Cycling around Lagoa

Yes, I have a lot of energy. So, one of my favourite ways to explore a new city is to get on a push bike and cycle round town. I love doing it, you see things you'd never see otherwise and you can go as fast or as slow as you like.

We hired some bikes and rode for hours. Up to Botafogo, Flamengo and Lagoa, two cool burbs in Rio with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. And yes, you can sill see that Christo from everywhere... Botafogo is home to one of the four Rio football teams, so is Flamengo. All along the streets in these areas you see flags & jerseys hanging from balconies and clotheslines. They're into their football here. Can't wait to see a game. Will be madness.

On top of the world

You can't come to Rio and not get up close and personal with Christ. And boy am I glad I did. You know, that big statue is beaming down on you it seems from pretty much everywhere in Rio but it doesn't feel like big brother... surprisingly!

When we got up the Corcovado and saw the statue up close, it was really humbling. It's as tall as a 13 storey building and you really feel it when you're standing at his feet. But everyone is up there having a laugh, acting like silly buggers. Yep, I have a photo of me (not for this blog!) acting inappropriately in front of the big Cristo.

Was a comedy of errors getting up there, we were late, missed the first few trains, by the time we get up there and the sun is setting and it is freezing (i'm wearing short shorts). On the way down, we waited for 40 minutes for a train in cold on top of a mountain, but kept ourselves warm by joining in on a party with the Brazilians in the queue behind us who were drunk and dancing to Brazilian pop. Dancing warms you up pretty quick smart!

Views on top of Corcovado are stunning. You actually feel like you are on top of the world...