So hot today. We have walked miles. Decided to take the old route up to Christ the Redeemer. It was so difficult!! We were literally climbing through what remains of the Atlantic rainforest now called parque nacional da tijuca. Stupidly we didn't take any water on the 3 hour climb! To top it off when we got to the top we discovered the ticket booth was at the bottom! Luckily the tour operator drove us down to purchase our tickets and drive back up. Finally at the top it was full of tourist all faultlessly posing, then there was Stevie and I sweaty, tired and dirty crouched in a corner trying to get shade half arsed taking photos, but It was worth it. So we didnt feel stupid about our climb we called it a pilgrimage. The views were amazing. Although the statue was a little erie. Due to lack of funds and of wanting to over spend we decided to walk back down ending up on the wrong side of the mountain. Luckily we managed to hitch hike to a bus stop that took us back to our hostel. Now back at the hostel laying under the fan trying to regain the feeling in our legs and lungs.