carnival 2009 help!!

so i am ina bit of a pickle...me and my two friends were planning to be in rio for a good part of if not all of carnival. we had spoken with some people who said that we could stay with them but now that it is gettign close they are not returning any of my messages and i am getting a bit worried. i was wondering if anybody had any ideas of where i could stay or knew anyone that could host us. hotels are out of the question because they are wya out of our budget and most of the hostels now are booked and are still a bit pricey.

also if anyone has suggestions for surrounding cities that may be a good alternative to rio to spend carnival

i have always dreamed of celebrating carnival in rio so it would be alittle disappointing if i wasn't able to do that so any help at all would be beyond appreciated!

thank you!

If you want to go to Rio de Janeiro, you can stay in Praia Flamenco
I can get you the details of the hotel we stayed.. it was about $20 per night.. or go to Porto Seguro na Bahia.. it is more fun.. everybody dancing in the streets.. that is where people from Brasil go for Carnaval... all the tourists go to Rio...
let me know witch would you prefer

another great way of travelling is with www.couchsurfing.com... you sign up and request a place to stay.. check it out!

good travelling!!

Patty
-snip-

[ Edit: Sorry, no personal details please. ]

yee the people i was supposed to stay with i met on couchsurfing.com and everybody in brazil has been hit up by LOTS of people so everyone who is willing to host people has already committed.

if you could get me the information of the hotel you stayed at i would be incredibly grateful

i have been thinking of trying to get up to bahia but i want to spend at least a few days in rio

thank you!