It was one AM and I was wandering through the streets of Lapa with money stuffed down my underwear and a few other random places in an attempt to deter the rife pick pocketing that apparently goes on at these events. The street party didn't even kick off until eleven, so I think it may well have gone on all night. And this is a weekly event. They certainly know how to party in Rio.

We went to the party as a foursome. Helen has joined me for the first month in South America, and with us are Paddy and Nic. I met Paddy almost exactly one year ago and spent two weeks with him hiking the Annapurna Circuit. We never got to have a beer together, so we are doing it now. He ends his travelling here and flies back home to Belfast in a couple of days, whilst I begin phase 2 of my travelling.

We have crammed a lot into our two days in Rio. The obligatory train ride up to Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer), a stroll on Ipenema Beach, a wander through the Bohemian streets of Santa Teresa where a very old street car is still used for transport, and a visit to the Metropolitan Cathedral where we found some evangelical singing going on. We also went to the top of Sugar Loaf by cable car, from where we watched the sun setting behind Cristo Redentor and watched the lights of the city and Copacabana Beach flickering into life way below us. It is an amazing view of the huge natural harbour from here, a definite highlight.

I have managed to catch up personally with many people who are reading this during my four-month break back in England. During that time I went to the Glastonbury Festival, walked the Coast to Coast with Helen, and replaced some of the contents in my rucksack. It also made sense to travel this route, as it would have been more complicated and costly to cross the Pacific, even though I would love to have done that.

I had a great time back at home. It was great to see you all. So here we go - my first visit to South America. Hasta luego.