Day 19- the last day

So our last day has dawned. We aren't being collected until 7pm to go to the airport for our flight at 11, so we have the whole day to chill out and relax. We've even managed to check in online and print our boarding passes so the bag drop should be very quick. 

This morning, after a very leisurely breakfast, we sorted out the cases for the last time, put them into the bag store and ventured out.  We walked to Ipanema beach and Leblon beach, which are more upmarket than Copacabana. Had an ice cream and a cold beer and are now back in the hotel enjoying   The facilities like 'normal' holidaymakers. 

Ipanema looking exactly like Copacabana and no different to Leblon. 

It's very nice sat here under a parasol enjoying the warmth, not sure I could've done it for 3 weeks though, I think a day is plenty. 

Enjoying a last swim. The hotel has two pools and all but us have deserted this pool now and gone to the other one which is were the sun is now. 

Normally on our travels we've found bits and pieces to buy that are representative of where we have visited and serve to act as a reminder when once we are home. Not so this time, we are coming back with nothing other than two cases of dirt smelly clothes!!!! We haven't bought a single item, how doc us that?

It's all over, we are here at the airport, checked in, through customs, sat waiting. Here's to the next holiday. Love you all. xxxxx

Day 18 - Rio

Oh what a day we've had. Woke up this morning fully refreshed and ready to start the day after a nice FaceTime with mum followed by breakfast. Cristine our guide was in the lobby to meet us at 9 am and our driver, Giovani, was sat outside waiting for us. I don't know how he's managed to look so cool all day in neat grey trousers, pristine white shirt and black tie whilst we have sweltered in 40c heat. 

Copacabana from our room. Sugar loaf mountain is the big hump at the far right hand side. 

Our day tour started off with two cable cars up Sugar Loaf Mountain, where the views of the city are magnificent. 

First leg

Second leg

Photos from the top, a very hazy Corcovada Hill with Christ the Redeemer on the top. 

A view along Copacabana Beach with our hotel being the very last building on the far right hand end of the bay. Whilst writing this now I'm sat on our balcony, drinking a beer and looking across to Sugar Loaf mountain. 

This next photo shows the 14km bridge across the bay, with Rio on the left. It is the 4 longest bridge in the world. 

After Sugar Loaf cool Giovani was waiting for us and we were given a tour of the city. We stopped at the Metropolitan Cathedral, which reminded us of Paddy's Wigwam in that it is the same shape and was built in the 1950s. Apart from 4 magnificent windows and the fact that it seats 5,000 with room for 20,000 standing, there isn't much to say. 

We then stopped at a staircase which has been made famous by an artist named Seleron. He was a bit wacky and people from all over the world sent home ceramic tiles to incorporate into the staircase. On the sides he has used old baths to make seats and some have been used as planters. 

From here we made our way to Corcovada To take the cog railway up to see Christ the Redeemer. It was as impressive as we expected it to be. Very crowded and busy but wonderful. 

Waiting in the shade for the train

The World Cup football stadium which will be used for the olympics. 

Sugar loaf from Christ the Redeemer. Notice how hazy all the photos are from the heat. 

There were people on our tour who haven't done a stopover in Rio because they considered it too dangerous. Well we are very glad that we stopped over and would have felt cheated if we hadn't. Every city has areas that you shouldn't go into after dark, it's just a question of following the rules and being sensible. 

Now we are showered and clean and off out down Copacabana to meet up with Janice and Keith, our last night of our South American Adventure. 

Day 17 - Rio

So the final leg of our journey before being homeward bound is upon us. After breakfast this morning we walked both the upper and lower trails again and the views were just as breathtaking, although we didn't bother with anymore photos. It was quite nice walking around unencumbered by a camera., although I did succumb and took one photo of himself. 

I'm Iguazu'd out, get me out of here to Rio!!!

Our exit from Argentina and entry into Brazil was very quick and the time at the airport seemed quick. It did seem odd being there minus a tour guide. 

Iguazu river and falls from the air 

We arrived 10 minutes early into Rio but it was rush hour so the drive to the hotel took about 45 mins. The hotel is great and we are looking forward to our city tour tomorrow. 

The view of Copacabana beach from our balcony. 

Beautiful floral arrangement by our room

Right now there is a big storm outside so we have come to the hotel bar for food. We did plan on going out but as the rain was torrential and the sky lit up with lightning, we decided to stay in. It seems odd being on our own. 

Ready to eat 

Notice the two little jars on the right are filled with 'catchup'!!!

Himself enjoying a nightcap on our balcony. 

Last night we enjoyed a final meal with those still left. Quite a number didn't do the Iguazu add on and more have dropped out today in not doing Rio. We are now alone in our hotel but looking forward to meeting up for a meal tomorrow evening with Janice and Keith and David and Kay. 

Day 16 - Iguazu

We woke this morning to a perfect day. The first thing that greeted us when we opened the curtains was three toucans sat in the tree outside our room. Unfortunately as it was only just light the image quality isn't great. 

The falls from our room

Our plan of action was to go out and do both the upper and lower walk before breakfast and then do the Garganta del Diablo trail this afternoon. Unfortunately you aren't allowed on the trails until 8am so we had breakfast first and then set off walking. Both walks were spectacular and we were rewarded with views at every turn. The upper and lower trails clocked up 3.6 miles and the Garganta 5.2, not bad considering the sweltering heat. When we arrived back after the morning trails, breakfast was still open so we decided to have an extra helping of coffee, fruit juice and toast, which was very nice. 

 

Having added the above photos it makes me realise how they just don't do justice to what we've seen. The constant thunderous roar of the water, the spray in the air and the sheer scale will never leave us. Magnificent. If we'd never seen Niagara there would be absolutely no point now. 

A vultures circling over our hotel

Had a lovely conversation with Seren. I won't forget to look for those Peppa Pig muddy puddle cakes Seren. 

Only three days left now. Tomorrow we will be off to Rio and then next stop will be home. We will certainly be taking away so many memories from this holiday. 

Day 15 - Iguazu

Yet another early start today for a 9am flight to Iguazu. At least this plane was on time and we arrived at 11am. Our guide was waiting for us and we headed off to the Brazilian side of the falls. We are staying on the Argentinian side in the only hotel within the Argentinian national park. 

Our first view of the falls was breathtaking. We've been to Niagara but these falls are bigger. At 80m high they are not the highest falls but at 2.7 kms long they are the largest. I've forgotten the actual statistics so if you want to know you'll have to google it. 

Himself and me, soaked. We did have the foresight to bring plastic bags to put my bag in and the camera. 

We walked to the end of the walkway, of course and got soaking wet. 

Our hotel

It seems odd after the cold weather to be here in the rain forest in sweltering sticky heat. The fantastic weather we had to do our walk has given way to a tremendous thunderstorm, lots of rain, wind and thunder and lightning. It's very confusing right now as we are in Argentina, 3 hours behind the UK but Apple is picking up its signal from Brazil so the iPads and phone is an hour ahead, only 2 hours behind the UK.