South America

Hello there, i sucessfully arrived in Rio on the 17th.
The fight seemed to go on forever but it was worth every minute.
As i arrived in the baggage claim department i got hit with a surge of humidity and i grinned with happiness as i realised
i´ve escaped from Englands dulling weather.

I made it to the hotel which obviously hadnt been updated or re-painted since the 1970´s but the bed was comfy and it was a good chance to catch up on some kip.

Everyone has met up in the hotel lobby and it seems that the group have really bonded well already. Everyone was really nervous and on-edge as no one really knows what to expect.
The Guides, Dan and Andy, greeted us with big grins and explains everything we should be doing over the next few weeks.

At 3:00 half of the group decided to visit the Sugar Loaf Mountain, the clouds were pretty Low so we had to make the most of the good weather while it lasted. We arrived in the nick of time to take some great photos, the view was breathtaking and no postcard can compare to the 360 degree angle view

within 30 minutes we were completely submerged in clouds and we were soaking within minutes from the mist so we made it back to the Hotel.

Our first meal was spent in an italian restaurant....how very traditional of us! The food really cheep and so filling. As everyone found out it was my 21st the previous day, they decided to embarrass the hell out of me by getting the restaurant manager to bring a HUGE birthday cake to our table while everyone sang happy birthday!

This day was spent in the fully equipped truck as we travelled along the beautiful coast line of Rio to Paraty, a few KM south from the city.
~I can honestly say that i´ve never seen such a beautiful sight in all my lifte for 3 whole hours! We crossed some really bad towns full of shanty houses but the colours of the materials theyy used made it look so vibrant still.
There were mountains after mountains of one side of the road, covered in lush forest and bright flowers. The other side of the road was the blue sea and while beaches lined by modern houses owned by rich business men and their yachts!

We arrived in Paraty which seems to be a slowly developing town. there are very modern homes and buildings right next to very old concrete shells that are being squatted in, it looks so varied.

the Hostel we´re staying in looks like it should actually be in Holland! everything is wooden and really quaint hehe. The food is fantastic and i´ts actually a better quality than the first hotel we stayed in.

I´ve just managed to get on the computer this morning to write all of the experiences so far.
We´ll be heading out on a boat trip this morning for 5 hours then lunch on a little island later, maybe a BBQ. After lunch we´ll be snorkelling!
The weather has finally lifted and the clouds are no longer touching the floor like they have been.

Cant write much for today, speak soon xx