1 Ticket to Paradise

The flight from the States was very nice. The plane was about half full so once again I had no problem getting into Business Elite. This time I didn’t even have anyone sitting next to me. I could not be happier and after dinner I maneuver my seat into sleep position and get a good nights sleep on my way back to paradise.

Once in Sao Paulo, I pass through immigration, retrieve my checked bag, and clear customs in less than 10 minutes. I head directly to the Varig counter and get a $179 flight to Rio. The 8:00 flight is still open, but it has been delayed until a 9:30. Finally we board and I am once again reminded of the difference between Business and Coach.

Once in Rio, they waive me through customs and I head for the taxis outside. I have R$56 left over from my previous trip, so that is plenty to get me to Copacabana.

I spot a decent looking guy near a yellow taxi who actually spoke some English. This other dirtbag comes up and tries to talk to me and “help” me with my bags even though the taxi driver is putting them in the trunk. Anyway, he opens the back door for me and I thank him. I didn’t ask him to do anything for me, so I didn’t give him shit.

While riding into Copacabana, I realize that I could not have arrived on a worse day. It’s a little chilly and it’s raining. This sort of brings me down a bit because I had expected it to be a little warmer than when I was here in early July, so once again, I only brought one long-sleeve shirt and no jacket.

The taxi driver takes me to Blame it on Rio because I have rented an apartment from Bobby. As I am getting out of the taxi, I hear “Aldaron”. I turn and it is none other than Sweetmesquite loitering around in the rain.

We both go in and I get the key from Bobby and off we go to the apartment. I’m in 8 Miguel Lemos this time. The apartment has a nice view of the beach, but it sort of reminds me of staying at the Debret because of its size. I don’t really care though because I am hardly ever in the apartment and my only demands were that it have a good shower, a good toilet, and a good air conditioning.

Sweet and I go back down and hit the streets. I need money and apparently an umbrella now. Back at Bobby’s, we run into Hemp and Sweet introduces me. After talking a bit, we split up planning to meet later at the office at 2:00. I want to go get a few things and get settled in, so I head up Copacabana Avenue.

As I said on my last trip, I bought some very comfortable Brazilian shoes my last day and once I got back home, I swore I was going to buy another pair in black. I head straight to Segredo Dos Pes on Copacabana Avenue and get them.

Next I head to the grocery store to buy water, toilet paper, paper towels and Lysol disinfectant. I don’t care how good a maid is, she doesn’t have the vested interest in cleaning things up that I have.

After I get unpacked, I head to Alcazar and spot 3 tables of Hombres. They are headed to Terma Y at 2:30. I had told Sweet earlier that I would go too, but later I started thinking that I need to stick to my original plan. There were several things on my “to do” list this time and I want to try to hit some of them early in my trip, so off I go alone.

I head to Blockbuster for Reals, and once there hop in a taxi for Rio Sul. I want to see this place for myself and maybe buy a couple of long-sleeve shirts.

The mall is everything that has been said about it. There are lots of young cute girls working in the shops and many walking around. I wander around for an hour just taking it in. My Portuguese skills are not at the level to where I can have a conversation. Once I say “hello, and ask them “how are you”, and if they want to eat or drink something, I’ve got nothing.

It’s around 4:00 now which means it’s almost terma time, so I head out ready for some rest and relaxation.