Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl......

I am here in my last South American port of call, Rio!

After a nice time in Curitiba and a pleasant train ride through the Brazilian country side, we have reached the glamour city or Rio.

We started off at a budget hotel, but have since upgraded to a mid range hotel. We have a room on the 11th floor, which has a fantastic view of Copacabana beach - all for the pricely sum of 15 pounds each, more than we have spent on any night yet - combined!

We have been struggling in the humidity and heat (28 degrees at 8am in the morning), but have been enjoying the sights and sounds of one of the most famous cities in the world.

Yesterday we ventured up Sugarloaf mountain to watch the sun set behind the Christ the Redeemer statue - quite magical.

Today we have been to the botanical gardens and having a bit of a quiet day. For me, the highlight of the day was seeing a hummingbird fluttering as it drank the nectar of a hanging flower. It´s wings were beating so fast you couldn´t see them.

We have a couple more days here, and then Rachel flies back to sunny Macclesfield and I´m off up to Guatemala (not quite so exotic, but we can´t have everything!)