Rio De Janeiro…Time to say goodbye

Five days in Rio went very quick. Too quick…. I had spent the time getting to know other people on my tour and others who had just finished similar tours around South America. Just hearing about everyone’s different itineraries has made me envious and want longer out here already…but before anyone panics, I will be coming back.

In just two days in Rio I had met a girl who had been mugged on the beach in Flamengo and heard of another who had been mobbed by a group of other girls in Lapa and robbed. Walking around, this Brazillian city is certainly not the safest. But if you’re sensible, stick in a group, and don’t flash your phone, money or camera around too much, you should be fine….I was.

It’s a shame there is so much poverty here. Among the burnt down buildings, people sleeping rough on the streets and the crime, there are some beautiful buildings and plenty of things to see and do. And the majority of people have been really friendly.

As the clean up after carnival started we visited the Arches of Lapa and Rio’s hideous cathedral, which makes Coventry’s cathedral look like one of the seven wonders of the world.

We also discovered a hidden gem inbetween the graffitied streets of Lapa – the Escalaria de Selaron, which is more than 200 colourful, mosaic tiled steps leading to the area of Santa Teresa. The steps were started in 1990 by a Chilean artist and are still in progress as he gets posted tiles from people all over the world.

Of course no visit to Rio would be complete without a visit to Christ the Redeemer at Corcovado. It is recommended you go on a clear day to see the view but on the train up there we could see nothing but thick cloud. But our prayers were heard and after a half an hour wait, the clouds drifted and we could some stunning views of the city below.

Despite the rain and feeling like I might be mugged every time I go out, I think I’m going to miss Rio and its quick footed locals.