Hang gliding and beach parties!

The weekend has just felt like one big party. Yesterday, we fulfilled our adrenaline junkie requirements by hang-gliding off Pedra Bonita, one of large peaks at the back of Rio. We're not sure if it was the most sane thing we've done but it was fantastic fun and a first for both of us. We were taken to the top of the cliff and could see the whole city and bay below us. Ash went first so he could get some pictures of Bianca coming in to land. We wore protective overalls and were harnessed into the hang-glider, before an instructor came over to and strapped himself in behind us. We had to litterally run off a 700m cliff with only a large triangular shaped piece of silk attached to the top of us by a flimsy metal frame - it was not something that came naturally, and we had to put a lot of faith in the equipment and our instructors!!!. Needless to say, it was great fun! We swooped and soared over Rio, the jungle and the high rise hotels for about 10 minutes and it was amazing to take in the views and enjoy the ride - we can imagine now what it feels like to be free as a bird! We both came in to land, flying over the hotels on the seafront and out to sea before doubling back towards the beach. It felt like we were coming in super fast, before the instructor pulled the hang-glider back and we 'dropped' gently onto the beach (with lots of tourists watching us). Ash got lots of photos of Bianca coming in - it was a great experience!


We relaxed for the rest of the day, with Bianca tucking in to one of her beloved chilled coconut juices on the beach front. She has become a little addicted to them - there are lots of beachfront huts where the locals are selling whole coconuts kept in a big vat full of iced water. For a very small amount, you can buy one and they'll use a big machete to hack off the top, and then they put in a straw for you to drink the ice-cold coconut milk. Then when you're done you can take it back and they'll cut the coconut up so you can eat the soft flesh inside, using a little spoon they make for you from the coconut outer crust. It's delicious! Ash likes his, unsurprisingly, with a little spot of rum in it!

In the afternoon we took a long walk around the lake at the back of Ipanema and on the way home got caught up in a huge samba beach party on the beach. There were thousands of people everywhere, dancing, singing and playing games on the beach - the mood was electric! We sat and took in the party and watched the sun set spectacularly, drinking Caipirinhas and listening to the music. It's our last day in Rio today and we've both loved the city. It's so full of life, vibrance and is a genuinely happy city. It's been all and more than we expected. The people are really friendly, fun loving and just love a good party... we feel we've really started off on the right foot. May the good times roll!