You have made Brazil come alive through its famous beach Claire. The waves look extremely high and fierce. Did you take the plunge? I read the article by da Silva. Mighty impressive 👏
Yes, I swam a few times. The bay was calmer in the early morning and in certain areas. But I had Daniel on the shore watching out for me. The water was too cold for him. (It was 22 degrees Celsius)
I love Brazil! Everything is so LARGE there! And there's like this joie de vivre, things just seem bigger there, maybe they are. I loved Rio, bc of the crowds, the diversity, the differentness which you captured so well in this great post. I felt I was at Ipanema with you, and loving it. And a sunny day! When I was there rather often there would be clouds (I'd forgotten it's the country w/ the hugest rainforest in the world ): I guess). But when the sun was out - time for a caiparina, probably my fave cocktail over and above even margaritas! Have fun!!!!!
Thank you! There is definitely a joie de vivre here and a camaraderie that extends to foreigners. We feel part of the city and are not constantly treated as tourists with money in our pockets.
There is certainly a vibrancy. Years ago a SoAmerican travel writer said in many SA countries he felt sadness or suppression, and if you think of the conflicts —Pinochet, Argentina’s militia etc, it’s obvious why. Brazil seems to float though, maybe it’s those lovely rainforest clouds. Enjoy!!
People in Peru seemed far less hopeful and jubilant than the people in the richer neighborhoods here in Rio. But Rio is huge (with favelas) and Brazil is enormous; I haven’t seen enough or been here long enough to really comment.
Oh, right, Claire. Rio IS huge. As a tourist I saw so very little of it and not the favelas. But I must admit, I did fall in love w/ it and the people.
Absolutely gorgeous, Claire — it reads like the beach itself is narrating, shifting voices with each wave. Loved how you moved from joy to justice without breaking the rhythm. The line about the sugarcane hit hard — sweetness and sorrow all in one breath.
You have made Brazil come alive through its famous beach Claire. The waves look extremely high and fierce. Did you take the plunge? I read the article by da Silva. Mighty impressive 👏
Yes, I swam a few times. The bay was calmer in the early morning and in certain areas. But I had Daniel on the shore watching out for me. The water was too cold for him. (It was 22 degrees Celsius)
That's warm compared to Irish beaches
I love Brazil! Everything is so LARGE there! And there's like this joie de vivre, things just seem bigger there, maybe they are. I loved Rio, bc of the crowds, the diversity, the differentness which you captured so well in this great post. I felt I was at Ipanema with you, and loving it. And a sunny day! When I was there rather often there would be clouds (I'd forgotten it's the country w/ the hugest rainforest in the world ): I guess). But when the sun was out - time for a caiparina, probably my fave cocktail over and above even margaritas! Have fun!!!!!
Thank you! There is definitely a joie de vivre here and a camaraderie that extends to foreigners. We feel part of the city and are not constantly treated as tourists with money in our pockets.
There is certainly a vibrancy. Years ago a SoAmerican travel writer said in many SA countries he felt sadness or suppression, and if you think of the conflicts —Pinochet, Argentina’s militia etc, it’s obvious why. Brazil seems to float though, maybe it’s those lovely rainforest clouds. Enjoy!!
People in Peru seemed far less hopeful and jubilant than the people in the richer neighborhoods here in Rio. But Rio is huge (with favelas) and Brazil is enormous; I haven’t seen enough or been here long enough to really comment.
Oh, right, Claire. Rio IS huge. As a tourist I saw so very little of it and not the favelas. But I must admit, I did fall in love w/ it and the people.
Absolutely gorgeous, Claire — it reads like the beach itself is narrating, shifting voices with each wave. Loved how you moved from joy to justice without breaking the rhythm. The line about the sugarcane hit hard — sweetness and sorrow all in one breath.
Thank you, Benthall, for reading and your kind words.