Right you lot, before I get on to Carnaval in Brazil, let’s just make clear one little thing… Jon

I met Jon when travelling in Asia and we got on well and kept in touch. We realized that we were going to be in Sth America at the same time so decided to see some stuff together for a few weeks. Jon is just a friend… and not really my type… and the simple fact that I’m a “female” means that I’m definitely not his type (if you get my meaning).

Ok enough said, back to Rio… For those that don’t know, Carnaval is celebrated for the 5 days leading up to Lent. It’s colourful, outrageous and hedonistic and Brazilians all over the country (+ one or two million tourists) drink, dance, celebrate and chalk up a few sins before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent brings it all to a messy end. Rio has the biggest and most extravagant parades but we’ve been advised that Salvador has the best street parties (oh well another year).

Let’s just say Rio is packed to the rafters with people out notching up a few sins – whether street-side, bar-side, beach-side or in the Sambodromo where the main parades take place. Jon & I were lucky enough to have tickets (bloody expensive tickets though) for the Sambodromo on Sunday – so at about 10pm on what can only be described as one of the hottest night-time temperatures I’ve ever experienced (32 degrees C and about 100% humidity) we jump on the metro to go to the party. Ok so two hours later – hot, sweaty, knackered and dying for a beer, we find the Sambodromo and want to say thanks to the very nice policeman who pointed us in completely the wrong direction.

The Sambodromo is this long, oblong arena where the top Samba schools in Rio compete in the form of a parade. Each school has about an hour and a half to do their stuff and let’s be honest it puts all other carnival parades I’ve seen to shame. I can’t really describe how magnificent it was and I really think you need to see the photos to get some idea – let’s just say Jon and I arrived back at our house in Copacabana Monday morning completely elated and tired and (in the words of April) – emotional. It was truly one of those WOW moments!

We slept most of yesterday day-time and then had plans to go to the Beer Ball last night (lots of Balls happen during Carnival – basically any excuse for a party) however let’s just say that far too much beer was consumed pre-Beer Ball so we never made it. Today is another recovery day and then tonight we’re meeting up with a couple of Jon’s friends who also happen to be in Rio for Carnaval, for a sober dinner before heading off to the Gay Costume Ball where Jon probably has his last chance to pull yet another cute looking Brazilian guy (you know some people they have all the luck).

Anyway we’ve decided to escape Rio/Brazil early and after more recovery time tomorrow we’re heading in-land to the Iguazu Falls where we’ll view from the Brazilian side before crossing the border to Argentina to view that side too – then it’s a month in Argentina and we’re going to head north first for some hiking and the like, as to be totally honest we both really feel we need to get away from bars!!.

Well that’s all the news for now – don’t forget to keep in touch. It’s always nice to hear from you. xxx