really hard to explain because its not like people are hostile or unfriendly its just you really don’t feel at ease, it is the only city either of us has been too where we have felt like this. I suppose because you’re aware of its problems in terms of favelas and crime reputation, it makes you feel on edge, especially when everyone tells you not to walk around after 6.00 p.m. There is a heavy police presence but somehow in Rio it didn’t feel entirely reassuring, I don’t know its just you get a funny insecure feeling.

The next day we woke up to a brighter day, the sun was half shining and we were definitely ready to do something in the day. Our plan was to head up to the Ruins in the Park which is a famous old rundown house which was important in colonial times. Unfortunately I can’t remember why it was so important! Anyway the house was being restored and modernised as it was going to

open as a museum within the next few years. The views over towards Sugar Loaf mountain were amazing, it wasn’t the clearest of days but even so the view over the city was great. We then walked round to the Museu Chacara do Ceu which was a former industrialists mansion which housed some great paintings and artwork. It was also set in some amazing gardens which also offered great views across the city. After all this sightseeing we headed back to the hostel to chill before our extra special treat - going to a football match!

We had booked on a tour to go and see a game at the Maracana stadium, Brasil’s huge national stadium. We were going to see Botofoga verses a Sao Paulo team, the best games are between Rio and Sao Paulo teams apparently! The stadium was incredible, a bit worn down but impressive never the less. It is a circular stadium and holds a capacity crowd of around 150,000. We were