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Published: August 14th 2010
The Mango Tree
Us at the hostel bar.Having arrived in Rio a day early (we're not sure either but this isn't a first for Steve), we managed to get a dorm room for the first night and start the travelling odyssey in true backpacker style (we must reluctantly admit that staying in private rooms and carrying straighteners puts us firmly in the flash packing group. Something Tom Smart was all to ready to point out). This was however, a good thing. Our fellow dormees were lovely people with whom we were none too happy to take advantage of the caipirinha night at our hostel. Incidentally we discovered that they are incredibly strong and you don't want more than 2... Or maybe 1 if you are Ellie!
On our first day we explored ipanema. Cautious following the warnings issued by the guide book. However, We can happily say that ipanema at least seems very safe. And while once the sun has set the rest of the city has dodgy areas we have not met or heard of any trouble.
The last few days have seen us visit Christ the redeemer and spend a day on ipanema beach. The city really does have a beautiful coastline, lying on
the beach you have a view of the turquoise sea, little islands and mountains with the sprawling favela at their feet.... An example perhaps of what Rio represents. "Although beautiful the city is much more gritty than I imagined" (Ellie). You are led to believe in a place where smiles, sunshine and parties dominate but that isn't the case. Rio really is a CITY by the sea, with all the hustle and bustle that should involve. Just imagine tottenham court road with coconuts and palm trees...and string bikinis! (we now truly understand the origins of the brazilian wax!)
On a different note, let's talk about food! Those of you who know us well will know that this is a subject close to our hearts and we have been pleasantly surprised! The per kilo buffet dominates here, where you fill your plate with as much barbecued meat and salad, or stew, rice and peas as you wish, and then pay according to the weight of your plate. As disconcerting as this sounds (no-one wants to know exactly how much they're shovelling into their face!), we've really enjoyed it.
On the other hand wine is a concept new to brazil
Sugar loaf mountain
This is the view from Christ redeemer. (the boys from Reading may well remember the astonishingly good Brazilian red at vinopolis last year, but do not be fooled!). When a highly chilled bottle of red(!?) arrived at our table we were amused but when our waiter took a corkscrew to our screw cap and then a knife because it was stubborn (?!) hysteria ensued! The best bit was when he called over his boss to have a look! If it isn't juice, beer or caipirinha the brazilians just don't get it!
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Dad Cherry
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Oh if only!
If only Tottenham Court Road was like that - I will never see it in the same light again! Then again Ipanema is the home of the bikini. Can't imagine the Big Issue sellers along T-C Rd in string bikinis with 'Brazilians'. Never mind the wine - bet you can't get a decent pint of beer either and what about getting a cup of tea? My friend in San Paulo led me to believe meals are mostly steaks and that the Brazilians have a high meat diet - sounds much better than that. In fact it sounds lovely. Any dancing yet - it is the home of the Samba and Bosanova(?) ? How are you getting on with the language ? Do many of them speak English - which I suspect is the case? I used to have a number of contacts in Brazil and their English was good. Any photos to share? Was "Christ the redeemer 'as impressive as it looks? Dad