"Just go to Cardeal Arcoverde metro, walk a few blocks to the beach
and we'll pick you up outside the Cococobana Palace Hotel. You can't
miss it – it's the biggest hotel there", said the lady on the other end
of the phone, when I was booking my Favella tour.
Can't miss it? Can't miss the hotel? I couldn't even find the bloody beach and the sea! Well, now Woz isn't usually known for being 'directionally challenged', but a funny thing happened when I left the metro station.
Well, for a start – the metro exit is on a large traffic junction – high buildings all around and roads going everywhere. Hey, I'm an adventurer now – and I know Cocacobana faces south. So, follow the sun – that's south. Meanwhile I'm puffing my way uphill and looking at a beautiful vista of mountains and the sun in my eyes – I'm wondering why the sea is up hill. Is it past the mountains? Jeez, she said a few blocks.
Now, while I've already learned that 'Cariocas' (Rio residents) are masters of the understatement – a few blocks can mean 'any distance, I've no idea' – and of course 'be there in 10 minutes' is never (as with the footy supporters) – I was having my suspicions about the direction I was headed in. Then it occurred to me – I'm in the southern hemisphere – the sun is to the north.
So, back down to the metro – now which way? Woz the intrepid explorer has it well sussed - easy, wait for the next train, and follow all those exiting wearing shorts and carrying cooler boxes. Sure enough – three blocks to the beach, the hotel and the Favella tour...
You know something? I reckon if Captain Scott had adopted my logic and followed the people wearing shorts - there's no way that Norwegian geezer would've beat him to the South Pole.
Previous Comments:
Sharon O´Brien:
September 8, 2008
Oh Warren, you are such a story teller! Reading all about your adventure is very entertaining and sooo funny! You really have a knack for putting it down in words. Can´t wait to hear more.
Tom & Sharon xx
Comments