Rio in the sun

What a difference a day can make.

In the last two days we have seen a completely different Rio.

The sun came out, the temperatures climbed (about 30 C during the middle of the day), and the people came out in droves.

It appears that on Sundays, they block off half of the divided road along the beaches and open it up for foot traffic. The normal walking path is then utilized for runners and bikers and the beaches are busy with every know net sport imaginable.

To walk from one end of Copacabana to the other end of Ipanema is about 7 kms. An the whole distance is a sun-lovers paradise.

Copacabana is the wider beach, with a lot of upscale hotels and restaurants across the street. Beach vendors will sell anything you could want on a beach and them some.

Ipanema is a little more crowded, with more of the "beautiful" people, and lots of volleyball and other courts set up all along it. People watching is a sport of its own.

Even Flamengo beach, a block our hotel, gets busy when the sun shines.

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Overall, we have found Rio to be a fun and friendly place. The prices are still very reasonable and the selection of food and entertainment is second to none. And the setting is spectacular. Clearly one of the great cities of the world.

Our only regret is that we are going to leave before the new year's celebrations start. There are huge stages, lights and such going up on Copacabana beach, where supposedly the world's largest new year's party is held. The hotels are reportedly about 90% booked already and the prices are going up as I write this.

Maybe it is just as well that we are not here. We are really not fond of big crowds as a rule.

Tomorrow we leave for Canada, and the weather reports we have been hearing are not encouraging.