Hi all!

Its been 2 weeks since I last updated, and boy have Bec and I been busy little bees! I`ve had a long list of `must see and do`s in Rio` and I am proud to say that we have successfully completed about 95% of that list (she can do the rest next time she comes to visit!)

We have had a wild time, and Beccy has now  seen the best and worst that Rio has to offer (except for the best to come over the next few days before she leaves on Wednesday- Carnival!!)

The worst includes seeing how 1/3 of the population live in Rio- The Favelas- the shanty towns or slums that cover the mountain sides and house the drug traffickers. Many good and honest people live there too- but just don`t have the income and or means to get out.

We got taken on a tour with Leopoldo-our personal Tour guide. He took us there by bus, and then up to the top of the favela by motor boys (guys with motorbikes that act as taxis taking people where they need to go for a couple of reais).

We were amazed by the views they have of the sea and we could even see some rich mansions very close by- (how the rich can live so close by must be frightening). Our guide told us the history of the favelas, and how he believes that there will soon be a civil war- the traffickers have some of the best artillery and could take over the city of they desired- but lack the organisation and co-operation with the other favelas over the city. Its a very scary thought.

Inside the favela it is dirty and cramped. Small alleyways weave through the buildings and you can smell the sewage that washes down and ends up at Sao Conrado beach- hence you never see anyone swimming there! Leo took us to some small markets where beccy bought a cool piece of local art and then we went to see the best views from the apartment of a local business-savvy man that has built a fancy penthouse above his apartment and for a small fee tourists can head up to his roof top to see the favela spread out below- a magnificent view- its just so huge- a mini city with apppox 150,000 inhabitants! Most of the buildings are built by brick and cement. They have everything that they need, shops, hairdressers, Internet cafes, butchers, video shops, but most surprisingly was to see banks and schools!  Many hook up to the electricity for free!

It was certainly an eyeopener for both Bec and me. Its very depressing but most people we saw looked well and even happy. Apparently there is hardly any crime because the drug traffickers guarantee safety to those inside- its just when the police get involved that war breaks out. But its the corrupt police who sell the artillery to the traffickers in the first place, so its a vicious cycle that is almost impossible to to fix.

I`m glad that Bec got to see that real and raw part of Rio. It added depth to her visit and forces her (and me and everybody that comes here) to deal with the harsh reality that we have it sooo good back home in Oz. That many in this world are poor, uneducated and just trying to survive in any way that they can. It teaches us compassion, understanding and keeps us grounded. 

But in juxtaposition to this ugliness, Rio also has some of the most magnificent beauty- from its luscious natural landscapes to the gorgeous women dancing Samba for Carnival. We got to see Rio from above by taking the cable car up to Sugar Loaf, and on another day-a tram up to the Christ Statue. It`s seriously like a dream when you are so high up and can see endless mountains, beaches, waterways, forests and the sky which changes so quickly with the fast moving clouds and temperamental rain storms. We had some great sunny days which were too bloody hot, and the crappy non-stop rainy days, but even though it hindered our plans a few times, we were pretty lucky with the weather!

Even though I have done many of these activities before, I didnt mind them again, and one of those was going to Plataforma- a very expensive (but worth it) show of a mix of  the best of Capoeira (with gorgeous men doing 5 back flips in a row and spinning around each other in the best of the martial arts dance that I have ever seen!) Then out came the ladies all dressed up in the most lavish and colourful costumes for Carnival- like bright red and orange birds. 

One weekend Leo invited us to his fathers birthday BBQ. We ate the yummy BBQ and sang terribly to the Karaoke that Leos brother`s girlfriend had brought around. Not usually my kinda fun- but great for a laugh. Leo`s family are slowly getting used to the idea of Leo coming to live in Australia with me which is great! :)

On another weekend Bec and I participated in a Beer-run called HASH, and we dressed up and ran in the rain with others to our next beer stop 5 minutes away. It was so much fun. Finally bec has become a beer drinker- whoopteedoo noodleoooo!

All in all the past 2 weeks have been a blast...and the fun only continues as Carnival has just begun and tomorrow night-(Sunday 3rd Feb) at 11.30pm, Bec and I will be participating in the Carnival parade! Oh yes, we got our costumes yesterday and we will look like green and silver looking Big Birds! Go Salgueiro!!!!!!!!!

Kisses from Rio

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