Making something of my time here

I may have said in my earlier posts that it's all very well and good going to the beach every day, but the cityboy inside was thinking 'well actually I should actually try and see the city that is trying to live up to London actually'.
So over breakfast I was discussing with Jens and Joyce what to do and it was decided that, despite the rain, a trip to the Botanical gardens would be great. What a decision, highly recommended for anyone who comes to Rio. It was number three on my tourist map behind Christ and Sugarloaf (I really think TOWIE should do Rio and they can start a petition to change it to Sugar Hut!) so it's not like it's Rio's secret or anything.
Anyway, we got the bus there and was easy enough to find, and for R$6 (£2) it's a real bargain. The garden is incredible and was very good for picturetimes. Unfortunately I'm struggling to do something with my pictures as I've only got an iPad which is difficult to connect with a camera, but when I'm in Sao Paulo (the business capital or Brazil) I think I'll be able to sort something out.

But yeah we got to see an amazing garden, one of the best I've ever been to. We were there for quite a few hours and got back to the hostel in the evening, where my iPad was down to about 10% battery so I revised some Spanish while it charged: 'Hola señorita, me hablo español muy bien! Que tal?' I'm pretty sure that was awfully written as I'm sure my mother will tell me. They don't speak Spanish in Brazil as anyone who has seen that Simpsons episode will know, but the rest of Latin America speak it (other than French Guyana which speaks Polish I think).

Anyway, got to know two of the girls a bit better, cooking got better and, after finding the local bars weren't open - probably hibernating for Carnaval which officially starts today - we got some drinks in, played Ring of Fire and had a really good night at the hostel! So yeah I'm starting to enjoy it here. I'm keeping a tally of all my expenditure and it's not THAT expensive, and seeing as Rio is the most expensive place on my visits, hopefully I'll be alright!
Oh yeah, and we ventured to probably the equivalent of BBQ Express (RIP chicken spot) and I had easily the worst burger I've ever eaten in my life, but for only two quid it wasn't the end of the world. The owner refused me a cuddle which was heart breaking. 

Probably more sightseeing today and apparently a club tonight (ZeroZero), gonna need a nap this evening for sure as i got to bed at 4 and was up at 9!
Thinking about lots of you, Tommy.