Paraty to Rio

On the Bus

After a final breakfast at Pousada Villaggio, we make the short walk to the bus station for our 9:20am bus trip to Rio de Janeiro. This time we get our tickets much quicker than in Sao Paulo.

The bus was to arrive by 2:00pm (4 hours and 40 minuted) but road delays have us arriving more than an hour late. The bus drives along the coast for much of the journey. We have many beautiful views. The bus makes several stops, picking up and dropping off people.

Arrival in Rio

Once we get to the Rio Novo bus terminal in Rio de Janeiro, Graham orders an Uber to take us to our Airbnb. The Christ the Redeemer statue is easy to see from almost anywhere.

Rio is a huge, huge city. As we stop at our accommodations, I notice a few people walking on the street in their bathing suits. One middle age man was in a speedo…not a good look.

Our Airbnb

Our two bedroom Airbnb is quite spacious with a full kitchen, two bathrooms, sitting area and small laundry room. As everywhere in Brazil the apartment entrance is gated and we have to be buzzed in by security who confirm our identities as guests.

An interesting note in the house rules at our Airbnb apartment is that no prostitutes are allowed. Hhmmm… must be a story about how that rule came to be written.

The apartment is in a great location between Copacabana Beach and Ipanema Beach. We are a blickbfrom the beach. The beaches have zones designated by the number of the lifeguard station post that monitors that section. Copacabana has six Postos (posts) 1-6 and Ipanema has Postos 7-12. The beach posts are also a handy reference on where to meet up with other people or where certain groups hang out. Our readings tell us that post 9 is where the hot, trim bodies hang out. John thinks post 9 would be a great spot to spend the day beaching.

Evening Out

It is dark by the time Graham finishes his group project meeting. The streets are filled with people and crawling with police. We feel pretty safe.

We walk down Copacabana Beach which is lit up so brightly that you would think it is day.

Our street is filled with pizza places. We stop at one for pizza and beer. After getting a few groceries, we head back to the apartment for the night.