it's raining today for the first time since i've been in rio, add the fact that rich, jamie, cam, and caddy are all leaving tomorrow, the annoyance of having to coordinate three bureaucracies to withdraw some much needed money (long story), and a shocking hangover from the boat cruise with all you can drink capirihnas we've all had a bit of a miserable day. rich is printing his e-ticket for his flight tomorrow, and earlier today i unknowingly asked a friend how her summer was - both signs that this trip is coming to an end. there's been so many things i've wanted to say on here that i just haven't had a chance to. maybe i'll keep writing when i get back.

i don't leave until friday night, and i still have to visit jesus and i plan to watch a derby match between flamengo and botafogo tomorrow night; fluminense and gremio only wet my appetite for more football.

my time here is prepaid and i'm running out, i just want to say thank you so much to jane from everyone - we really loved your cottage, it was one of the highlights of the trip.