Things I like # 3 Drinking mate with friends

Mate is like a pungent green tea that is probably a bit of an acquired taste but it´s a massive part of the culture in parts of South America. It´s a social ritual that has been around for 100s of years and is still popular with young people.

Even in 35 degree heat people will be carrying around their flasks and Gourds, sharing the drink pretty much anywhere. People have been friendly enough to offer us a taste on several occasions which you obligingly take but it´s a great opportunity to strike up a conversation in Spanglish.

Many brands such as amanda even have free hot water dispensers at bus stops and petrol stations which I think is a nice touch. It beats paying for over priced crapy coffee at the services.

Things I like # 2 Brazillian graffiti

The graffiti in Rio is some of the best I have ever seen. Unfortunately the best ones were in places where I certainly wasn´t getting my camera out. Hopefully this will give you a taster.

Things I like # 4 Rio´s street cleaners

I don´t think you can get much more of an iconic uniform than these guys who work all hours keeping the streets of Rio clean and tidy.

On my travels I was lucky enough to go to the Carnival to watch the parade at the Sambadrome and it was one of the best experiences of my life. However I was surprised to find that the street cleaners do actually open it like they do in the Orange ad. Rumour has it Renato was leading them out, but I´m not 100% sure.