We have spent the last 3 days in Ouro Preto, a small town 426km north west of Rio. We travelled by bus over night for 7 hours. Given the warning from several of Ellie's family members who have embarked on similar night bus journies from London to Edinburgh we had our reservations. However, it would seem that in a country as large as Brazil night bus road trips are common place, and hence the buses are fitted out appropriately. We had extra wide, comfortable, almost fully reclining seats. The only discomfort on the trip was as a result of the Brazilians´ habitual use of air conditioning regardless of the outside temperature, which was approaching single figures.  The town itself is lovely; narrow, winding, cobbled streets flanked by colonial architecture. Ouro Preto is said to be South America's ... read more

Having arrived in Rio a day early (we're not sure either but this isn't a first for Steve), we managed to get a dorm room for the first night and start the travelling odyssey in true backpacker style (we must reluctantly admit that staying in private rooms and carrying straighteners puts us firmly in the flash packing group. Something Tom Smart was all to ready to point out). This was however, a good thing. Our fellow dormees were lovely people with whom we were none too happy to take advantage of the caipirinha night at our hostel. Incidentally we discovered that they are incredibly strong and you don't want more than 2... Or maybe 1 if you are Ellie!  On our first day we explored ipanema.  Cautious following the warnings issued by the guide book. However, ... read more