Rio de Janeiro

Finally we got to see the beautiful city RIO DE JANEIRO. We stayed in Copacabana which is nice and also famous for its beach (I bet everyone knows the song). There was quite a lot to do in Rio. Movies, walking around, restaurants. The best was going up mount Sugar Loaf and then to the statue of Christ that overlooks the city. The views were amazing. It was probably one of the most beautiful city views if not the best i have seen. We took a whole day tour that included Sugar Loaf, statue of Christ, the Sunbodrum (Where the carnaval was), one of the cathedrals, Santa Theresa, a GREAT all you can eat restaurant and... We were also suppose to go to the maracana but unfortunately it was closed due to a game that was on the same day. I planned on going but was dead tired after a long day.







A day before, we took a free tour to the H.Stern world headquarters that happens to be located in Rio. We saw how they design and make their jewelry and were treated like kings. They picked us up in a limousine to take us to their headquarters. Over there they called me Sir and we were offered free drinks and food. It was as if we were the high society that came to buy jewellery. Not to forget, they had a saleswomen that sat with us for an hour or so that tried to sell Hilla a necklace for 1400US$. After convincing her that it was too much, she showed us something else for 400US$. I offered to pay. With Hillas credit card :-)

Another great experience was going to BET HABAD again. This time it was different. Instead of being with a bunch of other travellers eating together, the Habadnik that was there invited us and 8 other Israelis to his house for YOM SHISHI. It was absolutely amazing.

Yesterday we took a 22 hour bus ride that ended up being just fine to Campo Grande. From here we will be going today on a 4 day tour to the Pantanal - the greatest wildlife viewing in south America. We will stay on a farm and from there go on day tours with horse back riding, Jeep safari, fishing and loads of other things. All that included in the whole deal. You will have to wait and check the site to see some pics.

After that we plan on taking a 12 hour train to Bolivia where we will start a whole new adventure in the poorest country in South America. Cant wait.