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Published: February 20th 2008
Sun 17th On Saturday night Rin and I went out to dinner with Adriana owner of the Rio Backpackers Hostel. We were introduced to Adriana and Rio backpackers through Dave Greig. Thanks very much Dave!
We had a great dinner in Santa Teresa which is about 20 minute drive from Copacabana where the hostel is located.
We talked a lot about the fevallas including the various mafia or 'commands' that run the show. For the boys out there its a bit like grand theft auto - vice city. There are three gangs that are called the Tercerio commando (Third command), comando vermello (The Red command) and Amigos dos Amigos (the 'friends of the friends' command). The Milicies are also a new group on the scene that are all ex-policemen and ex-fireman, they have moved in and don't necessarily run drugs but run protection rackets and prevent anyone else from wearing black in their controlled areas.
The other thing to be well aware of is that the coffee in brazil really does rock. Im sitting here at the moment typing up this blog entry and my head is being superpowered by some very potent but smooth coffee. Its
not even expresso but Filtered!
Tuesday 19th Today Rin and I had the most amazing morning. In tandem flights we launched off the top of a mountain over Rio and hang glided for 10 or so minutes, landing on the beach with our instructor pilots. Both of us were with truly excellent instructors Ruy and Marcon.
I managed to take a video of most of the action including Rin's launch and during my flight. If you ever get a chance to come to Rio it is a must do. It is one of the best ways to view Rio and some of the magnificent rainforest of Tijuca National Park.
We tried to go yesterday but unfortunately the wind was blowing the wrong way for launches. But today the wind and conditions were perfect, something that only happens about 30 times a year. Some of the single pilots (not tandem flights) were launching into thermal bubbles of air that allowed them to just spiral and spiral upwards climbing higher and higher.
The most amazing thing about gliding is the feeling you get of weightlessness, but more so how when the wind picks up the glider as
you are moving you feel your body, heart and soul lift with it. Closest thing to describe it is like all your troubles are being lifted off you with each soar or turn of the glider.
The take off is so smooth but still managed to take my breath away. Its not like a roller coaster where your stomach drops - it really is the closest thing to being a bird. So quiet and peaceful up there.
We both could have spent the remainder of the day flying had it not been so expensive!
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Chris white
non-member comment
Far out guys, very brave! day 2 and you are hang gliding already! where to from here in the adrenalin stakes!