Carnaval Time

Manacora Stadium
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Headed out of Paraty for our final stop on this leg of the tour and where we would be saying goodbye to a number of the group who are not continuing on. The truck was in the party spirit with toilet paper streamers, alcohol flowing and singing and dancing in the aisles.  We were in convoy with the other tucan and budget trucks and managed up arriving in Rio at the start even though we were one of the last to leave.  Good packing as we dried our tents before heading out rather than on route, as other trucks had to do, and of course our driver, Andy.  Arrived in Rio to heat of 40 degrees.  It was then time to clear ´Rosita´of all out stuff as for those leaving, it would be the last time we see her and from those continuing, we would be doing so on ´Magaly´. Meet up with Julie and Caroline and headed down to Copacobana beach with Steve.  To walk on the famous beach and feel the sand inbetween your toes was amazing and see the famous sugar loaf mountain.  Saw all the scaffolding being taken down from the Stones free concert just two days before - a crowded free concert that was said to be a crush by some and amazing by others.  Afterwards headed back to the hotel, which was located in Lapa in the central part of Rio, and got ready for a night out with the group and a good-bye to Mike and Kate who would be leaving the following day. 

Christ Redeemer
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The following day headed out on ´A Day in Rio´tour which took us into Manacora stadium, the largest and one of the most famous football stadiums in the world.  Used by the four rio teams, it has an opportunity to stand in the footsteps of the greatest such as Pele and see the changing rooms, walk down the tunnel and enter the pitch and to view the stadium from high.  Even here you can see Christ Redeemer looking over the city.  It was then on to near our hotel to visit Catedal Metropolitana a rather strange catherdal in a cone shape with the bell tower outside. It was constructed in 1974 and it ´modern´in style although I would say it is an eye-sore. Next it was on through Santa Teresa with its cobbled streets and amazing views of the city and through Parque Nacional da Tijuca (the largest urban forest in the world),to Corcovado (meaning hunchback in Portugese) and Christ Redeemer.  The statue is amazing high up and it is difficult to imagine the height when you see it from below.  Afterwards we headed to Copacobana where we had lunch at a churrasco (barbarque restaurant) where they sell food by weight.  It was then on to Pao de Acuçar or is more famous name - Sugarloaf mountain.  To get there you need to take two cable cars, the first to Morro da Urca and the second to Sugarloaf. Each area offers great views of Rio, although the latter is better and more scenic.  After some time here we headed down, whilst others were heading up to see the sun set behind Christ Redeemer.  It was then back to the hotel where I had time away from the group and caught up on journal entries and things. 

Sugarloaf Mountain
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Following day breakfast headed out with Julie to Ipanema, one beach along from Copacobana and the better beach of the two as it is less crowded and the water is cleaner and safer here. Tired to locate Sheninagans Irish bar for later and the all important Calcutta Cup game later but Steve had given us slightly wrong directions and we were a little further out than planned.  Found the pub and then headed to the beach for a few hours sunbathing.  Headed in when it got very hot and for the start of the game.  Was dissappointed that the match wasn´t shown (they don´t show rugby on ESPN Brazil) but was happy to meet up with Greg again, who I had not since since Christmas Eve. Spent time catching up with him and his travels before watching a parade from outside the pub.  The headed to Hotel Gloria, for the offical costume judging contest where everything from womens, men and transexual costumes are judged in different categories including, creative and luxury.  It was a good spectacle but you could only see if you standed up on your chairs and it is difficult to get too close, apart from in the area prior to the show where you can have your picture taken with the people in the costumes. Headed home afterwards for a glass or two of wine with Julie back at the hotel. Was told that Sam and Nick got engaged this morning, after only 6 weeks or so together.  Seems a short time but this kind of situation is more intense living.

View of Rio from Corcovardo
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Following day started with breakfast and the headed down to Copacabana beach for some sunbathing before shopping in one of the many malls.  Well this was the plan anyway.  After a few hours sunbathing and almost getting hit by the waves our plan was abruptly cut short.  Although I had been using my bag as a pillow a brief second or two when I applied lotion was enough for someone to snatch it away.  So, the day the unfolded as track down policeman, who then got in contact with the tourist police.  As the copy of my passport was in the bag, we had to go back to the hotel in the back of the police car (second journey in one in South America), collect the passport and head all the way back and past where we were to Leblon to the Tourist Police Station to report the crime.  The form was stange in the questions asked such as Mother and Father´s names and level of education but it was completed, signed and then logged.  There we heard about two other robberies, both at gun point and one where the women were also beaten as they didn´t just hand over their stuff so I guess I was pretty lucky in the end.  It was then time to head back to the hotel, via a cash point and somewhere for dinner.  After a quick turnaround we headed out to the Sambadrome, one of the main events of the Carnaval.  Sunday was the finals day and seven schools compete for the title each year putting on a display for 80 minutes through the sambadrome of dancing, floats and music.  This is where the classic Rio Carnaval pictures and image are from.  Got a place at the back of one of the stands at the end of the parade and watched the show.  Just as the second school started the rain came down, and we were in the middle of a massive tropical storm.  The temperature was still high twenties but everyone was completely drenched.  This however, didn´t dampen anyones spirits and the party continued, with the outfits, dancing and beers flowing and that was just from the people in the stands.  The last school started at 5am finishing around 6:30am but I didn´t stay for this.  Whilst a great atmopshere and show it can get a bit repetitive after a while but it was definitely something worth seeing.

Cocapababa Beach from Sugar Loaf Mountain
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Had two breakfasts this morning and then headed out with Jessica, Sarah and Stuart to the metro to go to Copacabana beach to get to the internet and sort a new mobile phone out.  Everything was closed because of Carnaval but eventually found somewhere that was open.  Afterwards headed back to the hotel as I didn´t want to be walking around by myself.  There have been a lots of gunpoint and knife muggings, some people from other trucks have been targeted and other people have just had things stolen, so didn´t want to take too many risks.  Went out later on that evening with Andy for dinner and our last night before he heads across country and I head north.  Went to an all you can eat restaurant that has a salad bar and then the waiter comes around with barbarqued meat on a skewers and carves it on to your plate. 

Carnaval Float
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Following morning went to breakfast and then headed to Copacabana beach with Julie, Caroline and Anna and I hit the internet and phones again and then returned for some sunbathing.  Had our welcome meeting tonight with the new group for those heading north - 23 people are coming from other trucks including 14 from Rosita - and we have about 11 new people.  Afterwards, packed and chilled in the room ready for tomorrow.  I think most people would agree that although Rio is a great city, certainly from above, they are looking forward to leaving and getting away from all the danger.  I have mixed feelings as I´m looking forward to the rest of the trip but sad in saying goodbye to people as well.