Nov. 16, 17, Iguassu to Rio

Spent the 16th mostly hanging out at hotel waiting to get our 2hr. Flight to Rio. Rio is home to about 16 mil. On bus to hotel, passed by favelas or shanty towns that are depressing, but evidently they have established their own communities. An optional tour is offered to visit one. I think we'll pass.

Arrived in the rain The Sheraton is on the water and we have as great view of Ipanema beach. Spent the evening having dinner at the hotel.

The city tour started early at sugar loaf passing many city spots and beaches. Sugar loaf is the highest of 2mnts and you have to take a tram to the first on and then another one between the 2 to the top of sugar loaf! Spectacular views frm top. You'll have to wait for pix. The next stop was another mtn. Where Christ the Redeemer is. For this you need to take a small train straight up the mtn. The trip took 1/2 hr each way and went through a rain forest.

The view from the top is another one of those times where words can't do justice. We could see The Redeemer had been rained on from Sugar Loaf, but the weather got better and better until it turned into a gloriously sunny day, hot, boy with a tropical breeze blowing.

Back on the bus to the national cathedral which is cone shaped and looks nothing like a church. The best part was the included lunch in Copacabana at a churascuria, where they bring all kinds of BBQ meat to the table andshave it off for you after the huge soup and salad bar. Very fun.

The next stop was the gem store where they showed us a museum, and explained how and where the gems were mined. Then we were given another mojito-like drink while we were ambushed by sales people and pressured to buy. There may have been good deals, but 10k was out of price range. I'll stick to jewelry tv.

After escaping, the four of us walked along Ipanema beach until we found a cab. Elaine caught Rodger's cold and felt crummy, so we had a dinner picnic in the room.

Tomorrow rodg and I will do some shopping and walking along the beach. No probs with stealing or anything----so far, although there is a strong police presence everywhere, ESP. along the beach walks.

More to coMe, but not much more.

Btw, the beaches are pristine and very inviting.

Happy bd. Katie!

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