Well here I am, I have finished my trip and am heading home tonight. So this will be my last blog. 55 days travelling across the South American continent have come to an end.

The last few days have flown by and despite not looking forward to finishing my holiday I am looking forward to getting back. I am also looking forward to some more tame heat.

14th Feb: Day tour today to see all of the major areas of interest in Rio. We first went to see Marcarana staduim and got to go onto the field and into the changing rooms. Super massive stadium. The guide told us that despite the largest crowd here being 201000 people, they had to limit this to 100000 (seated) when part of the upper stand colapsed during a match. The staduim is separated into two parts, lower and upper stands. The crazy fans sit in the upper stand.

Next we attempted to get near the Sambodrome, this was not easy as Carnaval started that night and they were stopping people. We then went to see the metropolitan cathedral. This is an amazing building from the inside, but from the outside it look like the beehive and nothing like a cathedral. Caused a lot of controversy with people not liking it but when the pope said he liked it, it calmed things down a bit.

Next we went to see the famous steps in Lapa. They have featured in CSI: Miami, Snoop Dogg video for 'Beautiful' and a U2 video aswell. They were created by this crazy Chilean artist who still lives on the steps and we got to meet!

Next onto Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer. Amazing views!!! and the statue is positively massive. (and also a bit structurally damaged after being hit by lightning. Ironic).

We then went for a buffet lunch before heading out to Sugar Loaf and going by gondola right to the top. Yet again amazing views!

Finally after an incredibly long day headed back to the hotel.

15th Feb: Went down to check out Ipanema beach this morning. It is a nicer beach than Copacobana and the crowds thought so too. So many people packed along the shoreline and occasionally getting wet by the rogue wave. Have never seen such a densly packed beach!!

Back to hotel for a nap and to prepare for Carnaval. Got to Sambadrome 2 hours early at 7pm and got a good seat. I did not leave again until 6am! The night was amazing. The crowds were huge and there were over 20000 dancers! The outfits were so amazing and would rival anything seen at the wearable arts. The songs were electrifying and the floats were out of this world. One float was a giant robotic eagle that transformed like a transformer. INCREDIBLE. This is something to put on your list of things to do before you die! I left at 6 am and walked back to my hotel. The walk back was incredible, people partying on the streets and the dancers walking back with all or part of their costumes still on.

16th Feb: slept until 3pm. got up and then got ready and went down to Copacobana for the markets and music and some food. I couldnt eat all of my shrimps so I gave them to a homeless man. Headed back to hotel on an incredibly packed metro. Tonight I heard my first and only gun shot in Rio. Luckily I was safe in my hotel.

17th Feb: Last day in Rio. Up and packed and down to Copacobana in the hopes that some of the shops would open today. They hadnt by 11am. The whole city is cleaning up after the parties. Another hot day today, 33degrees at 10am. Wonder what the weather will be like at home. Leaving for the airport at 4pm, flight is at 9pm. But since today everyone is leaving Rio the airport will be mental. it is now midday and I am still in Copacobana, I have to leave here by 3pm and have to get some lunch too.

See you all soon, I am going to enjoy my last afternoon, relaxing in Rio de Janeiro.

Amanda xoxox