Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

'Tall and tan and young and lovely the girl/boy from Ipanema goes walking and... ' there are beautiful bodies, as well as ordinary ones. G Strings yes, also body bulges. We had fun looking. The world is made up of all shapes and sizes and here is no exception.
Both Copacabana and Ipanema beaches are quite stunning geographically, the surf is big - too big for me but Paul ventured in and has lived to tell stories of how he was dumped at Copacabana. I sit on the side and watch the passing parade which is really quite entertaining with the steady stream of vendors selling anything from caps, sarongs, belts, drinks, sweets, icecreams, beer, dresses, prawns on skewers, sun benches or chairs, and all singing to their own songs and calls. It's very entertaining, except if you feel like a snooze in the sun. Sundays the roads are handed to the pedestrians so it is a constant promenade of colour.
Of course 'When I go to Rio, De Janeiro' is constantly ringing through our minds, especially when we step out on the sidewalk in the morning or something exotic or unusual happens, like the guy who pulls a wheelie bin into the middle of the road when the traffic lights turn red, climbs on top and does a juggling act or the man that sits on the corner of Rue Copacabana and Rue Paula Reita and mends saucepans.
'Copa, Copacabana' has been our home for the past 11 days and it has been a real treat to stay put in one place (we rented a rather ritzy apartment) and really get to know the area. From early morning walks along the beach and becoming familiar with the surrounds, the people and feeling good just to do some normal exercise, to sipping pina coladas and caipirinha (a local cocktail) at sunset as well as simply sitting on the beach have all been part of the daily routine.
Of course, we also watched the beautiful movement of artists doing the samba, the capriera and swinging to the rhythm of the bosa nova. Had an historical exposa of Sergio Mendes beginnings, saw the street where people would through plates out of their high rises because of the noise Mendes made below, and, always delighted to hear the singing voices of people passing by in the streets.
Our expense bill is overdrawn here with all the CDs we've bought and special treats we have given ourselves. The Ipanema markets are the best anywhere with lots of stands with real artisans work. A bag here, shoes there, belts here, paintings there - the temptation was too great!
There are over 300 islands off Rio. We visited one the other day - Ille Grande - it was a tour on a schooner. It stopped at various places where we just dived into the ocean, had a swim and snorkel and then moved on. A great day and again met lots of travellers.
For those that know RW well, she is a football (soccer) fan - at least world cup standard - so attending a Brazilian football match was a certainty. We took then opportunity to attend the two top local teams in Rio. Fleminensce and Vasco. Taking the metro there and back was an experience in itself. The match didn't disappoint. All the funfare of a major international game with samba drums, whistles, firecrackers, and roman candles to match the colour of the team. With hotdog, beer and a brazilian bandana, we fitted in really well. The final score 1-1.
A visit to Sugar Loaf Mtn, whilst partly in the mist, did provide spectacular views of the surrounds, the huge rocky mtns, the beaches, the extensive high rise and of course the ride in the cable car was fun.
We celebrated a wedding in style whilst here also. Our dear friends Marty and Marie from Adelaide are now Mr & Mrs. I think, being at this distance gave us ample time to extend celebrations from the Australian time zone to Brazilian. In other words around 36 hours. Whilst all was buzzing away in Adelaide, here in Rio we decorated the apartment with flowers, drank champagne and had a lovely lobster dinner.
So now we bid a fond farewell to Rio and tomorrow head to the Iguazu Falls on the border of Brazil, Paraquay and Argentina.
For now, bye. Thanks to all for the links to Australia. Marlene and Kylie, great to know you are keeping in touch. xx