We came to Rio to party and yes we can and yes we did. Despite the rain--we never did make it to the beach during the day; I have yet to put on my new two piece bathing suit--we had the most amazing time in Rio de Janeiro, this most wonderful city. (Oh, why didn't we come here when we were young?!) Especially a New Year's Eve celebration that I will never ever forget. Dressed in traditional white clothes we first walked to a party in an apartment directly overlooking Copacabana Beach. (We were the token heterosexuals at the party but that's a whole other story.)
From the balcony (I secured my front position early!), we could see out over the beach and the ocean and the river of people streaming along the streets to the beach. Some 2 million people thronged the beach for the traditional celebration. (I can't believe they do this every year!) At least 10 cruise ships ringed the harbor, their lights like a trailing necklace of diamonds along the water. And then at midnight an incredible show of fireworks--the crowd roaring in ecstasy as the rockets went off in a synchronized display that lasted 20 minutes. All the time, music blasted from at least three huge stages along the beach. Afterwards, we headed to the beach ourselves to join a swirling mob of people, drinking, laughing, dancing, carousing. We wandered back to the Fasono at 4 am and collapsed overwhelmed but joyous with the experience.
I absolutely love Brazil. I love the food, the music, the spirit, the conviviality, the energy, the passion fruit capirhinas, the warmth of the weather and especially the people. Truly an amazing country.
1 comment:
your exuberance is infectious. We were on the beach also (albeit only ones there) propelling our own mild fireworks with Liz,Gabe, Jake & David....but the moon was incredible....it was a welcome guest at our party.
Can easily visualize you guys among the throng......lay low for a few minutes now.
May 2010 be gracious to you.
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