Blogs from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, South America - page 211

After all the hype about Rio we are pleased to announce that the city lives up to all expectations. We stayed just a few nights because staying in Ipanema (the safer part of town) is quite expensive, but we managed to see most of the sites. We spent some hours watching the beautiful people flaunting their stuff in tiny beachwear on Copacabana beach which was rather interesting! Perhaps the highlight was a favela (shanty town) tour which really challanged our stereotypical view of them. The favelas appeared after the Brazilian government failed to consider the poor (and the freed slaves) who flocked to find work in Rio. As a result they began to build their own homes on the hillside surrounding the city. What makes the favelas extraordinary is that they are outside the law. Three ... read more

From the hectic city of Rio, Gareth, Matt and I headed south to Ihla Grande. The hostel we stayed in was located at the end of the beach with great views looking out over the small island. For such a small island we assumed that there would not be much to do except chill on the beach all day, play a bit of football and try and body surf the huge waves. So that is exactly what we did for three days. The most strenuous part of the day was actually getting to the beach which involved a 2 1/2 hr trek over what felt like a mountain which was more a big hill (more than one I may add) and through what was a jungle although it could be argued it was a laid out ... read more

In the morning, we made our way to the beach. I can´t remember the name but it is just a small beach close to Pão de Açucar. There is a Naval Academy close by so there is less danger of getting robbed here (that is always a danger in Rio). Silvestre, Gustavo and I took a walk on a path around the coastal mountains. We saw many people fishing and even someone harpoon fishing for octapus, pretty cool. When we got back to the beach I had to get a cococut to drink the refreshing water inside. How perfect is that... sitting on the beach, drinking out of a coconut! It´s what every beach holiday must have. I was only missing the little paper umbrella. Finally it was time for me to go swimming. To the ... read more

Here are some more pictures of Rio, having incredible time although Max, Rory and Ben left on the 3rd and am missing them loads. Hope the move to the country went well and that you have commenced jam making sen!!! And Wiggles hope the training is going well, miss you! Spent my 23rd birthday sailing around Rio drinking Caipirinhas, was such an amazing day with big group of people from the hostel and some of them organized a cake for me at which point I apparently became quite emotional and kept talking about how much this display of kindness from strangers meant to me!!! oh dear! Anyway after several more nights out in Rio (the 2 big J´s will be pleased to know only takes me 3 Caipirinhas to get hammered!! so my drinking has not ... read more

Hi everyone! Just got to Rio, quick travelblog to say am fine. got to hostel at about 3pm our time after long time travelling but didnt seem too bad, flight was bit rubbish, delayed and no individual tvs and food was rubbish! but never mind. hostel is ok, staying in dorm room for one night with very high bunk beds! cudnt find anywhere else, paul moaned for a bit but has now realised its all part of travelling experience but he has got the top bunk with no bar to stop him falling out so spose he has right to moan! off out in ipanema in a bit, looks really nice on way in but havent explored yet, staying 5 nights i think now which shud b good. hope evertything ok at home, wil email soon.xxxx ... read more