Travel Blog by 
When my boyfriend and I headed off to Rio de Janeiro, we had no idea what to expect. We spoke no Portuguese, had very little money, and no real promise of work when we got there. Yet, probably more through luck than judgement, we landed a job in a hostel and managed to stay here for six months.
Our hostel was in beautiful Ipanema, known as one of the wealthiest and safest areas in this stunning but crime-ridden city.
Just minutes from the beach, we worked three afternoon shifts a week each, giving us plenty of time for sunbathing and exploring the city. And what a city it is. Quite apart from the most dramatically magnificent natural landscape you could ever imagine, there is the year-round hot sunny weather, the music, the friendly people, the festival atmosphere...I could go on and on.
We were here for the world cup, when the whole city erupted in impromptu street parties (sadly the partying came to an end all too soon for us, with Brazil and England knocked out on the same day...). Rio is truly a city for everyone - visiting friends loved it here, and my Dad had a whale of a time celebrating his 67th birthday here. Truly a city to fall in love with.
Comments
kath_visits says...
Your pictures are really good...Rio's pretty high on my places to go list!
Posted 511 days ago.
RichC says...
The pics are amazing! It all looks so beautiful. I love it that your dad came out to spend his birthday there :)
Posted 509 days ago.
shumvab says...
I was dithering about whether to include Rio in my trip - your photos have convinced me I must!
Posted 506 days ago.
dintingvale says...
A week wasn't enough. I must go back.
Posted 504 days ago.
zee says...
Wow... must get my act together and get over there.
Posted 489 days ago.
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