So lots has happened since my last entry. I have been to the famous Cristo Redentor (the biggest art decor sculpture in the world) to see the views of Rio and been up on a v dodgy old school tram up to Santa Teresa, a beautiful old colonial part of Rio. That day was topped off by sunset at the Pao de Azucar (sugar loaf mountain) to see more breathtaking views. Oh and made even better by an all you can eat Brazilian tapas with hostel buddies, led by Haroldo who works at the hostel.
Other highlights include hanging out on Ipanema beach with the locals, going hang gliding onto one of the bays (great fun, felt like a bird, don´t think I was nearly so graceful though sadly), going on a favela tour and to Lapa to a samba club which was a brilliant night out. The favela was really interesting and despite fears of it being voyeuristic was really worth seeing, we saw Rocinha the biggest favela in Latin America run by a 24 year old drug baron who earns 1.25million a month (I think?) but can never leave the favela as he will be arrested or shot.. he probably won´t live to beyond 35 at the most..
On a more cheerful note, Jax and I went to a big samba display to get a taste of carnival last Saturday and then headed to Ihla Grande on the Sunday, a beautiful island with one of the 4 most beautiful beaches in the world on it called Lopes Mendes. The weather wasn´t brilliant but we had an awesome time regardless. Back to Rio after and shopping, museum/churches in the centre and a trip to see Brasil´s female football team somewhat thrash the Canadian team (sadly) at Brasil´s main Maracana football stadium for the Pan American Games being held in Rio at the moment, the atmosphere was awesome, those Brazilians certainly know how to support a team.
Feeling really sad to leave, flew to Sao Paolo (only slightly nervously after the devastating plane crash which killed 186 there on Tuesday), arrived in Lima Saturday for a little bit of exhausted exploration and am now in Cusco with my VentureCo group of 6 Brit girls. I meet the Peruvian family I am staying with tomorrow and start my Quechua lessons... v exciting if not surreal. Cusco is brilliant and beautiful with the Andes surrounding it - am just adapting to the altitude which is having a crazy effect on everyone.
Adios for now and mucho amor for one and all. xxx
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