Rio and Saquarema

Dear All,

Just sitting in a little internet cafe while we wait for the bus to take us back to Rio then further south to the green island of Ilha Grande. We spent the first three days in Rio staying a hostel with the most helpful owner called Jorge from Argentina who married a local.

The weather was a little overcast, not the 33 degrees and sunny we were expecting but made it a hell of a lot easier to get around without dying of heat exhaution. Our room had its own little rain forest just outisde the door. We could lie in bed and watch the bananas grow and the humming birds fly about. Took trip up sugar loaf mountain by cable car which was well worth it as the weather cleared up and Christ the Redeemer popped out for a quick photo opportunity.

After 3 days of hectic city living we headed north about 100km to a sleepy surf spot called Saquarema. Unfortunaely we couldn´t find the campsite we looking for but treated ourselves to a lovely pousada with beachside access, ensuite, TV and a swimming pool, for about seven pounds fifty a night. What a shame!! We even managed to get a full days sun shine but ended up a little more red than expected. The locals took pity on us and bought us a few drinks while we hid in the shade.

Today we off to a small island called Ihla Grande south of Rio, and then down to a small place called Parati.

Hope all is well at home. Be in touch soon. (Mum and Dad will try calling later this week).

Love to you all,Sarah and Lucas