Ode to My Hostel

O hostel, my hostel, how do I love thee?

Hosting young adults, so drunk their beds they oft' pee.

Snoring, farting, mumbling, 

Like some night-long, out-of-tune symphony.

How can I be so sure

That inspired trumpet solo was not me?

Rio is a happening city! Full of activity, culture and of course about 6 million people. We have been travelling around on the local bus system, which is actually very good (and cheap), and trying to see as much of the city as we can in 3 days. 

Yesterday, we made our way up to the Corocovado, to see the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer. Riding up a tram packed full off tourists that takes you to the peak of a hill overlooking Rio is well worth the price for the stunning views:

There was some special name for this type of track that I have forgotten.

The Tram rides up through the Tijuca Forest

One of the many views from the top of the Corocovado. This is Ipanema Beach where we are staying

Of course, the main attraction is Christ the Redeemer. Everyone likes to take funny pictures of themselves imitating the statue or pretending to squish the statue in their fingers or windmill-five. We tried to get some funny ones ourselves, but settled for windmill-fiving each other a la Goose and Maverick.

I stand 70 metres high

"I swear, it was this big!"

We also strolled around a  local market on the beach, and today are off to rent bikes to cycle around the city.

Mmm. fish!