It's grey, cloudy and early as I step from the plane. Our little crowd on the rear rows of the flight have been chatting for a few hours – we're all travellers. The guy next to me works for an airline – he flys at very low cost – he's on a four day trip to Rio. The bloke across the isle from me, goes to Rio every few weeks. I don't ask him what he does for a living.
Immigration is a breeze – they don't say a word, just stamp in my passport and wave me through. Customs just as simple. Collect bag and head into arrivals. My Couchsurf hosts are there to greet me. Tim is holding up a sign with my name on – in very small letters, he's obviously read about my exploits at Malaga airport.
We do the introductions – we haven't spoken before now – just exchanged some emails about my staying with them. We'd agreed two or three days, maybe longer if we get on well.
Tim is a laid-back American – from Kentucky. An ex-US Marine who still looks like he can handle himself. Luciana, his delightful wife is Brasilian. She is a PhD in something quite high-level – and is from the south of the country. We talk easily on the ride from the airport to their apartment in Santa Theresa. I feel comfortable with them.
Santa Theresa is an old
district in Rio. The guide books describe it as 'bohemian' – the artist
and writers of Rio have congregated in the area. At first sight, to me
it looks run-down, maybe it is. But it has a particular charm and I
like it.
It has a century-old tram that runs through the district. I've added some photos taken around there, see what you think.
We settle into their apartment – it's started raining, not much chance of going out. We sit out on their small balcony and look out over tropical forest –and two 'Favella' These are slums that house many of Rio's people. 'It's quiet here' says Tim. Except for the gunfire' he adds grimly.
I'll write more about Favella later.
Luciana
makes some Brasilian snacks of meats and cheese and opens some wine.
“I'll have this then take a nap, I've been up for 30 hours”, says Woz.
Well,
another ten hours, four bottles of wine and goodness knows how much
beer later, Woz reckons this is a great cure for jetlag. Stay all week,
they say.
Tim, Luciana and Rio – yeah, this'll be a good visit.
Previous Comments:
September 7, 2008
sounds fun - I'm looking fwd to reading the bit after you discover they have a dark side !!!!
Keep up the journal - you seem to have a talent for it - maybe you can convert this into a best seller at the end of your trip - made a promissing start Wozzer.
Steve
PS. Was the last day this year for the Lido. Had 3 more satisfied
clients today - felt very cold for me after all 3. Watertemp was 74
degrees Farenheit and it was a little windy too.
Within a week I plan to start my Lands End to John O'Groats Charity Bike Ride - yes I have been got at and it seems I am now responsible for raising huge sums for AMG (Action Medical Reseach). They are a good charity and I been associated with them for 4 or 5 years now.
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