Portogalo Suite Hotel Angra Dos Reis

... even though somewhat lacking in the quality of the European leagues and the Premiership it is always entertaining. Barueri went one up on a penalty - no mean feat with 40,000 people from the Favellas jeering him as he took it. With about 15 minutes to go Flamengo equalised and I got a taster of what this place would be like if packed to the rafters and a local derby was being played. The noise and atmosphere was simply astounding - even ...

... in rio where we met rich *nd BRJ, The l*tter of which did * re*lly b*d job of ignoring me. Mick the other other could not le*ve his other hotel *s he h*d m*xed one credit c*rd *nd h*d not *ctiv*ted the other, he l*ter h*d to borrow * gr*nd from the driver to see him through to the end. (no symp*thy, *pp*rently he spent his time in rio checking prostitutes bits to see which fl*vour they were, dirty *ul git) Mooched *bout hotel for * while trying to t*ke * kip in time ...

... many people in the streets, stalls selling Caiprinha´s, and all sorts of food. Bars lining the streets with people hanging out the doors and windows. And under the giant viaduct that runs through Lapa were live bands and people dancing and partying like mad!

There are no photos of the Lapa Street Party as we were warned about pickpockets and told not to take anything except a bit of cash. And it was good advice we found out as I had ...

... shots of rainforest enshrouded mountains that have crawled up to the ocean and are overwhelmed by the favela houses as though they were a turtleneck sweater. It is paradise. I suppose it is like a mix between the Miami/Venice Beach culture and a truly spectacular natural sight.

As I mentioned, Ipanema is also relatively safe. We heard nothing, but horror stories about crime in Brasil and Rio is particularly legendary for its share of armed ...

Final destination Rio de Janeiro, and waht a stop this is...........the atmosphere is a party one and you know me not one to miss a party have participated a few times!!! Have visited the famous Copacobana Beach, Christ the Redeemer, Maracana Football stadium a circular pyramid Cathedral...........cocktails for £1.50. Lyrics to the song: (if you sing, hum or even mime this once it will just keep on coming back in your head again!) Her name ...

... the cheapest tickets or the most expensive (the boxes). The boxes gave great photo opportunities whereas the other tickets were a bit too far away. So that is why I say go either cheap or expensive. The Rio paper has a listing of the street parties that will be on that day and what time. The first day we just headed into Coco cabana and were a bit disappointed when we could not find a party, but the next day we came ...

... and sat around camp fires on the beach most evenings. Then it was on to Rio!!! First night we went for our last group meal and went out afterwards to the famous arches partys and on to a local nightclub with lots of girls shaking their booties, its all about the ass over here! We then checked into our hostel, where we were staying in dorms and headed to Copacabana beach for the day, which had lots of tanned people in very little swimwear!! we then met up with everyone for drinks ...

... station (20 mins) and then plonked ourselves down for the over 3 hour wait for our 7 hour bus to Sao Paulo. See next waiting entry, we want to inflict our pain on as many people as possible. We still havent been able to get a shower as our rooms in the hostel are not ready for another hour, I think I might have to burn these clothes, you will see why!

... be true? Actually it turned out to be a very good hostel and I`d recommend it. Barbecues every other night, strong caipirinhas, and most of the rooms look out onto a veranda and the view. Next day, the the cloud had cleared the mountaintops, and the sight of the parrot´s head rock that presides the highest mountain hit me with another sudden jolt of recognition. We walked to the famous beach, Lopez Mendez since we ...

... and as she was about to toss one to me from the boat, she asked "do they float". Not really knowing if she was joking, Tom and I nearly wet ourselves laughing so hard, but she was joking really.


It was a beautiful day and on the first dive we saw a turtle which was so graceful. There was plenty to see as there was quite a variety of fish and coral. We were followed by a gang of big yell fish. As divers we would scar away some smaller fish from ...