Sunday afternoon we went to the Statue of Christ - the Corcovado in Rio. Our driver, Mauro dropped us off at the bottom and we bought tickets to go up in the tram. We spotted a sign offering a 20% discount for Rotarians and their families - we didn´t have our real badges but showed them our trip badges and they accepted that so it was an added bonus.

The tram goes around the mountain winding its way up slowly and stops at a couple of points so that the trams coming down can pass safely. The final section of the climb is very steep.

Having got off the tram you can either go up the last part in the lift or up the steps - we chose the steps and for the first part you couldn´t see the statue but then you come around a corner and see the back of the Christ - it takes your breath away.

The statue is very imposing but not actually as tall as you might imagine. The views from the top of Rio and the bridge over to Niteroi is amazing. We stayed at the top for a while and took in the views and had various photos of us under the statue. Its definitely a tourist spot and was very busy! I think on a beautiful day as the sun goes down the views and the atmosphere would be fantastic.

We eventually made our way down in the tram which felt steeper going down the other way if thats possible!

Then back into the van and a drive around Rio as the sun set before heading back to Niteroi and Sandra´s for Pizza - including a banana pizza and a chocolate pizza!!!

Tomorrow is out first vocational day which we are spending together and will be seeing the federal university, the university hospital and also an English language school so there are things that appeal to us all - it should be good!

Pictures of us at Corcovado online and more to follow soon!!!

Wish you were here :o)