Rocinha Favala Got on the back of a motor bike and went up to the top of the Favala. We were briefed by our guide where to take photos. This tour was an eye opener. Over a third of Brazilians live in Favalas. There were strong odours of rotting waste and inadequate sewerage. We walked down through one of the streets and met some of the locals. Fascinating place. We Then caught a local bus to Copocabana. Wow what a ride, held on tight. Had lunch and went to st...

19th Feb The Lapa is going off again. Going to Carnavale parade tonight. All met at 10pm in foyer. Walked to subway and only had to go 4 stops. We did not get into the stadium until midnight. People everywhere. Finding a spot in our allocated sector was a challenge. The atmosphere was awesome. Each school took around 45 minutes to walk through. Each entry consisted of at least 2000 people. Fireworks, loud singing and lots of drums. The solo dancers were beauti...

Up at 9am ready to go on day trip. First stop was the cathedral which was amazing. Can house 20,000 people standing. The stained glass windows were spectacular. Then onto the Lapa Steps. Next stop was Christ the Redeemer. (Check out my hat). This was one of those moments where I got shivers up my spine just like I did when I visited the Sistene Chapel. The views are breathtaking. From here we went to Sugar Loaf Mountain. After 2 hours in a queue we even...

18th Feb Had early morning meeting with Kumuka staff. Six of us decided to get subway to Copacabana. Got off at Ipanema and walked along beach to Copacabana. We could see Sugar Loaf and the cable cars in the distance. We had lunch on the beach I had a pizza in a cone? Looked more like an icecream but was hot and tasty. I also asked for a scotch and coke zero. Well I got the coke zero ok then out came the scotch a whole glass! One of the street entertainers call...

17th Feb BA to Rio Flight JJ8013 hit a lot of turbulence. Clouds looked like cumulo nimbus. When pilot landed in Rio he was given loud Olas and everyone clapping. Another hour and half in customs/immigration. Arrived downtown and road was closed off to motel, parties and people everywhere. Cabbie said "you must walk down there" no bloody way says I. Made him park cab and escort me. Desk clerk told me there is only one key to each room and my roommate had alread...