~Lodging, Leblon & Ipanema Beaches~
As I sit here listening to the sounds of the waves crashing below my balcony I can’t help but think that Rio has proven to be everything I thought it would be and more! I knew it would be hot and humid. I knew it’s people would be as warm as the weather and I knew I’d feel over-dressed on the beach! What I didn’t expect is that my experiences here would leave me wanting more. So much more!
My trip starts with a flight out of JFK direct to Rio taking a little over 9 hours. I didn’t see that coming…9 hours? Really? I’m not crossing an ocean! A meal, movie and nap later I landed in Galeao International Airport and am greeted by drum beats and dancing as I exit luggage pick up. What is this? Is this just for everyone? NO! Apparently a famous soccer player was on my flight and this was his welcome home greeting.
I head to my hotel, the Sheraton Grande Rio Hotel and Resort and am magically upgraded to a suite overlooking the beach. For the record, Sheraton is the only hotel in Rio that is actually on the beach. Meaning, one doesn’t have to cross the street to reach the beach. It’s on the Leblon beach and while it’s not private, the guests of the hotel do have access to chairs and umbrellas. You may not have heard of the Leblon beach because I’m not aware of any famous songs about it…but there should be. It’s smaller than most, not as busy and the way the current hits this beach it’s where the surfers and locals like to come. I could sit on my balcony watching the children play for hours just watching and listening. In fact, I did!
My first full day was spent laying on my “home beach” and tasting the local cocktail, the Caipirinha. It’s muddled fruit (you chose), Cachaca (the local liquor) and crushed ice. It’s good, but let’s just say, more than one would knock me on my back. Good thing I’m already laying in a beach chair…I’ll have another!
Day two sends me to the beach everyone around the world knows, Ipanema. I think it has something to do with this song about a 60-year-old man, chasing an 13-year-old Brazilian woman in the customary swimming attire! Aka: The girl from Ipanema. The beach is gloriously sprinkled with volleyball, sun worshipers and little stands that sell coconuts with straws to drink the water. Which I did…and it was great! While sitting there I met an interesting cast of characters who work in the maritime profession in a variety of rolls. One of my most favorite things about travel…meeting new people and making new friends! We drank our fair share of caipirinhas together UNTIL we had a cloud burst and found ourselves huddled under a table umbrella together. That was a bonding moment! It was following that moment that the double rainbow appeared. Gosh, I love the symbolism of that…new beginnings…which this blog certainly is!
Up next, Sugar Loaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer…
Impressed?? I’m very proud of you! You should be in the travel business and writing about these beautiful experiences. Your pictures are amazing. I hope one day I can experience one of these trips with you. Love Aunt Janie
Awe…thanks Janie! My goad in doing this is to inspire others. SO, YES…Maybe you should visit me in Positano this summer…I’ll be there for 4 weeks!! Come on over!!
Hi Kim,
I cannot find my original post. That’s what I get for trying to be clever.
Your narrative and photos made me feel like I was On the Beach”.
I think that is what a personal narritive should do.
The descriptions and the photographs were entertaining. You made me feel relaxed and happy, which is not easy as we are still experiencing such cold and wind here in Milwaukee. I think you were ahead of the horrible weather I’m seeing described for your East Coast.
Your writing is warm, personal and very descriptive. I am anxiously awaiting another story.
I am taking the liberty of suggesting a chapter title or a variation.“ Climbing up the Mountain to Jesus”
Love, Aunt Faye
Ho,ho,ho and a bottle of Rum…or does this beach have none?
You make the beach sound like heaven. Touring churches sounds like heaven also. To say nothing about your “On the Beach”Sweet Suite”!
Now that I’ve used all my clichés, I want you to know that reading your personal account makes me feel as though I am there.
Impressions make a story brighter and I think you’re really accomplishing something people will be anxious to read. Surely, you’ve made this reader smile.
With the weather here being at 0° and today’s 10° feels much better in comparison to the last three or four days. Who wouldn’t wanna read about a sunny and warm day on the beach?
So it rained, you found a fun place to hide and did it with new friends. I will be waiting for the next chapter.
PS: Having my first experience with this kind of “correspondence” is fun. I hope I will know how to get it again.
Love, Aunt Faye
Thanks Aunt Faye!
I appreciate the love and the feeling of being there feedback…that was my goal! I limited the details on the new friends event for obvious reasons…but…it was an absolute blast!! 🙂