Rio Baby!

I had the opportunity to go to Rio de Janeiro and it was quite the experience. I stayed at the JW Marriott in Copacabana so all the creature comforts were alive and well. Outside those doors, however, was an extreme display of wealth and poverty with very little middle class. In fact, their poverty made ours look like middle class. The slums, otherwise known as favela were spilling over the mountains and down onto the coast literally butting up against the most wealthy hotels along Ipanema, LeBlon and Copacabana. It was incredible. Beyond that, the scenic views were breath-taking, from the canopy of the rainforest to the vistas from Sugarloaf and Cristo Redentor. The rainforest was thick and dense with no veering off the familiar path. Sugarloaf had an interesting history and views to no end. The statue was incredibly larger than I had imagined and saw in the James Bond movie. Quite humbling actually.

Also, got to participate in the world's largest blackout. I was in the hotel at the time and it was dark for about 15 minutes then the generators kicked in. So, not bad. However, looking out the window and once seeing a bright coast stretching for miles was now black as velvet. It was eery. Plus, the thought did cross my mind: looting. But the security at the hotel and throughout the city was alerted so I felt safe even though it may have been a false security. What I found out the next day was that the hospitals generally do not have generators so infants and elderly on ventaltors perished during the blackout. I could not help but feel selfish and disgusted that the priorities are all wrong.

All in all, a fantastic trip. Can't say as I would go back, however. And it will be very interesting to see how the Olympics will fair in 2016. There is outward begging, corruption and violence from the favelas that is bigger than their police force can handle. I can only imagine what they will need to do to get ready for such a worldly event. However, the Olympics will bring a stimulus to their economy that will hopefully be shared. (?!?)

I highly recommend the trip and bring your cameras. The diversity of simply everything in that area and culture is outstanding. And the beaches... well, let's just say that toplessness is considered immoral in their culture but a micro-bikini and speedos are just fine. And their body imagine is not a problem at all. From absolutely beautiful to downright homely, there was no shame at all. Made us white Americans seem ridicules. Really!

Peace my friends... If all y'all are on facebook, there are plenty more pics over there. Friend me. or if you cannot find me, I will friend you.