Back in Rio.

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Beach Life

Back in Rio ´to meet up with Tina again. Tina is very kindly letting us stay in her apartment.

Spending a lot of time on the beach. Interesting observation is that in Brazil tan lines are considered cool, as such the ladies wear strapless tops in the evening to show the bikini lines. This logic should mean I am very cool as I am one big tan line! Unfortunately Stacey's tan is coming on nicely.

The beach Ipanema number 9 (considered the coolest) is awesome and the water is warm and capable of handing out a good battering - although it was more so when I was here with Matt and Innis; when they werent on beach 8 (the gay beach).

Went up to see Big Jesus as the weather was lovely when we set off. Took a taxi as its considered the best way to see it all. Driver stopped at a few points for view and we both fed monkeys by hand (monkeys had an immediate rapport with Stacey - may be due to the degree of evolution). When we got to the top it was of course cloudy and packed. Big J has recently been made a sanctuary so it will get busier and busier as the sanctuary is used.

Of course Christo de Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) is very impressive, especially as they can spin it round to face different ways as needed*, and driving up Cocovado is an experience in itself with all the near misses and blind bends.

We went into Lapa to experience the whole Samba thing which was very good, although made us feel rather inadequate with the old dancing (I am sure JJ and Victoria would be fine). The caiparinhias were going down all too well - as I expect were all the Trannys situated throughout the area - rough as a badgers bottom.

Anyway we have just been eating, sleeping and walking both to and from the beach.

Tomorrow night we will be experiencing the true Brazillian experience by going to see Robbie Williams - I would never have thought it but hey - when in Rome (and its only 22quid).

Other observations are that there is a constant sound of sweeping! They say that in London your never more than 6ft away from a Rat, well in Rio its people sweeping. If it was rats they would probably have brushes as well.

* This is not true, although Adie, in your defence I have seen the postcards from the different angles - i think photoshop-ed

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Photos

View from Sugarloaf
Looking over Botafogo

Comments

[JJ]

Oi gengibre!
I would just like to say after working with me for 5yrs you still can't spell my name right! ...... I don't know if that says something about me or you! Enjoy your trip! Lots of love x

[Matthew Turnham]

Lucky Ginger &*%?
Cant believe you finally made it. You still stopping local traffic with the glare off your head and body. Still remeber the problems you had last time out. Factor 50+. Say hi to Tina for me and tell here i have sent another couple of Travellers to here door. Jeff and Carmel (kiwi's) should be heading there shortly. Will try to let her know when.