Observatory Tower (historical)

Next stop, Rio! My expectations were high, but it didn’t disappoint. Sure, Christ the redeemer was in the clouds 90% of the time, but within a few hrs of arriving we had stumbled across a street fair/party, with crowds of people drinking and dancing in the sunshine. It’s how I imagine Rio carnival (apparently it’s that x1000000!!). Later we went out in our neighbourhood (Santa Teresa) and tried feijoada, a delicious black bean and meat stew. Then on to a samba bar round the corner. The music and atmosphere is so contagious, so a few caipirinhas in, even Paul was shuffling his feet! One more drink on the street and that was game over - they free-pour generously..!

Over the next few days we walked all along Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, hiked up the hill next to sugar loaf, hiked to a waterfall and did a walking tour. My step count is going through the roof! After one long walk we ended up in the Botofogo area where Paul managed to find the most hipster bar in Rio. Typical!

As luck would have it, my friend Jo who I met in Nepal 10 yrs ago, saw my fb post and contacted saying she was coming to Rio. We’ve not seen each other since the Kathmandu days, so it was really great to catch up with her and Christel (while Paul watched the Spurs game over our shoulders!)Read more