Copacabana-Barry Manilow

It was a quick trip to Iguazu and Sunday morning we were headed back to Rio.  This is our final stop before heading home, I can't believe I have been in Brazil a month!  We flew back to Rio and arrived around mid-day.  Liza is not a fan of flying and was a little concerned when some oxygen masks popped out upon our abrupt landing.  However, we were safe.  We were able to check right in to our hotel and were very pleased-you never know what you are going to get when you book online.

We walked around for awhile to get our bearings.  We are staying in Copacabana beach, right on the northern edge near Ipanema Beach.  The beaches are just like I have always heard and imagined-wide, with the perfect color sand, clear blue water, people with all shapes and sizes of bodies and swimsuits, walking up and down the promenade.  You can walk for miles along the beaches.

Orchids growing on trees

View of Copacabana Beach from our hotel's roof-top pool

Rio is a fascinating city.  It seems like a massive city was carved out of rock and rainforest.  There are tree covered hills and wide bays surrounded by sky high hotels, apartment buildings and offices.  These contrast with the favelas built up on the hills all around.  It's super interesting just to walk and drive around, the trees are so tall you feel like you are in a rain forest and you can see all kinds of tropical flowers along the streets.

One other thing about Rio that I noticed is the dogs.  In all of the cities we have visited so far, there are tons of stray dogs all over the place.  However, in Rio all of a sudden everyone has their purebred dogs on leashes.  We have seen tons of labs, golden retrievers, dalmations, and even a German Shorthair!  The difference between scraggly strays hanging out by restaurants and all of these well-kept dogs is very striking.

Rio is known for being dangerous and I had heard many horror stories in preparation for our visit.  I am happy to say that I have felt totally comfortable here.  You have to be aware, just like you would in any city, but I haven't felt threatened or unsafe at all.  The only time you are really taking your life into your own hands is when you cross the street because cars fly, and I mean fly, down the street and around corners.  I was told by several people not to ride the buses, but now I think it's because they were afraid I would get in an accident, rather than afraid I would be mugged.  I'm pretty sure the buses go up on two wheels every time they turn a corner.

My artist in front of the painting I bought

We walked around the beaches for awhile and on our way back to our hotel we came upon the Hippie Market of Ipanema.  This was a cool place to find crafts, art, jewelry, and anything else you might want.  Liza and I each splurged and bought a piece of art.

We headed back to the hotel for a quick change before going back out to find a place to settle in an watch the soccer game.  Brazil was playing Spain in the Confederation Cup finals and it was so fun to be sitting in a sidewalk cafe surrounded by Brazilians watching the Brazilian national team.  Brazil scored within the first few minutes and crowds erupted for blocks with horns, fireworks and noisemakers.  Brazil went on the win the game 3-0, so that was exciting, especially because Spain had been ranked #1 going into the tournament.

supporting the team

national pride

Day one in Rio was definitely a success.

favelas