January 25, 2012
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The Sun Sets in Rio
I am watching the colors as I write.
Last night was another amazing sunset, flying from Indy to Charlotte. I wonder if all sunsets look the same when you are up so high above the clouds. Magnificent.
Travel + Hot showers = Perfect
I am trying to figure out the magic of Rio. Here:
Sitting in a shop corner next to the Sugar Loaf mountains. Acai na Tigela is heaven in a bowl. The heat gathers that little pool of sweat in the small of my back. Acai brain freeze. Must. Slow. Down. My feet ache in sandals. They’ve grown wimpy from constant socks and shoes in winter weather.
I wanted to paint a picture of the little boy flying his kite from the roof of his favela. There is no sauce on my pizza. That is why Brazilians use ketchup. I am Brazilian today. What is going on? What did I do to get life this good, and how can I make it last forever?
I am sure the magic has to do with the meeting of the mountains and ocean, resulting beaches and beauty absorbed by thousands of people warmed by the tropics and fed from the lush fruit, building skyscrapers and a Christ Redeemer to watch over them.
I talked to a Carioca (girl from Rio) on the plane. She said they’ve made everything into a big hole, trying to fix roads and construction projects before the World cup in 2014. It takes her twice as long to get to work every morning. She said a typical expression is “God give me paticence because if you give me strength I will kill them.” I should steal this mantra.
1. Google hostels in Rio, and print out pages of cheap ones. Errr, safe ones (for mom).
2. When arriving in Rio, find a map and locate some possible hostels. I found a couple in one area, so headed there. I already saw Copacabana and Ipanema, so now I am in Botafogo. Besides, having basic knowledge of a map of Rio makes you feel smart.
3. Take the blue bus. Basically the only bus from the International airport to everywhere else. Note there are two airports. This can get confusing. Ask the nice bus driver to tell you where to get off.
4. Keep walking and keep trying hostels until you find one that fits you. Take a hot shower. Call your mother. Get something to eat. See this:
Comments (1)
Nice pic. I, too, have a fascination for sunsets. Sunsets in Manila Bay, as well as in Boracay are simply breathtaking, too.