My final couple of days in South America gave me time to sample the delights of Rio before returning to the rain and cold of London. Yesterday I ventured into the north of the city to the Quinta da Boa Vista. It’s the former residence of the Emperors of Brazil, now turned into the Museu National. It’s a fine old building and the park was full of families enjoying the weekend sunshine. The park is next to the Maracana Stadium. They play something called Futebol there. I don’t know what it is but everyone seems obsessed with it here. All the taxi drivers want to know what my team is. Luckily there was not a game on or I wouldn’t have got near the place. Today I spent my last full day exploring the Pão de Açúcar commonly known as the Sugar Loaf. It was fantastic weather with not a cloud in the sky and the views from the top were absolutely stunning. The Cable Car takes you in two stages the 396 meters from Sea level and from the top you can see the whole of Rio laid out before you. From here Rio is surely the most beautiful city in the world with wonderful clear water surrounding vast tracts of Rain forest clinging to mountainous spikes and the city squeezed in the middle. A fantastic way to end my trip in a wonderful country.

Spent most of the day in Centro, the main business section of the city, but also home to a few museums and churches. Incredibly hot again, takes some getting used to after a summer in England. Walked back to Copacabana, a trip which involved a very steep hill. What a strange place to put a city. Off down the coast tomorrow as I work my way down towards Argentina.

Took the cog train up the mountain to see the view from Christ`s lofty perch, and it is some view. I can see why he looked so small now, it`s a very long way up. 710 meters high in fact and the view is absolutely staggering. You can see the whole city from the airport in the North to Ipanema in the south, spread out at your feet. The hill I sweated and panted up yesterday, to get a view over the Lagoa, looks like a little pimple far far below. It was packed up there mind you, and you had to be careful picking your way through the bodies prostrate before the saviour. Not because of any religious passion, it was the only way to get a decent photograph of him.

Spent the day at the seaside. Well if seaside is the correct word for the vast expanse of sun kissed sand they is just a block from my hotel. Copacabana was heaving with locals and tourists alike taking the morning eea air. The was a marathon in the morning, why is it wherever I go I always end up getting tangled up in a marathon. This afternoon wandered over to Ipanema and then around the Lagona. Although it was a bit hazy got very sunburnt.

Long flight down to Rio, via Lisbon. Very smooth and I slept most of the way. First impressions of Rio are of a massive city, built around stunning scenery. The trip from the airport was fascinating. One thing that surprised me was how small the figure of Christ looked up on the hill. You are so used to seeing it close up you think it is massive. It probably is when you get up close, but the old chap gets a bit lost in the hills. Staying in Copacabana just a block from the beach. Just went out for a walk as the sun was going down and the place was heaving.