Rio - Carnival

Rio has been quite different from the rest of the trip so far. For one thing we have an apartment, so it is extremely comfortable, free wifi, free laundry and not too much waiting around for a shower. Our apartment is in Copacabana two blocks from the beach, in a pretty good area. Although a guy on a bike did steal Sean's sunglasses from his head. I've never seen Sean run so fast, I was sort of worried he would catch up with the guy and I wasn't quite sure what would happen then.

The city is also different because it is right on the beach, which gives it a different feel. More relaxed, more people in swimming costumes and more like a holiday town. Some of the views overlooking the city and the ocean are incredible. We went up Sugar Loaf rock, walking halfway through the jungle at the bottom and then taking the cable car the rest of the way. It was well worth it and the views at the top rate with some of the best I have ever seen. Wide views of the ocean, the city, the beaches and the christ the redeemer statue on Corcovado.

Apart from the sightseeing we have done we spent some time on the beach where they have a great system, you rent a chair and a umbrella and then the people that rent you the chair and the umbrella will also take your drink and ice-cream orders and bring them to you. Extremely relaxing, and if you get too hot you can jump in the water which is very cold. In the evening we would sit out at little cafes on the beach, drinking caprinahs and skol beers.

Ah, I can't forget Carnival at the Sambodromo. We went on Saturday night because we didn't expect to be staying here until Monday. Sunday and Monday are the main nights, and Saturday is when the second tier of Samba schools strut their stuff. I have to say though, it was incredible. Each Samba school parades down the Sambodromo which is a huge long road flanked by stands and boxes, especially built for Carnival. Each school must have, I'd estimate, about 5000 people in it, and maybe 5-6 huge floats. They are judged on their display, their energy, their music and also that they can keep their parade under an hour. On Saturday night the schools paraded from 9am until at least 4am. The costumes and the floats are really well done and just the scale of the whole thing is amazing.