Rio

Wednesday

A transit day. Took a taxi into Brazil from Argentina. Was so quick and painless that I ended up spending hours in the Brazilian airport lounge waiting for my afternoon flight. Finally arrived in Rio. Came halfway around the world to see the best beach and harbour, and its pouring rain. Major flooding in the city, so it took 5 HOURS for the bus ride from the airport to the city. Imagine if it took you 5 hours to get from Tullamrine to the city!

Anyway, finally arrived in the rain about 11:30 and found the hostel. Fell into bed.

Thursday

Took a 'full day' tour of the city. I like Brazilian full days. They all start at 1pm! Nothing happens here in the morning, but dinner is about 9pm.

The tour took us up to the Christ Statue on the top of the hill, then down through the favelas to the city buildings, and on to the main Rio football ground which seemed to be famous to a lot of people on the bus, but not me.

Then on to the Sambadrome where they are busy erecting stands for the mardi-gras next month. You could get your picture taken dressed up in one of last year's costumes. On to the fairly new and certainly the most contemporary Catholic Cathedral I've seen in South America (and you see a few).

Built in the shape of a huge cone.

Finally on to Sugerloaf mountain and up the cable car to the top, which is actually two cable car trips with a half way stop.

Was a good day, which would have been great had it not been raining and cloudy most of the day, so you couldn't see much from the top. Anyway it was fun.

Friday

Wandered around Rio all day. Started by walking the length of Copacobana Beach, then around the headland, and right along the length of Ipanema Beach which is the next beach along. Two of the world's most famous beaches, and they were really nice. Lots of people swimming, exercising and playing volleyball. Shame it was cloudy, but at least no rain.

Then on to a bus for a hairy ride into the downtown district for a walk around and some lunch. Over 30 by now even though it was still cloudy. Metro back to the hostel in the afternoon.

Had dinner in a cafe overlooking the bay and the lights of Copacobana, then managed to wait until the clouds temporarily cleared so I could get a good look at both Sugerloaf Mountain and the Christ Statue all lit up at night. Very nice way to finish a great trip.

Christ statue (sorry its on its side)Sambadrome in the rain - just like a F1 pitSugerloaf cable car