Next up was Rio and I can honestly say I didn’t really have enough time there. Still that is the way things work sometimes. Rio is a massive party town or that’s the way it seems to me. Perhaps its just the lead up to Carnival.
In a way after the energy of Salvador I was beginning to regret my decision not to be in Rio for Carnival. I was beginning to believe maybe the excessive amount of money it costs to even simply stay in Rio for that time period might have been worth it.
I can safely say that at least for me I’m glad I was moving on. I really do not think I would have got much from Carnival. Well at least in Rio. I’m sure it’s an amazing time just not for me I think.
The hostel I was staying in was one of the worst I have encountered in South America so far. It was a great location only a few blocks from Ipanema beach however that was one of it’s few redeeming features. I can also say while I am now well and truly used to dorm accommodation I think a 13 bed dorm truly does suck.

The beach was crowded but nice enough. I can not say that I think the people are any more beautiful in Ipanema or Copacabana than anywhere else in the world despite what some might say. Although I think there are quite a few that should give some thanks to their plastic surgeons.
I did go to see that big statue sitting on the hill here in Rio that everyone seems to rave over. What can I say? It’s a statue sitting on a hill. Ok so it’s a big statue but unless you are incredibly religious can not say that I think it’s really significant.

I can not quite see how anyone could rate Christ the Redeemer as being anywhere near the league of Petra, Chichen Itza, the Colosseum or even the Taj Mahal (and I was really underwelmed with the Taj but it’s a hell of a lot better that a statue on a hill).
Oh and yes I know that Machu Picchu and the Great Wall of China are missing from that list but since I haven’t been to either yet I guess I can not comment. Although thinking of both of them I fail to see how the statue could be anywhere near them either.
The view from the top of the surrounding city almost makes the trip worth it though.
Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy my time in Rio and I think perhaps it is a place I would like to go back to one day just so I can have the time so I can really see and appreciate it.
Unlike my next destination Caracas Venezuela, however that is another journal entry.