Ola from Rio!!

So after a 14 hour flight we touched down in Brazil and made our way to the hostel safely and in good spirits despite being ultra tired and enduring a rather ropey taxi journey. (we think the drivers here have a competition to see how many times they can change lanes in one outing!). Good old Flavio (our taxi man) dropped us right to the hostel door, after Sven and him tried to muddle a conversation together as we passed the Favela's and a small looking Christ in the distance.

We're staying in Santa Teresa which is a part of Rio that is set in the hillside above Lapa. Its a charming little place (once you look past all the graffiti, stray dogs and beaten down houses!) still charming though... But we're not complaining its a safe area to be in to start the journey and despite the guides saying its a lively place we've seen nothing more than a sleepy village set on a cobbled windy road. But the hostel is wicked - we have a hammock in our room with views over Rio, a pool and terrace area and outdoor showers!

Our first day was just spent exploring, we wandered into Lapa which felt like the bronx, where was this street party mecca we were promised? We just got approached by begging children... Think us country bumpkins just looked scared in a big old city - But now we're settled in more and have explored the place in a less jet-lagged state it looks more like the Lapa that was described to us... Lapa will be hit by the towers soon - just this time at night and in full party mode!

Today we decided it was a good a time as any to go and meet Christ Redemer! It was a beautiful sunny day so whilst the weather was good we caught a cab as far as we could to the base of Christ. It was brilliant and the views we're spectacular - when we get a chance watch out for our photos!! We decided to get the Train back down, as the train line is older than the Statue itself as it was used to transport materials/parts of Christ to the top. Anyway the train line ended somewhere near Flamengo and with not enough money to get a cab we jumped on the next bus that said Lapa and found our way back in one piece!

So to round off what we have been up to - sharing dinner with monkeys, dining at German influenced resturants (yes in Rio!!), sampling the public transport (although we're working our way up to hanging off the side of the Lapa trams!) and generally trying to get to grips with city and travelling life! So far, after a few city nerves we're loving every minute of it! We're thinking of moving from our current hostel and heading down to the coast so we can pack in a bit of Rio sunbathing and partying!!

Love to all and missing you lots, although not enough to come home just yet!!!

Nikki and Sven xxx