BRAZIL: Rio

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Hello friends and family,



Just a short blog here. After a week of dancing and living it up at carnival we were in need of some well deserved rest so we move closer towards the centre of Salvador to a backpackers near the beach. A couple of days on the beach and some sleep-ins gave us the energy we needed to fly down to Rio.

Rio is an amazing city. The contrasts between humans and the environment were one of our first thoughts. Here is a city that has massive slums right next door to 5 star hotels, beautiful beaches backing onto jungle covered mountains, backpackers with homeless and the rich and famous. We made our way to ipanema beach and to our hostel where we met up with some of frans friends. We spent four days meeting some really nice people (mike and tamsin being the best...ha ha ha) and seeing the sights. Lazy, hot days on the beach, taking the train up through the jungle to Christo (amazing...see photos), hanging out at the lappa steps and walking around Santa Theresa. Some nights were spent sleeping on hammocks and others sharing hostel beds.

Our time was soon up and we were off on our next adventure.....to the island of Ilha Grande

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Photos

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Still bands playing on the street.

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Alana at the beach!!!!

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Locals playing

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Alana and her true love (paul the first)

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Now we are down in Rio, such a beautiful city!!!!!

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You know it.

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Beach view!!!!!!

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The girls strutting

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Our trip up to Christo begins

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The view from the train as we make our way up the mountain!

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We love jungle.

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View of Rio

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Look down there alana!!!

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Walking up to jesus

Comments

[Judy Huntress]

Wonderful experience
Dear Paul, thanks you for the great images you are sharing with us through this travel blog- your writing style is great and i love to read your thoughts and impressions. I hope you all said a prayer when you got to 'Jesus'- Keep safe and well- Alana looks very thin so make sure she eats well- ( I don't think you need the same advice!!) Love you lots - glad to see Ian is having a good time as well- give him my love- John B is always interested to see photos of 'shaggy'.

[Granma Mary]

Wise words from Granma
I loved sharing your travels on the blog Paul and Alana- what a marvellous adventure you are having. I hope you said a few prayers for me when you went to see Jesus- it might help to get me to a Happy hunting ground when the time comes!! Love you lots Paul and Alana and may God bless you and keep you safe ( Love to Ian as well)

[Mary]

Sweet photos
I'm loving the blog updates Paul and Lansie -- keep them coming. Awesome pics too :) Love you both (and the rest of the hang-dog crew you've got travelling with ya). xoxoxo