After a rocky start at the airport (cheers, STA travel) we were helped by a very kind shuttle driver who gave us an improvised guided tour of Rio de Janeiro as he drove us to our hotel.
I've never felt more out of my comfort zone. We don't speak the language and most people don't speak ours so we're communicating through a mix of charades and key words ("quanto", "obrigado" and "batata frita" might just get me through this trip...). We arrived in Copacabana after our overnight flight tired, confused, hot and unwell but incredibly excited for Carnaval time in Rio!
Today, we visited the Hippie Fair in Ipanema and picked up some special regional artworks. To say that it is hot outside is an understatement and it's hitting us hard after being in a cold climate for so long!
As we walked along Copacabana Beach, a street band on top of a moving vehicle was belting out samba tunes. It seems like everywhere you go around the city you can hear a drum beat somewhere. Brazilians seem to burst out into dance whenever there is music playing.
I can't wait to dance with the locals at the blockos (street parties) in this beautiful and vibrant city!