I´m now in Rio

Hi, I have been here in Rio for 3 days. Finally, I am traveling in South America, after dreaming for this journey for 10 years, since my friends traveled to this continent in 1996!

It´s hot and humid here, up to 32 degree Celcius -- pretty like the summer in Hong Kong.

The first 3 days in Rio

People are nice here. They try their best to show me directions to any destinations, though it´s sometimes hard for us to communicate. Several of them warn me not to expose my camera all the time. Just take it out from the bag, shoot and put it back. They are kind people. I didn´t find any kids playing soccer on streets, which was what i thought.

I went to have a walking tour in Central area yesterday. It seems to be a financial and commercial area, like Central in Hong Kong. But next to the area are streets full of shops selling cheap goods and packed with locals. It resembles Shum Shui Po and Mongkok in Hong Kong. There are some historical buildings along the tour, like museum, churches and parliament buildings along with new and modern concrete buildings. I was exhausted after the walk, not only because it´s been a long time I haven´t done anything like this, but also I am suffering jet lag. I didn´t sleep well in last couple nights, but notice my body is adjusting its clock.

Last night, I went with a senior Australian to go to Cararama Stadium to watch a soccer match -- Botafogo vs Operacion (not sure the spelling of the later). It´s the first soccer match that I ever watch in South America. More may be coming. Botafogo loses one goal at the very beginning, but since they are really skillful and good in tearing off its opponents defense line, they score 5 totally throughout the match. We are sitting in the same area with Botafogo´s fans team. They bring with drums, flags and even firecrakers, always encouraging the home team. It´s an exciting game, but I have fallen into sleep several times during the match. I was very tired.

Today, after having a very nice breakfast in my hostel, I take a cable car to go to Corcovado (the big and tall standing Jesus statue) at 10. From there, I can overlook Rio this beautiful city. The weather is nice, and the view is superb. I go a little bit late, so it is already packed with tourists. It´s a typical touristic spot.

In the afternoon, I went to an old area with cobbled stones and ageing mansions along hills. I met 2 British on bus and went with them. I am warned that it is not safe to walk around there alone. There are always breezes to cool us down under the hot sun. It´s much less touristic and more local here. The atmosphere is good. I like this place, except the notorius reputation.

Everything goes well. I will probably stay here until next Tuesday when the Carnival (Feb 25-28) ends. The ticket for entering the stadium to see samba performers competing for the championship is really expensive. It costs about 400 reais (about US200). Some roommates in my dorm room says someone can get it as low as 200. I will see if i can get one. Though it´s expensive, I will probably buy one. Picking Rio as my first stop is because of the Carnival. I was told performers will go out to the streets where audiences do not need to pay a buck. There are much information around but it is hard to verify.

Photos are not available coz the computer I am using does not come with any USB ports and is running Windows 98! Otherwise I can upload some digital photos.

That´s for now. Will keep you updated.