Party Time

Wow, Wow, Wow

How do you describe something so loud, colourful, amazing, technical and fun as this night.

I can’t right now so here are some pictures while I think of what to say.

(P:- well I know Judith isn’t the most vocal person on the planet but it’s not often she is lost for words! So I guess I best write a couple of words whilst she regains her composure!

When we booked this row boat trip we knew it would be different, contrasting and a world apart from other trips we have done. As far as Rio De Janeiro was concerned, we were approaching that with mixed feelings! From media reports of the previous Olympic Games and snippets we had read and researched nothing made us feel particularly secure about the visit. A city of over 7 million with an excess of 4 million residing in the Favella’s (Slum or lower socio economic areas). If you read the forums online, listen to the wisened old (yep old) veteran cruise travellers there was going to be a good chance of being robbed, mugged, pickpocketed, shot at or maybe worse! Yes, I agree, the safety risk is higher here (and in some of the other cities we have been in in Brazil) but if you follow basic common sense, don’t go into dark parks and places, keep on the correct side of the road in dubious areas, don’t overdress and wear jewellery (no issue there as we don’t have any!) we never felt uncomfortable at all. We walked with Block Parties, ate in local restaurants (non tourist) and mingled in the local markets as well as visited the “iconic sights of Rio” (apart from the Carnival and Sugarloaf / Christ the redeemer tours) we did it alone and had a ball!

People were courteous, friendly and helpful. Our personal view of this metropolis is far better than what we were led to believe.

As Judith is still “dumbstruck” with amazement (2 days later) I will report on Carnival. As a disclaimer I will remind you that I am severely restricted in ability and knowledge with culture and anything musical – so here goes!!!

We joined our tour coach at 7 pm for the trip to the Sambadome (a specifically designed 750m long stadium with seating along each side for in excess of 100,000 people. We arrive at 8pm and it is almost empty, show starts at 9 and it’s overflowing with excited patrons! Everyone stands for the vibrant Brazilian National Anthem and let the “Party” begin. My ear plugs were quickly inserted as firmly as possible which reduced the music to a somewhat acceptable (loud) level.

The evening consisted of 7 presentations from 7 of the best Samba Schools in Rio. Each presentation was a story told by music, dancers, floats and lighting effects. Each Samba was approx 80 minutes in length and consisted of:- over 4000 dancers, special lead dancers, and a continual stream of extremely elaborate and huge floats which were amazing. The length of each Samba approx. 1000metres. The cost of each Samba (remember there were 7 tonight) is in excess of $4million!

We were immediately awestruck! The noise, the lights, the floats and the costumes! All to be judged by a team of experts (I am fairly sure judged on how much noise they could make!!). To keep with the Brazilian “Fabric shortage” some of the costumes, whilst elaborate were also very brief or non existent in some vital areas! Another amazing view was watching some of the patrons and their non stop Samba dancing in the audience near us for almost 12 hours- their bodies just flowed to the music as if they were mesmerised!!!

Now I think the photos can take over !

The only other thing I will mention is that the sun had well and truely risen when we arrived back at the ship- overawed, excited and tired – been many a decade since we have been to an all night party! And we have suffered a bit since but it was a once in a lifetime! Rio and Carnival will be one of those special places we have visited that we will fondly remember for a lifetime.