Rio - Beaches, Burns and Hangovers

We had a leisurely morning, then headed down to Copacabana beach. We walked for a while and then rented chairs and an umbrella in front of Copacabana Palace Hotel at Rio Soul. 

The forecst was calling for rain, but it is clear and sunny this morning. I should have taken advantage and camped out in the sun, because this turned out to be the best weather for the entire day. Around the time Bill finished his second beer, the clouds had rolled in from downtown and the skies opened up. It was pouring, but still warm and most people did not leave the beach, so we stayed and hung out. Bill’s patronage earned us a second umbrella, so we stayed fairly dry. 

All morning and for the first part of the afternoon we enjoyed our time on the beach. It was great watching the families and friends hang out and enjoy the beach. Some were listening to music, others were kicking a ball around to keep it from hitting the sand without using hands, kids were playing in the sand at the edge of the surf, young guys doing somersaults, and everyone has a bikini on and shorty trunks whether they should or not! 

Just before it started raining, I ordered a drink with the local liquor which is like rum.  She asked if I wanted a small or big drink. Not knowing better, I ordered the big drink with pineapple juice. Word to the wise, do not order the big drink! I think there must have been entire mickey. 

We hung out until the rain cleared, then started walking to Ipanema Beach. Along the way we stopped for another drink, but I was not interested in having another drink yet so we continued to the beach  We found a spot near the restaurant on the beach where I tried to calm my spins. We both spend the rest of the afternoon people watching and napping under an umbrella.  Both of us ended the day with sunburns!  But really, we can’t be responsible adults all of the time can we?

So, we headed back into Bar Astor for a late afternoon meal. The mixed fried platters and mixed seafood was good, but we did not enjoy the spicy meatballs. Eater.com must have recommended this place for the drinks, not the food. 

We walked back along Copacabana,enjoying the people watching and picked up a bottle of wine, but by the time we arrived back in our room around 9pm we were too tired, so we just called it a night.