Rio de Janeiro is our journey's end

Rio de Janeiro was the ultimate stop on the South American leg of our journey.

When I used to think of Rio, I imagined women waltzing around in tiny string bikinis. I thought they would all look like Gisele [ Bündchen]. I thought of beautiful beaches and crazy nightlife. And, of course, I thought of the Christ the Redeemer statue.

My preconceptions of Rio were not far from the truth. The women, and men, are gorgeous.

We went to a Favela Funk party. The favelas are like our townships back home. Don't be misled by the term "funk". If you say you can find the rhythm and beat in favela funk music, you are most likely lying. Luckily, the women will distract you from the monstrosity that is funk music. The standard outfit at a party is a pair of minute hotpants, a tight top, and gelling your hair so it looks like you've just stepped out the shower. After staring at their outfits for a while, you will then notice how the women dance.

They stand in a line, grinding and shaking their booties. It is also physiologically impossible for white women to do this.

Jenny and I tried and looked like apes.

Besides the party, we ticked off the whole tourist circuit of Rio. We went to Christ the Redeemer, went up Sugar Loaf at sunset, checked out the Lapa Steps, drank caipirinhas, relaxed on Copacabana Beach and ate rodizio.

A few days after our arrival, the rain came. As soon as the skies open up, Rio becomes a bore hole. It's moments like these when you realise maybe the high season exists for a reason.

Nonetheless, our time in South America was incredible. I am sad it's over, but happy to be home.

• Vos travelled around the world for six months with her cousin, Jenny Flatau. Rio de Janeiro was their last stop. Read about their travels on http://homelesshayley.com