Tijuca and Lapa

Yesterday we slept in and took the metro to a bus to Tijuca National Park. We hiked up to Pico de Tijuca, Tijuca Peak, our highest hike yet. It finished with a set of 118 steps carved into the mountainside. Very cool. The views were incredible but it was a little hazy so pictures weren't great.

Last night was epic. We had heard about the craziness of Lapa, one of the northern Rio neighborhoods, on the weekends but you have to see it to believe it. It was like New Orleans without rules. With the beautiful backdrop of the arches, the street comes alive with samba bands, street performers, food and drink of every variety including caparinha, the lime-infused drink of Rio. I had one with fresh ginger--so good. We started the night with a nap since nothing happens until midnight. We walked the street eating and drinking and dancing for an hour or so then went to a samba club that had an awesome live band until 4. At that point we figured we should wait until 5 since the metro would be open again so we ate some more traditional food then caught the metro back to Copacabana for the sunrise. My only regret of the night was that I left my camera behind because I was worried about safety. We're going back tonight though and my camera will come along!

Today was very relaxing. I can't believe it's our last full day in Rio! I was hoping to waterski but they were all booked so I watched some wake boarders and just stared longingly at the slalom course. Oh well, just one more reason to come back to Rio. After the lake I went to mass which was a beautiful experience in Portugese then went to the beach to watch the sunset. A great lazy day. Watch tomorrow for pictures from Lapa!