Day 26 and 27: Beaches, Futbol, Samba

Our first big day in Rio was a hot and happening Saturday and we started it off right by exploring Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. We caught a bit of the international handball championships (no team for the USA--surprised, anyone?). As we strolled much of our time was spent pondering deep philisophical questions: ¨ fake or real?¨ and ¨what are the thong to full coverage and speedo to shorts ratios here?¨

 

Then we freshened up for a futbol game at Maracaña Stadium. We tailgated with cans of beer and hot dogs with the works--Brazil style. It was a small crowd but full of serious spirit, true to the rumors of Brazilians´ passion for soccer. Big flags and constant chants and songs, drumming, and a zillion vendors. We left early to avoid any potential danger and to gear up for our rocking Saturday night.

 

Lapa is party central. In contrast with our motherland, in Brazil, anyone can open up a little bar/stand on the street. Not only were there food and beer vendors as we saw earlier that day on the beach and at the stadium, but there were also opportunities for various cockatails, and not just random young folks, but older, respectable looking people too tending bar. Apparently this is an official profession. Lapa is a beautfil old area of the city wih rehabed mansions that have been converted into clubs, restaurants and bars. We enjoyed pizza at a tranquey spot on the second floor overlooking the street action, then headed to a reputable samba club where we both spectated and participated. There was a live band and people of all ages and abilities having a grand ol´time. Rio is quite aware of their party scene and very nicely provide safe and convenient transportation back to Ipanema and Copacabana barrios: vans that shuttle back and forth between the 2 areas and costs the same as the bus.

 

Sunday we hit the Hippie Fair of Ipanema and started our home decorating: We bought art!  Then we headed north to the lake and rented a cheesy little side-by-side recumbant bike (with fringe on top!). We welcomed the break from walking and also were able to cover all 7.3 km in a much more reasonable amount of time.  We took our time wandering the streets for just the right dinner place (no thanks to the Lonely Planet) and stumbled upon a great spot where from the corner sidewalk table we enjoyed gigantor shrimp which were surrounded by a Brazilian type of cream cheese and gently deep fried. The waitstaff, as we have found everyone in Brazil to be (except for a few odd ducks), were incredibly nice and invested a lot of time in making sure we felt welcome and were having a good time (ie teaching Chris the secret waiter move of using a serving fork and spoon in one hand to scoop rice). Ipanema, although lovely with its boutiques and restaurants, is quite expensive and for the first time, we weren´t getting the 50% US to Brazilian currency discount we look forward to.

 

A classic Rio thing that we instantly fell in love with: juice bars aplenty! Fresh sucos of any kind at your fingertips. They are inexpensive, delicious, nutritious, and a good pick-me-up for a hot and weary traveler.

 

Quiz time!

 

Answer from Campeche post: True, a coati did eat our food and poop on our blanket.  Not so cute anymore the little bastard!

 

Multiple choice question: Which of the following items did the Lonely Planet warn us may be dumped on our heads while watching a futbol match?

 

A. Rotten bananas

B. Dead chickens

C. Urine

D. Both B and C

E. None of the above