Fo Río

Rio de Janeiro is electric. One of the most stunning settings I've ever seen. Rainforested mountains jut up against white sand beaches framed by the clear, blue Atlantic ocean. The thriving, bustling city that is Rio nestles itself in between the mountains and the sea with high rise towers stretching along the coasts and densely packed favelas (or shanty towns) rising up into the hills. Rio doesn't cease to amaze and entertain, especially during the week of Carnaval when it becomes a true playground for big kids. And play we did.

Our home base was a one-bedroom apartment on Copacabana which we rented out for ten days and cozily shared between seven of us. The saving grace was the rooftop terrace which boasted a pool, pool table, grill and full kitchen and was the site of our delicious daily feast that usually occurred at say, 11:30 pm. Our days started with the freshest of freshy fruits and juices. Every kind of tropical fruit blended up with ice. The amazing acai berry which is the most potent and powerful little berry which they blend up and serve with granola and bananas was fuel for the day. We drank the refreshing water from green coconuts and then split them open to feast on the meat.

Then to the beach. Copacabana and Ipanema beaches are one of a kind. Impressive expanses of white sand and even more impressive amounts of skin. I have never seen more beautiful people in one place than I did in Rio. Every skin tone from peach to golden to chocolate and everywhere in between. Brazilians are exotic and tan, toned and flaunting it in the ittiest bittiest baby excuses for bikinis or swimming trunks. A feast for the eyes for sure. The beaches are absolutely packed, which usually would annoy me but everyone is so much fun to look at it makes it OK. Vendors come by selling everything you might crave on a beach: shade, sunscreen, beers, shrimp, bathing suits, sodas, watermelon etc... all delivered to your own little oasis in the sand.

We filled our afternoons with outtings - or with timely naps as the case may be. We explored the huge national park that streches out behind Rio to play in a tropical rainforest paradise. The two best viewpoints of Rio - the massive Jesús Christo statue that stands watch over the city, and Sugarloaf mountain give equally stunning and completely opposite views of Rio. It is necesary to get higher to truly understand the dramatic landscape and the way the city nestles in between the mountains and the sea. Speaking of getting higher... I flew for the first time. I ran and jumped of a mountain top and soared under a hang-glider, over the tops of trees in the national park and then over that clear clear blue ocean before landing on the beach. It was one of the more incredible experiences of my life. Now I'm longing to jump of higher things and fall and fly farther...

In the evenings we usually grilled or cooked up increasingly amazing meals as the week progressed on our rooftop. Our dinners were lovingly labourous endeavours which lasting well into the night. For Valentines Day we rolled sushi and made a dessert platter of exotic fruit dipped in hazelut chocalate and almonds. Mmmmmade with Love.
However, all this is just what Rio has to offer every day of the year. Then there is Carnaval. Brazilians know how to party and the city has a massive influx of people that come to be apart of the biggest party in the world. From Friday to Fat Tuesday of Carnaval at any moment of the day or night in any corner of the city there is an array of parties you can choose to be apart of. Blocos are popular street parties where a parade, a band or a DJ entertain and people frolic in the streets where roving bars set up shop offering cold beers or caiparinhas. Costumes are the name of the game although I wasn't very impressed with the quality of costumes... I guess I have kinda high standards. In the bohemian neighborhood of Lapa, you can find any kind of dance party you want all night long. There is a huge half dome which has large amplified bands and then the streets and bars of the neighborhood all have their own spice and feel. From a Reggae dance party in the street to a salsa club to a techno rave - you can wander and sample and stay were you're drawn.


Carnaval was a raging party. But really it wasn't anything very special to me - just alot of people milling and drinking and dancing. I've been more impressed with the quality of other parties and festivals I've been to - although the sheer quantity of revelers is enough to make anyones jaw drop. What really took my breath away is the sheer setting, an amazing backdrop for whatever activity you choose to endeavour. The experience of a lifetime. I would recomment it to anyone looking to feel alive. And glowing and joyful and real... I mean Rio.