and the end so far....caught up for now

January 19^, 20th Thursday and Friday.

Rio de Janeiro,  Brazil

‘The River of January’. What a huge immense City. It goes on for miles and miles surrounding a huge natural harbor.  Sailed into the Rio harbor and docked about 8 am. Sailed by Sugar loaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mt.  and the famous beaches, Ipanema, and Copacabana.  Magnificent!  Did not realize that Brazil had so many oil derricks in the ocean and all around the harbor, along with the tankers to haul it with.  Rio has about 7 million inhabitants, with over 6 million living in poverty.  Much of the city consists of shanty towns, but they are hidden behind the mansions and hotels on the beach and around the harbor.  The traffic is horrendous.  At any given time, there are 3 million cars, and 7000 buses and taxies on the roads 24/7. We were stuck in several traffic jams on our excursions.

 They are just starting to clean up the city and its environs due to the upcoming World Soccer Cup and the summer Olympics being held here in the next few years. They have a long way to go, but these are very persistent, passionate fun loving people so, I give them credit. They are very proud of their city, but not of their government. Carnival is next month, so everyone was getting ready for that. I just can’t imagine what that would be like with all of these people and then some.  7 days of partying……24/7, heck yea.  We were warned again about crime, but we felt very safe everywhere we went, and were never bothered.  We went up to Corcovado Mt. to see Christ the Redeemer.  You can either drive or take the tram to the top. We took the tram which reminded me of the streetcars in San Francisco. A Very steep incline and decent (2,400 ft) with the brakes a little iffy and screechy.  A 15 minute ride to the top with Samba drummers entertaining us with great music. Bruce even joined in, they liked his mustache…. Again.  Arrived at the top and it was amazing. Views to die for and the statue was awesome. And not very crowded.  It was hot, about 90 and humid. Hello summer. Went to the famous beaches, and a Catholic church shaped like a pyramid.  Mass was once held there by Pope John Paul for 20,000 people.  They were all standing, but it is huge. 

That night we went to a Brazilian barbeque place where meat was king…and I mean meat. Any kind you wanted, right down to the chicken hearts. Which we did not partake of. It was the Gaucho way of cooking meat over an open flame and skewers.  Enjoyed that, but I think I will be off of meat protein for the next few days. After that we saw a Samba show with lots of elaborate costumes, dancing, and a little nakedness here and there. Just can’t seem to get away from that. Very good show. We got back to the ship around 1 am. We were exhausted, but for the Brazilians the night was just starting.  The next day was a holiday for them so it was party time. I guess taking a siesta in the afternoon does have its advantages.  Rio would definitely be worth coming back to. Good thing our Brazil Visa is good for 10 yrs, because they are expensive!  If you want to experience lots of action, this is the city.