Relaxing in Rio

Tonight (thursday the 13th) we have our group meeting where I will meet all the new travellers for the third leg of my journey. I am the only one from the second leg continuing on (except of course the crew of 2). Tomorrow we leave Rio.

So for the last week, I have been relaxing in Rio, on my own. So what have I been doing?
-walking along the beach, as well as entering into the water (the water is fairly decent to swim in, with plenty of waves to play in)
-going to the markets to buy souvenirs (though this trip will not have many souvenirs as other trips--but plenty of pictures)
-going to a professional football (soccer) game in the 120,000 seat stadium, with crazy Brazilian fans on all sides of us.
-a city tour that took in `Christ the Redeemer´ the famous statue that overlooks the city, as well as Sugarloaf mountain that also provided fine views, as well as a few other spots
-when it rained Tuesday morning, sorting out laundry, banking and eventually finding a bird guide book (I´ve tried to find a bird guide book ever since I arrived in South America and after several hours in many bookstores in Ipanema, I found one. Expensive, but I bought it)
-phoning mom on my birthday
-renting a bike and biking along the coast, going 35km before turning back; after 15 km back with more head wind, my legs rebelled, so I took taxi the rest of the way back (which gave me a greater appreciation for those who did the Sea to Sea bike tours).

It´s been good to have this week in Rio, but it has been expensive. I´ve also been spoiled--a great hotel room to myself. Back to share accomodations, in hotels that often don´t have hot water, or camping; as well as group meals.