Mar 7, 2009 - Rio & Ilha Grande

Hola Gringos, 1st epistle begins! Our first few days were in Rio, where we did some hysterical people watching on Ipanema and Copacobana (James hugely disappointed to find that the women who strut around in g-string bikini´s are all vast!), visited Christ the Redeemer at Corcovado (managing to avoid the ubiquitous mimicking pose) and generally walked a lot around the city.Hola Gringos, 1st epistle begins! Our first few days were in Rio, where we did some hysterical people watching on Ipanema and Copacobana (James hugely disappointed to find that the women who strut around in g-string bikini´s are all vast!), visited Christ the Redeemer at Corcovado (managing to avoid the ubiquitous mimicking pose) and generally walked a lot around the city....

Feb 28, 2009 - Rio de Janeiro

Wow, Rio certainly knows how to party! We'd heard so many horror stories of robbery and stabbings in Rio that we arrived in a particularly paranoid state.Wow, Rio certainly knows how to party! We'd heard so many horror stories of robbery and stabbings in Rio that we arrived in a particularly paranoid state....

Feb 28, 2009 - Praia de Copacabana (Beach)

Famed Copacabana is actually the less desired beach in Rio these days.Famed Copacabana is actually the less desired beach in Rio these days....

Feb 26, 2009 - Costa Verde and Ilha Grande

Today we took a tour down to some beaches south of Rio, prettier beaches and water, to an area called Costa Verde (Green Coast because of the emerald colored water). It is highlighted by the largest island, Ilha Grande (Big Ilsand)of many islands both inhabited and uninhabited. ... Ilha Grande is covered by a tropical rainforest and jungle. ... We bused out of Rio at 7am and got back 9pm it was about 2 hours drive south.Today we took a tour down to some beaches south of Rio, prettier beaches and water, to an area called Costa Verde (Green Coast because of the emerald colored water). It is highlighted by the largest island, Ilha Grande (Big Ilsand)of many islands both inhabited and uninhabited. ... Ilha Grande is covered by a tropical rainforest and jungle. ... We bused out of Rio at 7am and got back 9pm it was about 2 hours drive south....

Feb 26, 2009 - Rio - Carnival and half naked men!

Well I can hardly believe it, the holiday is almost over but what a way to end it with Carnival in Rio.Well I can hardly believe it, the holiday is almost over but what a way to end it with Carnival in Rio....

Feb 25, 2009 - Ipanema and Maracanã Futbol Stadium

Spent the day on the beach, where the deliver your chair and cervejas and Caiprihanas all for very cheap.Spent the day on the beach, where the deliver your chair and cervejas and Caiprihanas all for very cheap....

Feb 24, 2009 - Santa Tereza

I have mostly felt Rio is relatively safe despite numerous stories and warnings.I have mostly felt Rio is relatively safe despite numerous stories and warnings....

Feb 23, 2009 - Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf) and Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer)

Rio is geographically the most beautiful city I have ever seen.Rio is geographically the most beautiful city I have ever seen....

Feb 22, 2009 - Carnaval in Rio at Sambódromo

Carnaval in Rio is similar to Mardi Gras and always takes place days leading up to Ash Wednesday.Carnaval in Rio is similar to Mardi Gras and always takes place days leading up to Ash Wednesday....

Feb 20, 2009 - Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Rio de Janeiro (January River)claims to host the largest party in the world, Carnaval. ... It is the worlds version of Mardi Gras in New Orleans only more international and much bigger.Rio de Janeiro (January River)claims to host the largest party in the world, Carnaval. ... It is the worlds version of Mardi Gras in New Orleans only more international and much bigger....

Feb 15, 2009 - Rio de Janiero, Brazil

DAY 15 Feb 14 RIO DE JANEIRO 7th Stop We had a tour today with Neyla. ... Friends of Marcia's recommended Neyla and her city tour.DAY 15 Feb 14 RIO DE JANEIRO 7th Stop We had a tour today with Neyla. ... Friends of Marcia's recommended Neyla and her city tour....

Feb 14, 2009 - Rio de Janeiro

Well here we are in Rio.Well here we are in Rio....