Fog and Mist

After four days it stopped raining! So we cycled over to the Cable Car on Sugarloaf Mountain.

There are two cable car systems which take you to the top, where they have a theatre for concerts.

It was on this system that James Bond wrestled with Jaws in Moonraker .

At the top we enjoyed a Caipirinha cocktail at the top. Made with local rum, sugar and limes.

And viewed the distant beach at Copacabana which probably had people sunbathing despite the weather!

Yesterday we thought it had cleared up, but by the time the train reached the top of the famous Christ mountain, the clouds had come in and we couldn't even see the statue just metres behind us, let alone see the City below! We laughed!

You can just see the statue behind us! Does it remind you of 'Titanic'?....

Fog and Mist

Transports of delight

Another day on the beach

Botafogo Heights B+B

Postcard from Rio

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Postcard from Rio

Greetings from Botafogo, the district of Rio where Roberto has his house. On the middle hill you can just see me getting a lift home on the back of a motorbike!

Fog and Mist

Transports of delight

Another day on the beach

Botafogo Heights B+B

Postcard from Rio

More pictures

Botafogo Heights B+B

While here I'm helping my host Roberto to convert his house into Botafogo Heights B&B. It is an eccentric property with breath-taking views of Sugar Loaf Mountain, and lots of potential with its flexible layout. See more pictures of Roberto's house.

The garage in the basement is kitted out with mirrors and fancy lights, and doubles as a rehearsal and costume-making space for the local carnival club. I'm going as The Pope! We went past the float's 'graveyard' today and even though the giant displays have been left gathering dust they are still amazing and in such vibrant colours.

Yesterday we went to the Brasilian version of 'B&Q' and saw a display of 500 different toilet seats!

Everything is very expensive, even clothes, as there are high import duties. However the result is that because they do not have many cheap imports from China but instead manufacture stuff at home in Brasil, they are likely to weather the economic recession very well.

Roberto's house is halfway up a mountain, so to get home there are boys on motorobikes at the bottom who will give you a lift home for 2 Reals (75p). I have been helping Roberto turn a corner of the floor below into yet another guest room. He is ruthless and is even planning to let out a shed in the garden. But the weather is so warm, none of the houses need heating, and I've been sleeping with windows open all night.

Fog and Mist

Transports of delight

Another day on the beach

Botafogo Heights B+B

Postcard from Rio

More pictures

Transports of delight

We don't seem to be having much luck with Rio's transport system.

A tortuous rush-hour trip to the airport to meet Andrew ended up with the bus crashing into a car in front, and the journey taking two hours.

I nearly got arrested on the underground Metro. I got on a carriage and people started saying something to me. I was puzzled and then a policeman came along, and I said 'Sorry I am English' - and he said 'This carriage for women only!'. Doh!

And on the day we wanted to take the mountain railway up to see The Christ statue - it was unexpectedly closed.

Then yesterday when we took a ride on the historic Santa Theresa tram, it broke down in the middle of the viaduct, and we all had to climb off!

Originally an aqueduct, it was converted to carry trams in the 1890s, when Rio's network of trams covered most of the City. Today it is a wonderful tourist attraction.

Eventually another tram came along to give a tow.

At least Roberto's bicycles have been reliable.

Just been exploring on the bike, and found Santa Marta favela, which is a shanty town clinging to the sides of the mountains. This one is on the other side of the hill from Roberto's and has a funicular railway to the top. So I thought I'd be lazy and take the railway to the top and cycle down the other side to home.
I forgot it would be dark and no street lights at the top, and didn't realise how steep the roads were! . . . I ended up having to walk the bike it was so steep and windy - but what a view!

Fog and Mist

Transports of delight

Another day on the beach

Botafogo Heights B+B

Postcard from Rio

More pictures

Another day on the beach

I could certainly get used to this relaxing lifestyle, but I'm only here for a month... The beach is fun, the scenery fantastic, and the people welcoming. Just look at the view from my room....

On the beach you are looked after by a dedicated bar and refreshment service, providing you with beach chairs, parasols, cold drinks and almost anything else you might need!

Every five minutes there is someone trying to sell you a frango (beach blanket), nuts, ice cream, swimming trunks, kebabs, sketches, snacks, and an assortment of drugs and other thrills.

Andrew couldn't resist a massge from this guy whose name is Nelson Mandella (with two 'l's).

The two famous beaches, Copacabana and Ipanema, are next to each other and have recently been reached by the Metro system. From the 1930s these beaches have been among the trendiest in the world, and Andrew and I have done our best to keep up that tradition.

There are cycle paths all over the place, and the route from Roberto's to the beach runs alongside a lake just behind the beaches, helping to keep me away from the crazy bus drivers on the roads!

Fog and Mist

Transports of delight

Another day on the beach

Botafogo Heights B+B

Postcard from Rio

More pictures