Wow! I'd never thought of visiting Brazil but with a good deal on a tour package and Alison wanting to tick off the last of the seven wonders of the world with the Christ the redeemer statue it seemed like a reasonable destination. A British Airways flight took us to Rio de Janeiro where we had a great time on Copacabana and Ipanema beaches - I nearly drowned at the latter - and we visited many of the sights as well as hangliding over Rio which was fantastic. Visits included maracana stadium, christ the redeemer statue, christo redentor, sugarloaf mountain, pao de acucar, copacabana beach, ipanema beach, videgal favela, dois irmaos, arpoador beach, Escadaria Selarón , celaron steps, discovering cachaca in the form of numerous very strong caipirinhas! we then moved to the historical town of Paraty for a few days before heading off to finish our stay with a few days on the beautiful island of Isla Grande where our downfall was scuba diving with some people who we later met up with for dinner. This culminated in a 3am caipirinha drinking session with many argentinians amongst the local brazilian island people! It was marvellous but what a hangover! Diving and walking around we saw spotted eagle ray . and turtles too. A fantastic trip and one of my favourite ever - not bad considering I wasn't that fussed beforehand...

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