Rio... final week and thoughts...

Following Carnival weekend, the 3 trips to the Sambadrome, Blocos and a trip to a local island... a week of recovery was required... with thoughts ahead of my next destination... plus a chance to finish my stay in Rio in style.... Hangliding!!

Blocos

Apart from enjoying the formal carnival parades, we also ventured to a Bloco, dressed up for the occasion as many are.... feathers, hats, costumes etc.... A big street party at Placa XV... a bit too hot to handle! Live music and Cariocas enjoying the sun and the sound.... whilst us Gringos shaded beneath the road bridge. A sight and sound to marvel at.... the party began at 7am in the morning and would last til 4pm in the afternoon... after that the locals (well... everyone!) would head to another Bloco (party) in another part of town. Parties are 24hours and Cariocas (the locals) go from one to another, only stopping a couple of hours for some kip before heading on to the next! Something I couldnt quite manage!! They say Rio is very liberal esp during Carnival.... it was just an experience to watch men just kiss one girl before turning to the next!!! Party Party Party!!!

Paraquet Island

We also ventured to a local island by boat and it seemed half of Rio also joined us on the boat! Similar to the Metro being sardine like during carnival weekend, again the boat was full to the brim. Locals enjoying their holiday and spending a day at the beach on the island. Over an hour by boat and we land on the island. The beach was quite small in comparisson to Copacabana and Ipanema, probably less than tenth of size. Calm waters, though not very clean, but locals were enjoying the water and the paddle rides at sea. Holley and myself decided to paddle in one of the swan boats... a chance to relax and shade comfortably from the sun... given the beach had no umbrella vendors and all were shading under the trees... every patch of sand beneath the trees was occupied... all taking cover from the sun. After a couple of hours on the island, some of us headed home... and the experience of getting on the boat was pretty chaotic. A deluge of people trying to get through the gate, but security would prevent them... luckily I managed to get through, only to find Holley stuck behind the line! But... the security man took pity on us and let Holley through and we managed to have a good seat on the boat home. The return journey was a bit less crowded, whilst I took the opportunity to snap up the scenery, sailing into Rio... a beautiful sight.

Hangliding

On the Friday before departing Rio, some of the volunteers and myself took to the sky! My first time at hangliding.. and though was a little nervous... it was a wonderful experience. My biggest concern was taking off and landing.... given we had to run to take off... and given I am a little clumsy... was worried that this could prove disasterous!! lol.... but it was fine. We had a practice run and were given some instructions and then it was time to take off! My hanglider, as did the others... just kept telling us Run Run Run.... if you like your life... Run!!! Run was the word.... we were told dont hesitate, dont pull back just run off the platform.... something you wouldnt normally do! But... when it came to it... we just ran and next thing we know... we were in flight and it was AMAZING!!! Peaceful and relaxed, floating in the sky above the forest, beach, sea.. before coming to land. Again, was told to be ready to run on landing and we would be landing on the beach... the couple of seconds before hitting the sand, we seemed to decline rapidly and the beach came up very close and very fast.... but with only 2 steps on the sand... we halted.... upright... so a perfect landing!! Would definitely do it again and highly recommend the experience!! I did have this on my agenda... though I did not mention to anyone.... whilst I can now say... I have no other plans to do any daredevil antics!!! Mum will be glad to know!! :)

Final thoughts...

So my final thoughts and memories of Rio... if Ive not covered them already

It was extremely hot!!! Hot hot hot!! Averaging mid 30s with days up to 42 degrees! Getting burnt badly in my first week.... but glad to report a beautiful tan by now!!!

Mosis... plenty of them and they liked my blood - wont miss them

The Hill - I lived on a hill and the incline was quite tough, especially when it was really hot and carrying more than my weight! Thankfully the motorbikes at the bottom of the hill proved heavenly! 2 Reias for a ride to the top (about 80pence), well worth it when you are hot and tired! No helmet mind, though quite safe, given it was a windy, steep and cobbled road!

Tea at the Ritz... it wasnt quite the Ritz... but similar, Holley and myself enjoyed a refreshing pot of tea with some cake at this glorious building! The milk was warm mind.... dont think they realise we drink tea with cold milk... but it was divine all the same!!

Radio Cymru - Jonsi - my interview with Jonsi on Radio Cymru, talking about the volunteering at Samba city a couple of weeks prior to Carnival

Diversity - Rio has a mix of people of all skin colours and type... from various cultures and continents, where they have settled and built a vibrant and dynamic city. Though there are some wealthy parts to Rio, you cannot fail to miss a Favela on your journey... buildings laiden upon a hill... and Rio is quite hilly. whilst often children and adults alike live on the streets.

Volunteers - I have met a wonderful group of people whilst volunteering in Rio, from different parts of the world with some closer to home. Hopefully I will get to catch up with some whilst I travel across South America, whilst I am sure to catch up with others when back in the UK.

I had a fab time in Rio, though the work was at times tough, plus the way of life can be somewhat frustrating (they are very laid back and plans are last minute... if there are any), the people I met and the experiences I had made it worthwhile

Ciao Ciao Rio!

Helen xx