Still in Rio. Very similar situation to Ben & me in Khao San Road. Just can’t leave. Planned to leave yesterday, and today. But – big night, big sleep, wake up late – don’t leave. Repeat.
But a couple of days ago – went up the Sugar Loaf. Walked the length of Copacabana. Saw the actual beach – which was far more impressive than the small section I saw the other day. Finally understood why it is famous. Met a local with a blind dog, who was very proud of his beach. Only one Copacabana in the world, he reckoned.
Then – walked on to the Sugar Loaf, and caught the cable car up. Climbed up out of the hatch, and had a fistfight with an evil henchman named Jaws. Had been told the view from the top was even better than that from the Cristo statue. Not too sure if I agree – but the view of Copacabana was pretty good. Got up there in time to see view during daytime, then waited for the sunset (nothing to do but drink overpriced beers), watched the sunset, then continued waiting for the nighttime view with the city lit up. Pretty cool.
And since then, nothing but drinks and hangovers. Vodka the other night. Reminded why I shouldn’t drink vodka. But – introduced several people to the B-b-b-bodka. Last night – met a kiwi girl from Owen Street, Newtown, Wellington. Very cool girl, made inappropriate (as in dark humour) jokes, had seen and liked the “Oldboy” movie, and was fairly attractive as well. I believe I said “God, I love kiwi chicks” several times. But was also careful to mention that I already had one.
Also tried rolling my own cigar with the tobacco & corn husk given to me by old man in Congonhas. Went surprisingly well, but got lots of strange looks by other people – most of whom probably thought I was smoking drugs.
But – must go now, and try to think of something to do which will not result in me waking up late tomorrow. Hopefully go to Paraty tomorrow.