First impressions of Brazil

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Well I made it here OK, which I´m sure is a bigger relief to me than it is to you. Spent most of the flat chatting to a guy called Diego who gave me a few tips as well as telling me the most filthy joke about God and Saint Peter. And I though Brazilians were all devout Catholics.

As we came in to land, my first thought was of amazement at the size of the city. Other than the hills and mountains surrounding Rio, there´s not one square foot that isn´t built upon.

On arrival at the airport, I expected to struggle to find the kiosks for the radio taxis. However, what greeted me was a sight similar to that which I´d expect to find in the red light district in Amsterdam - a series of young women in booths, all pleading for the gringos to come to them to get their taxi.

The taxi drive to the hotel was also better than I´d expected. It took about half an hour, passing through both the favelas and the business district, which are surprisingly close together. I´m also sure I saw a bronze bust of Sven Goran Erikkson, maybe to recognise his achievements in gifting the World Cup quarter final to Brazil back in 2002.

This afternoon, I plan to eat then go see Sugarloaf mountain, which I reckon is about a 20 minute walk if I don´t get lost. Fingers crossed...

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Comments

[Disco Ross]

The Flat?
The Flat?

[Peachey]

Flight. You know what I mean. And stop trying to pass yourself off as Disco, your teeth are nowhere near white enough.