The perfect ending

As the rain poured down at Ihla Grande, we left for our final destination... Rio de Janeiro.

Despite having heard that this city is both cool and beautiful, we didn't realise how much until we where there! Beautifully situated between green hills and sandy beaches this city has more to offer than we possibly could imagine :). Stunning sights, relaxing beach life, topnotch food, delicious drinks, dangerously tempting shopping and a vibrant and longlasting night life.

And we needed to explore it all in 3 days! Where to start!? Not too difficult, really. We wanted to see the symbol of Rio, the statue of Christ the Redeemer.

We didn't have a second to waste and we immediately started to look for a taxi. The price offered was so good (i.e. low) that there was no doubt - go go go! :) And off we went.. Up the steep and winding roads. "What was that!?" we said anxiously, as we noticed the car going slower and slower.. not responding to the taxi driver's instructions. And then we stopped. Hm..not good, not good. We were only midway to our goal so there was no point in walking..

Luckily our taxi driver was also a mechanic, so after a couple of minutes with crossing fingers (and praying?), we were on our way again. This time we made it to the top where the 38 meter tall statue was awaiting us.

After the adrenaline kick from the drive,  we needed to celebrate - sushi and sparkling wine! :)

As the saying goes, to save the best for last, we sure did. On our last night, we went to Lapa to enjoy some samba! The samba bar "Beco do rato" is an amacing place with wall paintings and an atmosphere perfect for the great live music. It was impossible to stand still to those samba rythms.

At closing time we were not at all ready to go home. So we hooked up with our friends from the hostel, crammed ourself in a car and went to a samba school (Salgueiro) in the favela of Tijuca. The samba schools arrange big dance parties, in preparation for Carnival, and we really practiced until the early morning... A night we will never forget!

After just a few hours of sleep, we packed our backpacks and relaxed on Ipanama beach before heading for the airport, saying goodbye to the fantastic city of Rio. We loved it! :)