Twenty Fourteen : I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 22

Taylor's catchy pop song has somehow ended up as the theme song for Carnaval week, as much as we try to rid it from our heads, the tune reappears! But that's ok, because it's obviously a fitting song for the occasion :)

My 22nd birthday has been all I had hoped, plus much much more! Endless fun, surrounded by thousands of happy dancing people, beautiful beaches and great company :)

If you had of told me this time last year that I would be spending my 22nd birthday in Rio during Carnaval, I wouldn't have believed you for a second. Not to mention the fact that in the first 2 months of 2014 I have traveled more than my whole life combined. I'm so happy and grateful to begin the year like this, and can't wait to find out what else 2014 has to offer.

Our time so far at Copacabana beach has involved A LOT of alcohol consumption, a few terrible costume choices, a bit of sunburn here and there, plenty of tasty Brazilian food, and of course dancing amongst thousands of people in crazy street blockos!

The first night Zac and I arrived, we met up with Cheryl and Anna and joined a moving bloco, managing to find the front and stick with the music (a lot of the time it's impossible to see the front, or even hear the music). It was such an amazing atmosphere, and after a lot of dancing and beer, we ended up at the beach for a late night swim before a well earned sleep.

First night, first costumes!

Amidst the Bloco!

I spent the night of my birthday with a few travellers we have met along the way, we celebrated with especial Carnaval Chandon on our rooftop and attended a bando, where we danced with some skilled Brazilian girls until we were drenched with sweat. The band party was quite small compared to some events at Carnaval, but with great music and talented dancers all around us, the night was perfect :)