Rio De Janeiro Part 2.

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The journey of a lifetime finally kicked off upon Forster's arrival. It was our first day away together and we were keen to make the most of it. Taking a walk along Rio's long beaches stopping at as many bars on the way as possible. The drinking kicking off early in the day and not finishing until well into the night. The day only got better as we stopped at a lovely place for a cheap lunch. Forster attempting to eat his own body weight in food. Unfortunately the weather was still not the best so we were unable to go up the Sugar Loaf or up to see Christ the Redeemer statue. But luckily for us we will be back in Rio later in the trip and hopefully we will have clear skies then.

That night we went back to the hostel and made some new pommy mates over a few cerejas and some pool. After several drinks back at the hostel and possibly the longest game of pool in history we headed out to Lapa. About ten of us from the hostel piled into the back of a maxi taxi and went out for a night on the town in the pouring rain. After walking aimlessly we finally decided on a random club. Heading up stairs we immediately grabbed some beers, I was hoping to get drunk enough to enjoy the random music. The night from here took an odd turn. With seemingly everyone from the hostel hooking up with each other or a random girl. Forster among those to find a Brazilian babe. Unfortunately I was left with her friends who were somewhat less desirable. Finally in the early hours of the morning I needed to crash leaving Forster out with the rest of the boys.

The next day turned out to be a bit of a wipeout with Forster shattered from his long flight and late night. We wasted the day just finding some food and catching up on emails and sleep.

Today back in the mood to truly get out and see Rio we decided since the weather was still poor we would take a tour of the favellas of the city. For those who are unaware the favellas of Rio are famed for their crime, poverty and violence. This was illustrated a few years back in the City of God a Brazilian film about the drug trade and violence of the favellas. One would be wise to avoid the favellas alone but the tour was an icredible way to see a different side of the city. We were taken into the largest favella in the city with an estimated 85,000 residents. This favella is still under the control and protection of the drug trade. While we did not see any today you can still see while on the tour heavily armed men walking through the favella. Instead today we were shown a different side of the favellas one with a more positive light. The favourite part for me standing on the back balcony of a building looking over the massive favella and picturesque views of the city and it's beaches. A view you would pay an arm and a leg for in Australia reserved for the poor citizens if Rio. We were also taken to a different much smaller favella which is situated right next door to some of Rio's most expensive homes. There we were taken to a small school set up for the kids of the favella to learn to use computers and to work on extra skills needed in life. The school is partially funded from the tour profits. Which was nice to find out that some of the money spent on this trip would go back to those in need.

Tomorrow we move on from Rio and make the journey to Sao Paulo. There we are going to meet up with a few mates from London who can hopefully show us around their city.

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Photos

Favela
Overlooking the favela.

Favela School
School for the kids in the favela.

Forsters Girlfriend
She has a name I'm sure but she doesn't speak a word of English.

Comments

[potts]

4* is already cheating on me?