My pannier arrived on Monday, so sheet two days of packing I should be leaving Rio in the morning, so I thought I'd put down what I'll miss about the cidade maravilhoso:
Carnaval: my first Carnaval and hopefully not my last. I'm still astonished by how that many people can get drink so much, for so long, in such crowds, and yet I saw no trouble or violence whatsoever. Well done Brasil.
Architecture: Rio is famous for its beaches but it also has some stunning architecture - a highlight was seeing an incredible concert in the beautiful Teatro Municipal. And for something a bit more modern there's Oscar Niemeyer's museum in Niteroi, beautiful in its own right but also with one of the best views of Rio.
Range: Last week Monday night was spent at Pedra do Sal, the birthplace of Samba where there was a street party with samba bands, food stalls (selling meat of uncertain origin) and caipirinhas made infront of you for remarkably little money. This week was a classical theatre. In Rio you can walk, climb, shop, sunbathe, surf, paddleboard or just sit in a kiosk drinking beer and watch the world go by - just as long as you're having fun.
Landscape: Any one of the Sugar Loaf, Big Jesus, two brothers, harbour views from Niteroi or either of Ipanema or Copacabana beaches would be stunning in any city. Having all of them seems a little greedy.
Atmosphere: It's the people I've met which have made the stay so much fun. The strangers that invited me to join them for karaoke when I couldn't find my friends, the random people I'm in selfies with during Carnaval, the friends from before who have been so welcoming. This isn't exclusive to Rio but I think the city helps.
Agora estou com saudade.
