Last big night in Buenos Aires was really good, had great fun with the swedish girls we met and a few locals. Last few days were spent chilling out and conserving what money we had. could not afford the ticket to Rio untill saturday.

The bus ride to Rio was ummmmmm long. 44hrs to be precise. lots of uncomftable positions, in and out sleep and fat snoring men (especially for mat!)

When we arrived in Rio we agreed the journey actually wasnt too bad, would of been quicker if we hadnt broken down in the middle of the night for a few hours.

anyway, Rio is lovely.

Great place to stay for our last 2/3 days. Hot sunshine, clear blue skies, amazing beaches and gorgeous girls walking round in next to nothing.......so im really looking forward to coming home...........................

We arrived at the bus station late afternoon and had trouble trying to explain we needed to get to western union, eventually got a cab there and then we were able to check into a hostel in ipanema, we were debating whether to stay here or coacabana. I have heard Ipanema is much nicer and i wanted to stay at the same hostel as my uncle did. So we arrived at the wave hostel and checked in. its right in the main area of Ipanema (which is a really nice place)

we explred the area and went along the beach for a walk. there are so many fitness freaks here. they love to run and jog and cycle and stay healthy. nothing worg with that, just they are everywhere! got a bite to eat and had a few beers before hitting the hay for our final full day of travelling!

got up early about 8am (mat 5am) went straight down to the beach and started playing football, the backdop of ipanema beach is really spectacular a great setting for photos as you will see. came back for breakfast at 9am before returing to the beach. mat got in some final surfing as i lay there frying in the heat. played football with some local brazilians, taught them how the english do skills (see videos)

later in the afternoon we strolled along to Copacabana beach, not nearly as nice as ipanema beach, just has the name that everyone knows! had a couple of coconut drinks from the actual coconuts and decided we prefered ipanema, went back and sunbathed til the sun went down

played football with some more local kids who just showed up, they looked like kaka and robinho haha!

had a night swim and came back for some much needed rest. Flying home to the uk tomorrow afternoon and the end of our travels.

Mat will add his version of Brazil in another blog i think. but from me, thats it! hope you enjoyed reading about our travels. I have had the best few months ever, memories for a lifetime :)

Alex