Redemption and debauchery

Right then, running out of time to do things now, so decided on Sunday morning to head to Corcovado and see the statue of Christ the Redeemer, that looks out over most of Rio, except where we are, as we are the wrong side of the hills to see it.
Walked up to the Olympic Station with Lisa who was heading to her shift, and while she headed one way, I set off to get the direct BRT and Metro Line 4 and Line 2 to Largo do Machado.
It seems it was a day for bumping into people I knew, as the lady from the laundry on the MPC site, called out to me as we were transitioning between lines 4 and 2 with her heading to work, we had a quick chat and I said I would likely see her later. (Turns out that as a result of her giving up her time to work at the laundry, she has been offered a job at one of the main laundries, which will give her some extra money - legacy effects already)
Once out of the station, the ticket booth was close by, so I joined the queue, and while it would have been nice to take the scenic train up, I knew I didn't have enough time, so, minibus it was, and it wasn't long before it set off, must have known I didn't have much time.
Part way up we had to change to another bus which would take us up to the monument, then we had millions of steps to climb to actually get there.
The thing is bloomin ginormous.
Wandered around taking a few photos, but sadly there was a thin haze around, which made everything look slightly foggy, though still quite clear, until I tried to photograph it. A few practice shots and I managed to get the whole statue and me in at one time, pretty good as I tend to use my camera for selfies as they always turn out much better.

Knowing I was pressed for time, I headed round to check out all the views, with crowds starting to increase, it was more difficult to get through, especially as many were prostate on the floor to get good angles for pictures.
Suddenly I spotted Jodie, my Paralympic silver medal winning archery friend, so she very nicely took a selfie of the two of us on her I-phone, which I am hoping she will tag me in on Facebook later.
Heading back, I was lucky that each bus didn't have a long wait, and as a solo traveller I was able to squeeze into the final seat on the bus back to the metro, by-passing the queue.

Back to the apartment to change then off for another quiet shift, most of the journalists and photographers having headed over to the closing ceremony. At 6pm we closed the doors and headed off too.
The evening was to be spent at British House for the ceremony, with free food and drinks. Not always a good idea though. My first Caiparinha was definitely an experience, the second was less bitter and the 3rd may have been one too many.

Had been chatting to Naomi Gibson, another volunteer and was saying about the archery, and it turns out she was working with the team at Sambodromo, so knew Jodie well. More coincidences and meeting people.
Saw loads of the Channel 4presentation team there including Ade Adepitan and R J Mitte, and spent a while chatting to Giles Long, a former Paralympic swimmer and now commentating.
Didn't leave there until after 1am, so think tomorrow's final shift may be interesting.