South America 2007

Opted to get a flight from salvador to Rio as opposed to the 30 hour bus ride and it worked out cheaper, whats that all about?

Flight was at stupid o clock in the morning so had a kip on the airport floor. When I opened my eyes there were loads of people spectating the barefoot napping traveller sucking her thumb. One guy thought I was a tramp and offered me some money, ha ha! Thinking about it I should have taken it!, dam I missed that one! (I must sort my grimey traveller image out before I get to your wedding Gems!)

Rio has a population of just over 7 million and its huge! The locals are really welcoming to tourists and love to party. First day in Rio went to see Christ the Redemer (cristo redentor), amazing views from the mountain overlooking the city and sugar loaf (pao de acucar) in the background. Went with some other travellers from the hostel and we timed it just right for sunset.

I Decided to take a tour into Rochina Favela, South Americas largest slum/shanty town. About a third of Rios poulation live in the favelas and as it is the centre of crime and corruption not advisable to rock up there alone. The top guy who runs the Rochina favela is protected by the 10 golden guys who each own golden guns, but are all anonymous as is the main guy - who reaps in no less than 4 million dollars a month through drugs and arms and get this - is only 24 years old! I shit you not Rio is just about as corupt as it gets. As with Salvador hearing loads of travellers stories about being mugged and constantly being warned by locals to take care, thankfully the only thing i´m suffering with is a hangover!

One of my highlights in Rio has to be going to see the final of Flamengo and Madeira at the Maracana stadium. Probably the best night out i´ve ever had. We got a groupy together at the hostel, 22 of us in total and joined the crowds. The atmosphere was unreal, the fans were going absolutely mental and I mean MENTAL! The score was 4-1 to Flamengo which was who the majority were supporting, so luckily the Brazilians were loving it and going absolutely crazy, brilliant night.

So Rio de Janeiro! Massive city but a city with a difference - theres a beach and not just any beaches - Copacabana and Ipanema, nice one! Stayed in a hostel on copacabana beach and had a blast. My time in Rio is still a bit of a blur, but from what I can remember from the odd occasional flashback it was great! Became abit nocturnal, beach bum by day and party animal by night.

Last night in Rio went out in a club smack bang in the middle of a favela. Shit man, you don´t wanna be hanging round one of these places on your own, scarey stuff. The dance floor was full of proper gangsters all with their shirts off and the women were just as scarey covered in tatoos. Felt like I was in some kind of gangster movie - brilliant night though and again met some great people who looked after me (those of you who know me well know is necessary after a few beers - well ok after one actually!)

So goodbye Rio, good times had but need to get out of Brazil its too expensive. Next stop is Iguacu...