Finally after issues in just about every place I have visited the glitch in my blog has gone, so I am able to upload pics in bulk WOOOHOOO! SO I will try and update some more pics to the various posts whilst I can! Rio de Janeiro - so far my favourite city in the world! So much going on - such contrast between the pretty beaches, the leafy mountains, the bustling favelas and the high rise city. Such an interesting place, and I am definitely planning on going back as I didnt manage to do nearly as much as I wanted! I spent only a week there and I would have to say to anyone planning on going to Rio, try and at least do 10 days if not 2 weeks... there is loads to see!
I stayed at a great hostel - in Leblon called Lemon Spirit and met some great folks within a few hours of being there! A summary of my week in Rio..
BEACHING
Sunning myself on the lovely beaches - what a blast sitting there in your hired deck chair with your brolly, then having a complete market stroll past. People selling everything - all different types of foods, clothes, drinks (alcoholic too of course!), curios, sunglasses and loads more.... people watching at its best. Also the sports people play on the beach are amazing - I have never seen so many fit people in my life, there is beach soccer, volley ball, foot volley (volley ball no hands!), beach tennis and one of my particular favourites - tight rope walking and jumping!! They call it cable walking or something - where they attach cables between 2 palms and do all these jumps and flips and exercises on them! Amazing! There are also a whole sets of fixed public exercise equipment stationed all along the coast -where you see super buff men doing chin ups, weights, stomach crunches and every imaginable exercise. Oh yes, and loads of people skating, roller balding, running, cycling and whizzing up and down the walkways. Just a hive of activity!
PARTYING
Well you guessed it, no favourite destination of mine would be complete without its far share of night life...
We went to bars, clubs, and street parties - in big groups, small groups and with random people! I drank enough Cachaca (Sugar Cane Rum) to satisfy a sailor and had an awesome time. A highlight was the buzzing streets of LAPA on a Friday night, where they just have this out in the open HUGE party with loads of people just hanging out in the streets! Music blaring from loads of bars, and street bars - stalls out in the road and just a vibe which is indescribable! Fortunately I was there just before Carnaval started so over the weekend they had all these random street parties...called BLOCOS. Basically its when the street is closed, and a huge van with a band (or several) ontop plays to an open air party! Magical! The ones we came across seemed to be like dress up themes and the comical outfits people were fantastic. There is also loads of live music everywhere and you are certainly spoilt for choice on the social scene.
SIGHT SEEING
Rio has some fantastic sights to see and I didnt manage to get in a lot of them at all!!! I did Corcovado and Sugar Loaf but there are so many more - the favelas - which look amazing, ironacally set on the best land in the cities, going up the surrounding mountains - they must have the best views in all or Rio! Going up Corcovado is breathtaking, and the views from anywhere high up in the city is just spectacular.
Street Graffiti, Architecture, Museums, Hiking in the stunning national park behind the city, taking Helicopter flips around the city, doing tours, hiring bicycles.... Just so much to do!!!
EATING
Street side cafes, yummy treats people sell on the beach, the delicious ACAI (berry type sorbet), the sandwich shops, the grocery stores and of course the restaurants (which I didnt even go to!)... FOOD is a big experience to be enjoyed in Rio!
Hmmmm anyway, I had a spectacular time and fortunately I managed to meet people who were also headed the same way I was, and also even staying at the same hostel I was - awesome! Below some pics for your enjoyment:
Stunning bikinis on sale on the beach.... I have bought 3!!
Beach glamour!
Hazy view of the city at sunset from Sugar Loaf
Views from Sugar Loaf
More views!
sunset over the city
playing silly buggers with the green light.... evil witches!!
street drinks!
More stunning views on the way up to Christ
Christ!
Being chased by sailors....
street art
The steps of Lapa - the artist called Selaron who has been tiling them for free for fun - for the last 15 years or something crazy!! you can even bring your own tiles and put a tile somewhere - very cool!
On the streps!
The Artist with Kelly
Strolling along the beachfront on the way out
Fag Hag - hanging out at a Gay Bar
Cachaca....evil stuff!
The blocos!
Smooches...
Street Party
Praia Vermelho in Rio on way up Sugar Loaf
Crew from our hostel
Delicious Acai with granola and banana - YUM YUM YUM so refreshing!
My arty photo!
pondering life...
More of the steps in Lapa - amazing tiles!
AFRICA do SUL - South Africa, art by Selaron on the stairs - he has an obsession with pregnant woman!!
Great beach side stalls selling tasty treats, Coconuts, Beers and cocktails - the life!!
