Teresa + the tram

What do in Rio when it´s raining? Search out your namesake and head to Santa Teresa. Described in the guidebook as ´a leafy suburb composed of cobbled streets with stupendous vistas of the city below. Trams run from the centre crossing the 18th century Roman-style aqueduct, high over Lapa.´

So, we dug deep, purchased our tram tickets at an extortionate 16 pence each and approached the tram. ´Shame´, we thought, ´it´s full. We´ll have to wait till the next one´, until we noticed that the locals were adopting the hang on to the side approach. Ok, when in Rome - the word ´Rome´not prompting a recollection to the guidebook mention of the aqueduct. And, ´how fast can this thing go?´, I thought.

Assuming a bell or similar would signal the off, the tram shot forward so on we jumped. The best way I can describe it is by comparing it to a ghost train as it lunged ahead, making emergency stops + hurtling around corners. Holding on for life, we approached the aqueduct. Two thoughts as we crossed, with the city far below:

- This is probably one of those experiences that my parents shouldn´t know about (and appreciate you are rading this, Mum!)

- Awesome!!! You´d pay a fortune for this at Alton Towers, but this has cost me 16p!

So, I have my new favourite way of travelling. The tram continued up the windy roads to the top of Santa Teresa, which has a very Bohemian feel with lovely restaurants and bars. We walked past one that was heaving + ringing with chat + laughter + joined the queue for a table. Assuming no chance of being able to get anything vegeterian to eat and English being spoken little, I resigned myself to an omelette, but happily as it was such a nice place. However, imagine my delight when an English menu arrived with a vegetarian section + I tucked into a veggie bean stew with rice, pumpkin and kale. With beer as cold as you can serve it, you have a very, very happy T...