Rio in a day

Due to a change in our flights made by the airline, we effectively only really had a day in Rio. we started slow with a walk to Copacabana beach. Thankfully, Debbie navigated otherwise we would have ended up at a tunnel (who could tell from the map?) We had a nice walk along the edge of the water until a big wave came along and went straight up my skirt and soaked the bottom of Debbie´s trousers. We took the hint and went shopping.

We booked a city tour for the afternoon and saw the highlights of Rio in 6 1/2 hours. We started with Cristo Redento (the big jesus on the hill). The train isn´r running because of the landslides so we took a van up instead. Jesus is also a bit sick because of the landslide and is covered in scaffolding. The views from the hill (highest in Rio) were fantastic - looking out across the bay, the lagoon, the favelas (slums), the beaches.

Next we went to the Maracana football stadium where I put my feet in the footsteps of some great Brasilian players - Pele, Kaka, Renaldo. I´ve never heard of any of them, but I´m sure some of you will be impressed.

Next was the Sambadromo where carnival is held. It´s a little boring without all the people, bright costumes and people dancing, but there was a video playing in a little musuem/shop and it would be pretty cool to visit during carnival.

We then turned a little spiritual with a visit to San Sebastian cathedral. It has some great stained glass windows and I imagine on a sunny day it would be stunning (it was overcast, with occasional drizzle).

Last stop was Sugar Loaf. It´s two cable car rides up to a 396 metre rock. The second rock is almost a sheer drop and I must be turning into my ssister because I almost announced to all 40 people in the car that we were going to die. Again, fantastic views, but this time at twilight and at night. Some people climb the rock but they must be nutters.

We finished the day at the restaurant where ´The Girl from Ipanema´ was inspired. Very touristy, but nice food. It all ended badly though when I looked down and say a giant cockroach on my thigh. I managed not to scream (sharp inhalation only) and shook it off to the floor where it was promptly squashed by the waiters shoe.

Then home to bed. The place where we stayed was really noisy - taxi stand just outside the door - but with ear plugs we were fine.