Hey All, Have left Rio now, just arrived in Paraty which is a beach resort surrounded by 65 islands so we are intending to do go on lots of boat trips. Rio was amazing - such a stunning city. We went on a tour of Rio on Saturday and saw loads of the city. Went up to the Christ the Redeemer statue which was a nice scary bus ride!! I thought we were almost there as we headed vertically up a hill but then got a massive shock when I saw what we were heading for in the distance about 100 miles higher!! Was not my most relaxed! but was worth it when we got to the top because the views were stunning and Nik and Caroline did the obligatory tourist thing of standing next to the Christ with their arms spread immitating him. Then we headed on to the Maracana Stadium where all the big Brazilian football games are held - they told us it was the biggest in the world but we had our doubts! was cool though and had the foot prints of all the brazilian football players feet cast there - Pele has such small feet!! Next we went to the Sambadrome where they hold the Carnival, it is absolutely massive. Aparently there are hundreds of samba schools and only the best get to do carnival and they have leagues where they go up and down like football teams. We finished our tour at the sugar loaf mountain - as seen in the picture. Went up in a cable car which was a happier experience than the bus ride!! was the same cable car where they filmed the scenes in James Bond Moonraker where Jaws tries to eat through the cable wires - but luckly tthat didnt happen to us!!! Views were amazing again - definitely the most gorgeous place I have ever been. Yesterday we went to a hippy market and bought the obligatory travellers sarongs!! had to be strong and not buy hundreds of beads or anything else in fact as my bag is so full and heavy i am considering dumping half my stuff!! Went back to the Sambadrome last night to see the carnival rehearsals. Thought as we wont be in Rio for the festival it is the next best thing. It was amazing seeing it and was absolutely packed. I think that the people that cant afford carnival go to the rehearsals - someone gave us one of the samba school flags and we learnt their chant (well we sang what we thought they were saying!) so we felt almost brazilian!! Apart from that am still stupidly pasty and we keep getting stared at and told to put suntan lotion on! Am also covered in bites - so I am really giving the stunning Brazilian women a run for their money!!! Have taken hundreds of photos so will put them up on the internet soon. Take care Sarah xx