I have a zest for experiencing different cultures and countries. I was scrolling a travel agents site and came across a ridiculous special. Flights, accommodation and a ticket to Rio Carnival. Rio Carnival has been on my bucket list for a long time. So when I saw it, there was no thinking, I booked.
I have to be honest arriving in Rio, staying in Copacabana, felt like a dream. As much as attending Carnival was the hook, or the tick, I fell in love with so much more.
The Favela – much like a ghetto or a township in South Africa, was unbelievable. According to our guide, each Favela is run by a drug syndicate. One has to understand that entry to the Favela, by tourists has to be permitted by the drug lords. It is not advisable to do a self guided tour to the Favela. The Favela has an energy of it’s own, as you manovre through the make shift streets, you see into people’s doorways and their lives. A way of life that is completely foreign to most people’s concept of home. Normal for residents of the Favela is a child under 10, owning and using a gun. Sadly, this is the only way of life they know and I can’t imagine how they can be introduced to another way of life……
But you find the children gathered at certain points, and they will dance to the beat of drums with you. It was during his experience that I wished the most that they were not robbed of their innocence and an opportunity to make life of their own. But they gave me a memory and I hope that I gave them a moment that was pure, innocent and joyful.
OK onto the rest of the trip. BLOCK PARTIES!!!! or BLOCKA as they are commonly referred to. You don’t need to buy tickets, dress up or make a reservation. You take your drinks and follow the music.Masses of party people just get together, each playing their own selection and some people even bringing trolleys of drinks, it is quite something. Rio is not a place to visit during carnival, if you are not comfortable with large crowds of people. They are everywhere.
We also took our pic at Christ the Redeemer, some para gliding off Sugar Loaf Mountain and i got my hair braided on Copacabana beach, while sipping on way too many Caparinhas.
Finally it was the big day, Rio carnival. I got a dress, some face accessories and we were set….until it poured continuously with rain. we retreated to our hotel for a bit, but after a while, decided to brave the storm and do what we came to Rio to do – go to Carnival. In the pouring rain, we saw the stunning, colorful and artistic floats. It really is majestic and larger than life. The atmosphere, despite the torrential rain was electric.
Being the kind of adventurers we are and having seen Rio Carnival, we decided to head to Sao Paulo, to experience their Carnival and city. It was the best decision we could have made.
I remember leaving ,my phone behind in an uber, a random stranger saw my peril, she sat with us, had drinks with us, assisted best she could to get a hold of our driver. I was just in awe of her kindness. After lots of drinks with her and her husband, we ventured back to our hotel.
Well we were better prepared for Carnival the 2nd time round and I have to tell you Sao Paulo Carnival was spectacular! Or maybe it was the dry weather – who knows. If you are going to carnival, every market and store has costumes, accessories and anything else you may need if you want to dress up and they are not exorbitantly expensive.
A few other things you might want to do
Visit the Fruit Market – another level, it’s like a Louis Vuitton store for fruit.
Don’t forget the Spanish Stairs, the Football Museum and of course China Town.
We came across delightful buskers playing music at an incredible level – they should be on theatre stages! I danced while a violinist played Despacito, I love the freedom of travel.
TRIPS AND TIPS 