There's a good crowd here, so we've been mainly drinkin and sunbathing! We'v...

Greetings from Sampa! We had a nice relaxing day yesterday. Went to Parque de Ibirapuera. Absolutely beautiful. Sunbathed to the max in 32 degrees. Locals are friendly, and helping us out with the buses etc. A nice man took us all the way to the park from the bus stop - quite a way. After the park, we decided to visit the irish pub - All Blacks. Spoke to our first Brit. He is a waiter called Joe - nice bloke for a cockney! Up till then the beer was 60p a bot...

Hello Everyone, Just a quickie to let you know we've arrived safe and well. The flight was excellent, good food and plenty of free booze (we must look like drunks). We've managed to negotiate the airport bus and underground system to get to our hotel, it took a bit of pointing and talking louder but slower in English !! Bonjour san miguel !! The hotel is very clean, but the views not up to much, see first installment of photos, coming soon. The views pick...