Tag Archives: Carnival

Mist Shrouded Giant

On Monday we started our pictorial tour of Rio de Janeiro — host to both the 2014 FIFA World Cup (well, actually all of Brazil for the World Cup) and the 2016 Summer Olympics.  When Ursula and I were there in 2011, we arrived just in time for Carnival, but the Sambradrome (Rio Day Two — Carnival) is not the only place for Carnival excitement.  That extends even to the streets this time of year.

Carnival Parade

Carnival Band

If you find yourself visiting Rio de Janeiro outside of Carnival, don’t despair.  There’s always the beach.

Rio Beach Looking North

Rio Beach Looking South

And if you’re alone, you can always phone for a friend.  Rio seems such a friendly town.  Indeed, if the telephone booths are any real indicator, Camily is very friendly, followed in popularity by Bruna and Paula.

For a Good Time, Call — Camily seems most popular, followed closely by Paula and Bruna

And don’t think that all who hit the beach are in great shape.  There are some real blimps out there.

Radio-Controlled Blimp

I know . . . after those last two it’s time to get on with the slideshow:

Glass and Sky

Watching the World Go By

Tree-Line Boulevard

Amidst the Jungle

Got the Time?

Olympic Pride

Building Skyward

It’s Looks Straighter When You’re Sober

Caipirnha, Anyone?

Cleared for Takeoff (Gee, I used to say that)

Ya Gotta Know When to Hold ‘Em, Know When to Fold ‘Em

And Another Caipirnha?

Carnival

I know, I’ve done Rio de Janeiro before, but that series of blogs concentrated more on Carnival and less on the city and its people.  With both the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics  coming to Rio, I thought perhaps it was time to take another look at this vibrant, dynamic, pulsating gem.  Both today’s blog and Wednesday’s will hopefully give you a taste for Rio’s unique place in South America, with Brazil being the Portuguese outpost amongst a sea of Spanish-speaking nations.  On Fun Photo Friday I’ll select some of my favorite more artistic photographs of Rio.

The Rio Skyline

If you’re on the beach in Rio, you’re never far from a drink.  That means you’re never far from a caipirinha — the national cocktail of Brazil.  This concoction is quite tasty and reminiscent of a mojito.

Caipirinha Bar — Brazil’s National Cocktail

If you’re not in the mood for a cocktail, then there’s always a guaraná — the national drink of Ursula.  She can drink this stuff by the case.  Not so much me — half a can at lunch and I’m still bouncing off the walls at night instead of going to sleep.

Guaraná — The National Drink of Ursula

I guess it’s time for me to shut up and get on with the slideshow, so here it is (just click on any image to bring up enlarged versions in slideshow format):

Copper Dome

Saying “Goodbye”

Cafë

Not Your Father’s Thermometer

Street Vendor

Looks Like New York

A Piece of the Rock

One Happy Guy

Palms and Umbrellas

Building into the Valley

Some Beach!

Sand Dragons and Castles

Along the Beach

Balconies

Mountains and Trees