Arpoador Point, Rio de Janeiro

It's a lovely place to take in the beauty of Ipanema, especially on a Sunday when everyone is out and relaxed. Rio must be the most topologically beautiful city in the world. The other day I took off from the city airport heading away from Sugar Loaf mountain. The usual direction is towards it and it is spectacular to see the rock directly under your wing with the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema opening up beyond. But the take-off in the other direction is actually better with the slow climb and bank over Nitoroi, followed by a routing that takes you north over glorious turquoise bays before an even slower bank brings you round again to see the full glory of the Rio topology from a greater height that allows you to take it all in more wonderfully. It's a must do experience, no matter which way the wind is blowing . . . just make sure you get a window seat on the starboard side of the fuselage.

Had morning coffee with Briocarioca in the hospital where HH continues his slow recuperation from his operation. He's out of intensive care and she has moved in to tenderfully look after him while he builds up his strength for a return home. Brio said he was pleased to receive calls from his daughters in UK on this Brazilian Father's Day.