The drive to the hotel was really fast because it was a Sunday and it was EASTER Sunday... there were very few cars on the road. From what I hear the trip from the International Airport to Copacabana normally takes about an hour to an hour and 1/2. But today it took only 30 minutes.
The temperature is fantastic... about 80 degrees, clear sky, and just a hint of a tropical breeze.
We arrived to our hotel in Leme (Copacabana) at about 10am. The check in to our hotel went quickly (normally we would have to wait until 2pm to check in but we got special treatment) and we were in our rooms within 10 minutes. John asked us if we wanted to "freshen up" or head out to the beach.... we chose the beach.... John gave us just enough time to change into our beach clothes and we were off..... The first on our list was.... FOOD... the airplane food was... OK... but some of us did not eat the breakfast... and it had been a long time since dinner.... So... we were ready to EAT....
We walked the short block to the beach to see all the activities going on... Footvolley, 4 person volleyball, 2 person volleyball, beach tennis, beach soccer, and just hanging out in the almost 90 degree weather.....
We stopped a couple of blocks away to have something to eat.... a vegi pizza was the choice... but finding something for a vegan was a bit more difficult.... finally settling for a juice drink... we were all set for lunch.
After lunch we went to the ATM to get everyone some money... but had no luck... I think there were a series of things against us... 1. it was SUNDAY at the end of a long holiday weekend and many of the ATM's were simply out of cash. 2. some of the ATM's did not work. 3. Some of the ATM's did not work with this specific bank card. After trying 6-8 different banks and ATM's we gave up.
On our hunt for a working ATM, we came across an open air fruit and vegi market... Where our hungry vegan found some lunch (thank goodness for bananas).
After a long day of flying through the night, and the hot temperatures, on the beach, we decided to walk back to the hotel...
Along the way we passed the trinket market.... lots of souvenirs to buy and take home.
Following a visit to the hotel to explore the upper deck, the workout center and the roof top pool. We decided to go to a Brazilian buffet for dinner...
The selection was fantastic, with about 40 different salads, potato's, rice, beans cheese, casseroles, Susi and then you get to the grilled meats.... a selection from chicken to sausages to prime rib. Something for everyone.
In almost every restaurant in RIO you will find at least one big screen TV... normally turned to one of the never ending Soccer games. Last night while we were eating the soccer game was on.... and we noticed that it was pouring down with rain.... i asked one of the waiters where the game was being played because it was pouring down rain... He said it was being played about 30 minutes away. I said to him .. but it is raining there... he said just wait it will be here too in a few minutes.... AND... sure enough 5 minutes later RAIN.... We had a 10 minute walk back to our hotel.... in the RAIN....
After a long overnight flight to RIO.... a walk down the beach.... and a big dinner.... it was time for bed.
Tomorrow.... Beach Volleyball Practice and sightseeing
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