Rio de Janeiro

  Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Brazil is a city of contrast; spectacular natural beauty, gorgeous weather (30c in the winter), great beaches, beautiful people in very small swimwear, alongside people sleeping on the streets and general poverty in the favelas.

We spent a couple of days chilling on Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon beaches.

The Brazilians are really in to their fitness....lots of football and volleyball being played on the beach, running, biking etc and the gyms are packed in the evenings. Guess that's how they can get away with wearing those string bikinis!! 

We also visited the famous "Christ the Redeemer" statue on the Corcovado mountain via the jungle train and "Sugar Loaf Mountain" at sunset via the cable car.




Great views from both, one of the best sunsets we've seen from Sugar Loaf, stunning!! 

Barn went hand-gliding with Ruy Marra of Superfly, twice Brazilian champion, nice guy. Strange feeling throwing yourself off the side of a cliff but an awesome experience gliding down to land on Sao Conrado beach.


Brazil really is a city that seems to grow on you :)