Rio de Janeiro, Brasil


Kara says:

Rio. Ipanema (do do do do, do do do-do the girl from ipanema comes walking, do do do do do do do do do do do doooooo), Copacobana (at the co pa, co pa co ban a), though still not north of habana. Rio is fantastic, fabulous, wonderful, warm and sunny, friendly people, beaches, spectacular scenery, views from hills and we haven't even been mugged or killed.

The city centre was a real surprise, lots of really impressive colonial buildings, big theatres, presidential palaces, rows of cute little shops, cobbled streets, little bars with tables spilling out onto said cobbles streets. It's a shame the city is overwhelmed by its amazing location - anywhere else in the world and it would be known for it's lovely city centre. No photos due to wanting camera to remain in our posession (actually there was one photo but Karl accidently deleted it with his superior software skills).

Took the train up to the statue of Cristo Redentor, beautiful views of the city and the bay, beautiful, beautiful setting, absolutely gorgeous, photos don't do justice as usual etc. See photos not doing justice. On the way back down the train broke down, see photo of slightly unhappy me in pile of other slightly unhappy tourists. Have realised that you can never get anywhere on time in Brasil. Our bus from Puerto Iguazu was three hours late arriving (came from Chile so probably can't blame that one on Brasil) and was five hours late by the time we arrived in Curitiba. Our bus from Sao Paulo to Rio broke down so we spent an hour on the side of the road waiting for a replacement and trying to get the luggage compartment open without whatever vital function meant that bus wouldn't move and luggage door wouldn't open. And then the train in Rio.

Wandered around the beaches. They really do play volleyball in speedos. And they really do have tiny weeny bikini bottoms. In Ipanema on a Sunday the road along the beach is closed to traffic and full of people walking, running, cycling, drinking beer and cocktails. It's a brilliant atmosphere. See photo of me soaking up atmosphere.

Took a cable car up another hill to watch sunset accompanied by the all important caipirinha cocktail.

And took a tram to a quiet colonial suburb for lunch, see photo of quiet, colonial-looking suburb with tramlines. Very pleasant and away from the hussle and bustle. Also, lunch was German sauages and sauerkraut so Karl was very happy. On the way passed the ugliest building in the world. A cathedral (possibly of the church of aliens) that looks like.....the apollo space capsule?...something incredibly ugly - see photo.

Also, Karl jumped off a perfectly good mountain, see photo.











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