Rio De Janeiro

Even though my experience with the Rio trip was not all positive, I'm actually loving Rio. Yesterday, I went hang gliding in the morning; it was an amazing experience, and I think it was one of the best thing I did in Rio. The instructor and I took off from a mountain that was 1,500 high. I wasn't scared at first, but when I was about to run off the platform, I was a little intimidated. However, when we were in the air, I actually felt relaxed and was enjoying the spectacular view of Rio. I was able to see the city and beach. Also, we had an overview of the nice houses that were situated on the sides of the mountain. Landing was intense because it was fast, and I fell on my ass when we landed; it was all part of standard procedure though.

After hang gliding, a few of us went to soccer game. Even though I do not particularly enjoy watching soccer, let alone been to a soccer game, I wanted to experience Brazil's greatest passion: soccer. The game was the World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Bolivia. My expectations for the game was that it was going to be crazy and wild. However, the game was not really what most people expected. The stadium was half full and the game was not really exciting; no goals were scored, which resulted in a tie. I did not really enjoy the game, but it was still a spectacle seeing the audience boo and chant "Punto" (bitch).

Oh yeah, we also went to the Copacabana beach to relax for a bit. It was nice and relaxing. However, I missed visiting the Sugar Loaf and the Redeemer, two main attractions in Rio. I was disappointed with this, but I will definitely come back to Rio soon so I can actually visit these two sites along with many other great sites I was also missed, including Ipanema. Copacaba beach was really nice, but I wouldnt say the best in Rio. I heard Ipanema and the "beautiful people" beach were better.

My day, however, was mared by, you guessed it, Travelers Diahhrea. Im not too embarrased to mention it because it is a very common sickness for Travelers. Much of the day, I had terrible stomach pains. It got unbearable during the soccer game. That was yesterday, and I feel much better now beause my body has gotten rid of the toxins and pepdo bismal has taken effect.

I also had an amazing time earlier in the week. I joined a favela tour of Brazils biggest favela, Rochina (pronounced Hosinia). Right before the tour, the girl who organized the tour in our group never showed up for the tour, so I gathered a bunch of people to join the tour. The tour itself opened a completely new perspective for me of the favelas. Before I joined the tour, I thought favelas were very poor slums where violence and drug cartels ruled the area; City of God, the movie that they played on the ship, really perpetuated that stereotype. However, the favelas actually werent as bad as I pictured it, and it was more lively than I thought. The tour really showed me that the favela community really isnt that bad. Even though the environment is dangerous and dirty, the people that lived there didnt seem to mind it because they are used to it. I believe they make the best out of the situation they are in.

After the favela tour, a couple of us went to a loungue/club called House. The place was really hip, though extremeley crowded. The club has great electronica music which I danced very much too. I was able to let loose in this club, something that I needed after days or tiring traveling in Rio. This is what Rio is all about; the nightlife.

Overall, Rio was a great experience for me. Even though many of the people in my group did not particurily get along with everybody else, the city atmosphere really made my Rio experience a particulariy gratifying one. I saw many things in Rio that most tourist do not see, and to be honest, I loved much of it. Thus, I feel a little sad and disappointed that I am soon leaving Rio and Brazil. However, I plan on returning to Rio soon so I can experience more of what Rio has to offer. Now, on to Namibia, Africa!!

So until next time,
Alan Shih at Sea


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