Took an eye-opening taxi ride from the airport - they drive like absolute maniacs here, we passed a burning car on the other side of the road and took a very windy road to the very top of Santa Teresa. Both left feeling slightly apprehensive, but we were greeted by the friendly face of Guido and his lovely dogs at Guesthouse Bianca - the house was beautiful and our room was perfect.
Spent Wednesday exploring Santa Teresa and Lapa. Went to see the amazing Escadaria Selaron tiled steps, but Jo was more interested in photographing stray cats with massive balls! Unfortunately the Bonde has been closed until 2014, so we had to walk around Santa Teresa and see the Arcos da Lapa by foot - but we got a better feel for the place that way. In the evening it rained "crocodiles and elephants" so we legged it round the corner to the local Pizzeria. Sam lost his sandal in the rain on the way due to his retarded feet. Both arrived looking like drowned rats...
On Thursday we went up Corcovado to see Cristo Redentor. Took the train all the way to the top of the hill only to be greeted by clouds and mist... Couldn´t even make out Jesus´ face! Just as we were about to get the train back down, the clouds parted and baby Jesus was there to be seen in all his glory! On our way back home we took a detour to Flamengo beach and enjoyed the white sands til the sun came down.
Today we visited the other two main beaches, Copacabana and Ipanema, for a spot of people watching/perving on the Brazilian beauties!
Heading back to Santa Teresa now to try out Feijoada, the local speciality & some more Caipirinhas.
Tchau for now...
sounds fantastico!
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