I've survived Rio Carnaval!

The world's biggest, craziest party hosted in one of the greatest cities, Rio sure knows how to throw a shindig.

I kicked off with a Silent Disco, where we jumped around to some stupidly fun music (too embarassing to name here), then had 5 days of carnaval; partying all through the night, trying to Samba, gasping at the incredible floats and outfits at the Sambadromo, hopping on combi vans overloaded with people to go wild in Lapa... its been a lot of fun.

I love Rio. What a crazy city - every street corner has hosted an inpromptu party, with drums, tamborines, soundsystems and a lot of acapella. I've shimmied, jumped, wiggled, bounced and high-fived my way around the city, dancing from party to party. The highlight had to be going to see the main carnival event at the Sambadromo - a huge catwalk which hosts a selection of Samba schools from across the city. Each spends a whole year preparing, with the most incredibly extravagant, creative, inspiring and downright bonkers themes, a lot of feathers, some tiny thongs and a lot of glitter on display.

Copacabana has been great for bloccos (street parties), but late-night wild times have all been in Lapa - right underneath the Arcos de Lapa, and close to the crazy steps I mentioned last time. Huge crowds threw their best shapes, not to mention a whole load of spilt caiprihinas, through the streets - the bars and clubs were overflowing, and everyone was up for a good time. I've made about 10,000 new friends - Rodrigo was right when he told me that Brazilians love to show off their English language skills, I've even had a few marriage proposals :) My friend Jermaine from home is over for carnival so its been fun hanging out with him and Drew, and with new hostel friends, street party friends and the people from my tour I keep bumping into people I know. In Rio!

This is the longest time I've spent in one place since my trip began, I feel like a carioca (Rio resident) now. Have to admit I'll be glad to leave Hebrew Heights - the inappropriately-named Rio Ritz hostel which turned out to be mostly populated by Israelis). I'm extending my stay in Rio by another couple of days as the weather has been a bit rubbish so there are still some sights I'd like to catch - but I'm moving to the Cabana Copa hostel to stay with Emile, Signe and Lynne. Fingers crossed its a bit cleaner than Rio Ritz...

Had a failed attempt to go to Christ the Redeemer today (too cloudy, he was hiding) - but Sugar Loaf Mountain was lovely. Come on Christo, peep out from those clouds I want a silly photo with you!

x