Buon Dia - methinks tha~´s how they say it but luckily, even Brazilians let me get away with my rusty Spanish. Arrived safe and sound a few days ago having had a horrible trip from Madrid. Flight took off just fin, a little late perhpas as the~´d to do some maintenance. We´re 45 mins into the flight and the polot announces that there´s a problem with the plane and we´ve to return to Madrid. Lovely! Only we can´t go straight back, it´s too dangerous to land without circling round for an hour an a hhalf and dumping all our fuel first! Needles to say, it was a bit tense - tears and turbulence etc. Managed to land, were booted off the plane, given the obligatory free meal and very little information before finally taking off again 5 hours later.
No matter - great to see mum and Nuala again. Lazed on Copacabana beach for the first day before hitting the town (minus Mum & Nuala!) to discover just how friendly the locals are. Answer: Very! Hear one of the best bands éver´in a bar called Lord Jims, drank several Brazilian beers (yes, me. I like beer now ok?!). Spent the day yesterday ambling around Santa Teresa having visited the Cathedral. Bought a nice painting that Ash now has the joy of getting home and the obligatory Havaianas before gorging ourself on traditional food in Bar de Minerio (the only veggie choice on the menu of course). Drank 3 types of Caracas. Can´t spell that - doesn´t matter. It was like rocket fuel! Tasty, tasty rocket fuel...
More beers on the beach front last night, watching the locals dance (best dancer was a 3 year old girl who amused herself by grabbing a bush with both hands and dancing with it!). Having cycled along Copacabana & Ipanema we´re off for a swim and a nap - street party & Samba in Lapa ce soir....
