RIO - Caipirinhas and skimpy cossies...

After braving 24hrs on another bus I made it to Rio de Janeiro... home of caipirinha cocktails and skimpy cossies...
I stayed at the Mango Tree - a hostel 1 block from Ipanema beach and owened by an Australian! I was so greatful to see museli, fruit, youghurt and VEGEMITE for breakfast!
I met a few girls at the hostel and went with them to see the sights of Rio - Sugar loaf, Lapa steps and Christ the Redeemer (which was covered in scaffolding!! they are cleaning it in time for the 2012 olympics)
Went to a local soccer match, Fluiminese v's Vittoria. Locals were selling beer to us in the van on the way to Maracana stadium (you cant drink alcohol in the stadium - as a way of curbing fanatical behaviour). It was the second last game in the world biggest soccer stadium before they close it for renovations for the soccer world cup in 2014.
Our group managed to find a spot in the stand amongst the home team behind the samba drums and massive team flags. The atmosphere was amazing! Supporters were chanting the whole time (too bad I couldnt understand what they were saying!), flares were lit amongst the crowd and people were crying when goals were missed. Think we were the only ones in the supporters section who werent wearing jerseys!Finally the weather cleared up and I took advantage of the Rio sunshine! Ipanema beach reminded me of home. Clear water, white sand. The only things setting it apart were the men in speedo shorts (put it away...) and people walking along the beach trying to sell you things... food, beer, icecream, swimmers, towels, sarongs, jewellery. It was great being served on the beach and not having to move!
I went on a Favela tour (shanty towns/slums in Rio) to get a different perspective on the city. The people living in favelas are living there illegally and in extreme poverty. Generally they have no infrastructure such as electricity, garbage or sewage. The houses are self made and irregular with tiny alleyways seperating them.The favelas have the best views of Rio - they are located right on the sides of the hills overlooking the beaches.
The favelas are also home to the drug lords of Rio. During the tour the guide would tell us where and when we could take photos - he didnt want us accidently taking photos of the drug lords to then be chased down the street by them with guns!80% of the renowned Brazilian soccer players grew up in favelas.