Rio

I came across this on the web today, and I realized I don't think I've mentioned our three trips to Rio de Janeiro.

Our first was in February '05, just about 6 months after we moved to Brazil. Our best friends in Brazil (an Austrian and Brazilian couple) had been to Rio numerous times, and were our guides. There was also some big meeting at the plant that week, so there were a bunch of "gringos" in town and, well, when in Brazil it seems to be a requirement to visit Rio. So, we went. What stands out in my memory from this trip is caipirinihas on Ipanema beach, finding the "Top Beer" in Ipanema, and making the Rio to SJC run in record time (about 3-1/2 hours). Of course, the awe of seeing Rio for the first time is indelible. It's a beautiful city. Good times, indeed.

Our second trip was in September '05 when my brother, his wife, and 2-year old son came down for a visit. This time, we drove into Rio ourselves, unescorted. A big step for us. My boss was like a nervous father about us going alone. He called me the night before to make sure I really knew what I was doing. I assured him we'd be fine. You see, even Brazilian's have a fearful respect of Rio's high crime rate. I would say 75% of my co-workers had never been to Rio, and would never go. I guess it's similar to what we might say about visiting Camden or Newark after dark. We hired a tour guide for the day, who showed us the highlights of the city.

Our third trip was in March, 2006, when my friend Brian visited. We hired the same tour guide, and again had a great tour of the city. We spent one afternoon walking the length of Ipanema beach, even past Posto 9, and onto the rocks between Ipanema and Copacabana beaches. (Posto 9 means, basically, block 9 of the beach - it's where all those with the best bodies supposedly hang out) We had a few cervejas along the way, of course.

Rio is beautiful, there's no doubt about it. Someday, I'll go back. For now, I'll just enjoy the memories.