Hello biddettes!!! thank you for checking in on me…… ! Well, Rio is a great place for music and people and a lot of busy life but i have only seen some parts of this huge city in my 6 night stay. I stayed first in Receiro which is 40 odd mins out from central Rio, relaxed beaches and safe streets. The second half of my week here I am in the border of Lapa and Santa Teresa, old neighbourhood of Rio full of artists and musicians.
The week started off with a visit to Rio Surf and Stay which was so fun, learning how to surf!!! I took 2 lessons over the 3 night stay so that is two mornings of surfing and yes, I am full of salt water (which I drank in the surf, not a voluntary Brazilian delicacy!)…..But, I stood up on my first go (for 3 seconds) and continued to really enjoy falling off and balancing……and falling off….and swimming back out…you get the idea!!! This place had quiet beaches and perfect views. Safe at night to walk around the Favela (shanty town…..but nowhere near as dirty and smelly as the ones in india!!!) and a lovely hostel. Had a really nice time.
Next I did 3 nights in Lapa/ Santa Teresa border which is I picked it as it is known to be kind of relaxed and bohemian and it is near to the two sights I really want to see in Rio (the sugar loaf mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statue). My guest house is full of holes which leaked in the fantastic rain storm of my first night but it is perfect; and people playing Latin music all night, barbecues and really nice relaxed people. Did the city tour which was great value and saw the fantastic statue of Christ looming over Rio.
Tomorrow I am trying to arrange to hang glide off of one of Rio’s mountains but it is weather dependant so i am really hoping i can do it!!! Next update will be from Uruguay… next stop Buenos Aires then into Uruguay heading for the wide open spaces and more beaches !!! love to all !!! xxxps, can't upload pics from my lap top to nomad (as i is stupid!) so will attach in FB xxxx
