I don't know why I am bothering with the rest of the story but here goes...............The ride down from the hills was very picturesque, driving through a national park. The views across the plain towards Rio were fantastic but spoilt by some mist from all the rain previously.
The plan of going in to Rio on Sunday worked a treat as there was very little traffic. It didn't stop me missing a junction and getting terribly lost. Once again a local bike enthusiast Marcelo came to my rescue. He led me straight to my hotel in Ipanema, which was about 40 minutes out of his way. After a few photo's he shot off to be very late for wherever he was meant to be. Another kind person on the tour.
The first impressions of Rio are WOW! The route through town is very impressive, large, clean, parks, lakes, nice buildings and that is before you get to the beaches.
I threw my stuff in my apartment and went for a stroll along Ipanema beach. They close the coast road so that the sea of people can cycle, skateboard, roller blade, run or just walk without being too intense. There are many many Volley ball nets set up and all of them in use. The standard is high with some playing no hands (ie only using feet, head chest). Then you have girls playing football ("keepy uppy") and blimey are they good?! I will not be embarrassing myself or the English nation by getting involved.
The fun had to be put on hold whilst I took my laundry to the local cleaners. Judging by the look on the ladies face, I think I have taken the Bill Oddie Hobbo look about as far as the genre can go. These few clothes have seen me through 9 months but are beginning to look a little past their best. I should have realised I needed some new clobber when the Amazonian canoe people were throwing my stuff back on the boat.
It occurred to me just how little "true" laundry I have had done since leaving Buenos Aires. If I lied and told you it was 10 times more than reality you would still be horrified.
I had an early dinner as everyone keeps telling me it is dangerous around here (the tourists attracting the criminals). I can't say it feels remotely threatening so far. I would say that Rio is about as expensive as London. Sorry kids! i hate to think what will happen to prices when the World Cup and the Olympics come to town.
Rio is a highlight of the trip and I have only been here 24 hours.You could slap me in the face with a wet kipper and you wouldn't wipe the smile from my face!
Well done on reaching Nirvana. What I cannot understand is your apparent and sudden lack of interest in beer. I dont know what David will be thinking. Not a mention of Ferret (Fursty or otherwise), Blandford in its various varieties, local lager brands or even Hopgoblin. Perhaps some other sort of Goblin is locally available?
ReplyDeletePleased to see your bird photography has improved a thousandfold.
Seeing you comment on the apparent wealth I was surprised that the local ladies cannot afford dresses and have to make do in just skimpy rags and so have decided there is a requirement for a charity for the needy and am booking my flight to come and see what I can do.
Clearly a wise decision to opt for an early dinner and (presumably) a taxi ride home.
Best, Henry.
Have to say on photographic evidence to date (no recommendation there then!) that the arse end of BA's has more natural charm and that of Rio.
DeleteInterpol have been alerted to a sudden increase in perv activity on the east coast of the South American continent and Olympic officials are revising their requirements for 2016.
Badger beer may not be available but the local equivalent of Beaver is probably a safe bet. Not often found in the Amazon but prevalent on the coast.
Trust me to have missed the beaches? But if you go right to the end of the beach you will find a sand dune to sit on and watch the view???
ReplyDeleteSo can I take we have change of venue Me, Henry and David will give Twickers a miss and get first flight to Rio, another plus I bet we won't have to suffer Rusty Badger Bollock Beer!
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ReplyDeleteBoys, boys... remember there are ladies reading these and wives & children!
ReplyDeleteOh... and Grandma!
ReplyDeleteChery is right, show some decorum chaps! We will talk about it at Twickers!
ReplyDeleteWith due deference to LovesCatz, MA and Gran I will refrain from any further references to Avian photography or obscure brands of ale.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the photo of the Aeroplane descending gently beyond the railings of Midstation would qualify as Avian photography? - if it does then I have already breached my own pledge - Ahh, such is life. Clara is leaning over my shoulder (presumably as a censor) as I write this and she has just whispered "Oh go on Phil, tell us what you wrote"
Wew hope you will not abandon the Blog for very long, there are bound to be plenty of wonderful things to interest us bored and cold followers - think of the pleasure you would be denying us all.
If only you knew what is here but gentlemanly conduct forbids the use of cameras!
ReplyDeleteI don't know what Phil typed either, so we are all in the dark on that one! Probably comparing Rio with Penzance!