How stunning is Rio! I'm so glad I've had a chance to see it as I wasn't planning a trip to Brazil during my year here in Chile. But when one of my friends I've met in Santiago invited a few of us to spend Christmas in Brazil, I lept at the chance, one because it was a chance to spend Christmas with close friends I've made rather than acquaintances only, and two because he lived here for two years so speaks nearly fluent Portuguese and has friends in Brazil. We've spent the past two days lazing on Ipanema and Copacabana beaches (I'm the girl from Ipanema for a few days!). Truly stunning, with mountains at either end of long, wide stretches of almost white, silky sand. We did manage to drag ourselves away from the beach long enough for a trip up to the statue of Cristo where the views of Rio are breathtaking. See my photo album of Rio - I only took a few - hundred that is (don't worry I haven't uploaded all of them onto this site)! Have also been enjoying the odd caparainha in the evenings (every country in Latin America seems to have a national drink so I'm doing the right thing and trying them all!). We're staying in a great hostel in Ipanema - Adventure Hostel, part of the Hostelling International group. It's only three and a half blocks from the beach, and near some great shops. Love that mum and Tris have sent me money for Christmas and I'm in Rio. The shopping is so much better here than in Santiago! (Though, lucky for my bank balance I live in Santiago and not Rio or Buenos Aires) Cannot believe how lucky I am to be here.