Day in Rio: Bonding at its finest.

We said good-bye to the city of making money to the city of spending money promptly at 4:45am. This early morning adventure led us to meet a gentlemen driving drunk and jamming out to Avicii’s “Levels”. This man not only was drinking beer while driving a stick shift, he managed to sing along with Samra (who had his window down) and even offered him some of his drink. Remember this was all in the safety of the van. This beginning we declared there would be ‘No sleep to Manaus.’

Check in at the airport went smoothly, due to our lovely “eye brows assistant” – Emilia. The only encounters included Emilia’s flats caused a ruckus with security and no McDonalds. The gang’s mission to eat McDonalds still remains top on the priority list, so this morning’s  breakfast include chocolate items for some (one of the only things found in the terminal).

We touched down in Rio, excited, tired and hungry! As we retrieved our luggage, there was a mini-power outage – nothing is more inviting than a black out – Welcome to Rio! The group proceeded and met our escort for our time in Rio, Angela. She is truly a cheerful, energetic, knowledgeable woman. “She just warms your heart” – Nicole. 

We went directly from the airport to Petrobras, the largest oil company in Brazil. We met Izeusse Braga, who gave a lovely presentation on the company. He introduced to us the social responsibilities initiatives and explained the future of the company for the next 15 years with their new explorations passed the salt line. All group members received a “goodie bag” that held packets and booklets of information in regards to the financials, social responsibility and more. Mr. Braga also gave Samra a flash drive that entailed the PowerPoint slides used. Overall, the visit to the company was very informational and provided valued-added knowledge to understanding the oil industry in Brazil. 

Upon departure of Petrobras, we walked over to The Catherdal. This amazing structure captured the hearts of the group, but not our stomachs.  The group’s increased need to consume food, “if I don’t eat soon I might punch someone” – Mike. Luckily our amazing tour guide made us quick reservations to a buffet style restaurant while we waited for our rooms to be cleaned and prepped.

Along our transportation travels within Rio, we learned a great deal about the cultural in the area and interesting facts about the area. Angela explained all the sites along the way as everyone took pictures enthusiastically in order to capture all the moments spent in Rio.

After stuffing our faces, we made our way to our next adventures of site seeing. We were very fortunate to have Angela with us because she had all the right hook ups. Our first stop on the adventure list was to the Corcovado - Jesus Christ statue; a truly breathtaking site. We took a train up the mountain side the provided gorgeous views of the city below.  Fun fact: locals who live on the hill may ride the train up and down the mountain for free.  At the top of the mountain (2300ft above sea level) stands the statue overlooking the city.  For our group photo with the amazing monument, Angela laid on the ground in order to take such amazing photographs.

Our second stop was to the Sugar Loafs, across town. During our trek across the city we entertained ourselves with group singing and future home purchases. Joe and Kevin plan to buy the Palace in Rio, where we would all visit, but unfortunately Emilia’s accommodations will be a tent pitched outside.  Along the ride, world-renounced scientist, Joe P, explained the Earth’s tilt to explain the reasons for early nightfall.

We arrived at the Sugar Loafs with five minutes to spare to make the next cable car up the mountain. Angela got us in and persuaded them to let us up the cords to the top. As we reached the top of the moutain, we broke out into song this time, “I believe I can fly;” An appropriate classic for the moment as we dangled over the trees below. In our second adventure up this mountain provided more breathtaking views of the city below in the evening time. The lights illuminated the sky and provided epic photos (for only Joe’s & Samra’s cameras).  As we looked down upon the city, each of us reflected on various points in our lives along with missing their loved ones at home.

Amongst our travels, we learned the about the famous drink, Caparihas, which contains sugar cane and vodka. In preparation to consumption, Kevin recorded Angela pronouncing the drink name to make it easier on us to order. We continued to practice the name and Maria nailed it by the end of the night. We also learned that if the levels of intake: 1 Drink: You’re okay, 2 Drinks: You’re good, 3 Drinks: You can speak Portuguese, 4 Drinks: You can samba, and 5 Drinks: You are too hot for clothes.

Our third stop of the evening was to the market, where the group purchased souvenirs for family, friends, and themselves.  After the shopping trip we walked along the street to find a delicious meal. We ended up eating at a restaurant overlooking the bay, consuming a meal of salt with a little bit of meat or pasta. The massive amount of meat consumed at dinner was mind-blowing. Mike and Joe expanded their stomachs by eating seven types of meats.  “We did not know the meat extratravagza we were about to encounter. Meat included: pork, sausage, chicken, steak, octopus (Maria’s  order), crab and salmon. So much meat! And let’s not forget the dog food?  Our order also consisted of more French fries and “catchup.” The review: good but salty.

The night did not end after dinner, the group went back to the Hotel, showered and decided to go to the beach and hang out. We all admired the waves and took fierce pictures. The time spent on the beach was calming and entertaining (slap hand game, wave races, etc). The group parted with the sand around 2:00 am and went back to the hotel and slept for roughly an hour to an hour and a half. We had to be ready by 4:30am!.... and we woke up again to start our next adventures.

Low lights: Car Accident, Milleara pills

High lights: Hotel located on the beach, Samra's dinner stories and Angela!