THE SOUTHERN AMERICAN SERIES PT6
COPACABANA, RIO
Rio was the only place I was going to spend Xmas this year and I already knew it was the right choice.
NORMALLY THE THOUGHT OF HAVING CHRISTMAS WITH A BUNCH OF STRANGERS WOULDN’T BE VERY APPEALING BUT IT COULDN’T HAVE BEEN BETTER.
After chilling out most of the day and having a few beachside beers in the evening, everyone was suitable refreshed for the big day.
WHERE IS COPACABANA?
A perfect Christmas in Rio
CHRIST THE REDEEMER
On Christmas Day it’s only right that the first port of call is a trip back to Christ the Redeemer. We bumped into the group from Paraty who apparently had the entire place to themselves for the first 10 minutes!
LAPA & ESCADARIA SELARÓN
Lapa is the party district of Rio but our experience here was to follow in the next few days. We are here to visit the Selaron Steps, one of thee most famous set of steps in the world. Previously the steps were dilapidated in front of the designer’s house Jorge Selarón. He then took it upon himself to renovate the steps and after 13 years they were finally finished. He dedicated the steps to the people of Brazil.
A perfect Christmas in Rio
FACTS:
- Construction began – 1990
- Open – 2013
- 215 steps
CHURRASCARIA
We’ve had the day organised for a while, lunch at Churrascaria Palace and then off to the beach to continue the celebrations.
I think the original idea had come from Gareth and James, but there was no cliques here. We were all keen to invite anyone who was either travelling on their own or wanted some more company during Christmas day. I’d like to think it says a lot about someone when they are actively looking for people who would appreciate the invite. Jason & Chloe from my room joined us as did a few we met leaving hostel.
A perfect Christmas in Rio
THANKFUL
Personally, I would have hated to be on my own during Xmas and we were keen that no one should have to so asked around. You’d think you gave some of them $1 million, they were super happy to have been invited. People were really appreciative. I was at the end of the table so got stuck with sorting the bill, so people thought I was the one to thank. It’s good to know you’ve made someone’s day but it was down to lil Gaz and J boy’s group (they love their pet names).
RELATED READ: DIVING WITH GREAT WHITE SHARKS
COPACABANA
Have eating ourselves into a protein coma we made our way outside. We had already bought all the drink and the restaurant was happy to store it while we ate, they couldn’t have been better to us. But now it was time for the proper fun.
Copacabana is notorious for theft so I made the difficult decision not to bring my phone. It killed me not to be able to take photos but between all of us I managed to scrounge a few. I wasn’t for risking anything.
The family at home 🤣
SAFETY
The next few hours were spent drinking and laughing in what was one of the best Xmas days I’ve had. The beach was packed today and we stayed until the very end when the sunbed guy had only our chairs to collect.
“I wouldn’t stay here any longer guys, as it’s not very safe.” He said
When a local you spends everyday of his life in the same spot he is telling you to move away from then you have to heed to the advice. We noticed the beach emptied and as the night grew on pockets of it began to fill. Seeing that and hearing him was enough for us to bring the party back to the hostel.
FINAL THOUGHTS
A good Christmas day no matter whether you are at home or travelling centres around the company you are with. Every year I’ve blessed and this one was no exception. The backpacker community is like no other.
NEXT UP
Tomorrow I make the best mistake of my travels by climbing the wrong mountain! Click to read.!!!!!
MERRY XMAS & SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
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This post is part of The Southern American Series, click to explore or for episode 1 click here.
