Finally - we're proper travellers! We've actually moved from one destination to another, that wasn't part of the scheduled ticket! We're feeling terribly brave..... It all started when we decided to venture out to a Carnaval rehearsal at the Sambodrome, which is basically just a 700m long paved road with big bleachers at each side. We knew it was going on and thought it would be a good way of getting an idea what Carnaval was like without the hassle of the actual event. How naive we were.....as we were heading in a taxi to the badlands of Northern Rio it occurred to us that these rehearsals might just be the way that the people of the favelas (where most of the samba schools are based), who can't afford the 300 reais and upwards for a ticket, see there neighbourhood samba schools perform. I think we thought it would be just us sitting there watching! As it was, when we got there it was completely crammed. Undeterred though, we braved the crowds and found ourselves a spot on one of the further stands - 3 little white (and slightly scared looking) faces amongst what I swear must have been the entire contents of Rio's 700 favelas. It was a daunting experience as it was so crowded and we didn't entirely understand how the whole thing worked, but it was definitely worth it. The dancers didn't have their full costumes on, but you can still get a good idea of what the whole thing will be like when its in full swing. Having said that, I think we'd all say that we won't be going to Carnaval proper until we're rich and can afford a private box - a little too crowded for me! Despite our new-found braveness, we pretty much felt it was time to move on from Rio - we'd seen the sights that we wanted to see, we'd been to the beaches etc, and after a while, being a bit nervous all the time becomes very tiring! So the decision was made to move on, and move on we have! After a four-hour bus journey (that was actually delightful - powerfully air conditioned!) we are now in Paraty, a little old colonial town further down the coast, about half way between Rio and São Paulo. Helene, a girl we met in our hostel in Rio, organised a room for us at a little guesthouse in the new town - a room to ourselves which will feel luxurious! It is crazily hot here though, so we probably won't be venturing out much in the middle of the day! We're planning a boat trip to the islands in this area, and thought we might hire some bikes to visit some of the nicer beaches. Apart from that, I think some relaxation is in order after the stresses of the big smoke! I'll let you know how it goes..... Caroline x