Day 75 - 18 Feb.2012 - Rio de Janeiro

Over the last 12 hours Paraty got filled up with Brazilian tourists pouring in from São Paulo and Rio. For us it was time to leave and drive to Rio to see our friends Karen and Renato whom we know from the time when they were living in Aberdeen. On our way to Rio our side of the road was much more empty. There are many more people escaping Rio and the carnival buzz going towards Paraty, Angra dos Reis or other places on the way. We remember the road as being in quite bad conditions from four years ago. They must have been working hard on the road upgrading as it has improved a lot and towards Rio it is mostly dual carriage way now.
After a couple of hours we arrived in Barra da Tijuca where our friends live. Their new house is in a closed “condominio” where we had to pass two barriers to get to their house – total security. The neighbourhood is very nice and tranquil with plenty mature trees giving lots of shade – a real escape from the busy town life of Rio de Janeiro.
It was great to see our friends again and it amazed us how old their kids now are – time flies!
We stayed for the afternoon in their garden chatting and jumping in the pool. Some really relaxed days are ahead of us.