golddog goes for a ride

Upgraded to United's Economy Plus for $137 from Rio to Houston tomorrow. We'll see what that brings me. At least, 14 rows closer to the front.

Went on a walk along the beach, maybe 1km each way. Nice to get my toes in the Atlantic again.

Now downstairs to meet for today's tour to the big statue and Sugarloaf Mountain.

Never seen a city beach. Copacabana and Bondi must be the two most famous beaches in the world.

was there any tour longer than three hours?
if so, did it make you merry and giggle again?

Ipanema is the most famous one in my mind. Copacabana, South Beach Miami all leap immediately to mind, I'm sure there are others.

Don't forget Wisconsin Point, where I grew up. 😉

Red, the tours I'm about to get to were more-or-less all day things. On the boat, each activity was 1-2 hours. Not sure I would've gotten the connection at the time--good one!

One both the jungle hike and walk, the guides pretended like they were disoriented. I've got a pretty good general sense of direction and grew up fishing out in the countryside, so I kinda knew the launch was over there (sweeps hand broadly). Could've gotten us back to the river, but not right to the landing site, in an emergency.
.

When last we left off, we'd gotten off the boat and were flying to Foz do Iguacu.

We arrived about sunset. My phone is a better camera than my camera. One of these days, I'm going to figure out how to use it right and quit carrying all that gear.

Happened to wake up about 5 the next morning, out the the falls about 5:30. Still pretty dark when I set out. Walking down the drive, saw two lights on the front lawn coming right for me (South Park reference I can''t be bothered to look up here) as I walked down the driveway.

Turns out, it was a little roomba-like things mowing the grass. May have to look further into that.

Moon setting in one direction, sun rising in the other, it was pretty good. My pictures don't do it justice.

It was a little cool, so I wore my raincoat. Glad I did.

Sun coming up

As mentioned earlier, it's like nothing I've seen. Niagara puny compared. Victoria Falls probably has more water, but it's kind of one big waterfall; this is really a complex of waterfalls, about 1km long I was told.

Later that morning, the guide and a new driver came back for us to see the Argentine side. Immigration pretty easy. Guide took my passport, filled out a form. Driver gave it to the border control person with their IDs to show they were tour guides. A few minutes looking it over, and off we went. No stamp in my passport, kinda disappointed in that.

The way the cataract is set, the views look more down the canyon.

The Argentine side seemed to be more over, around, near the waterfalls than Brazil, which pretty much (with the one exception) ran along the edge. Of course, most all of the waterfalls are on the Argentine side, so they have more to work with.

As mentioned earlier, Maria said she wasn't feeling well, and asked if I could walk the paths alone. Sure, I have plenty of experience with trails. Fortunately, didn't have an attack of vertigo or something.

Some monkeys along the way, but not too clear

Then we ran back to Brazil. Similar thing, although the driver had to stop and pay someone some money.

Here's the border. Out in the background, where the water is a little darker, is where Paraguay is.

During that part of the tour, Maria said that I had an activity for the Parque das Aves (bird park) for tomorrow, but would I like to do it today? It was early afternoon, I said sure. Not much of a bird person (Ricky & Morty reference here), figured I'd buzz through it.

Upon arrival, she got the ticket and gave me a sticker for my shirt which apparently tied me to her. She then asked if she could bail out to the nurse while I was touring, and we'd meet at the cafe near the entrance. Sure, good hope you get good news.

It was kind of interesting. A series of huge metal cages--meters high, long and wide--with a group of birds in there (say, raptors). You entered and exited through kind of an "airlock" system. The inner door wouldn't open until the outer was closed, and vice versa.

Also some of Howard's friends made an appearance.

Here you get an idea of the cage, along with some brightly-colored birds.

They had some non-avian stuff too, like caimans

and a boa constrictor

Parakeet area was super loud

Them and macaws were more what I was expecting.

Parrotheads! Fins up!

This one was pretty interesting, using his beak for stability whlie climbing up the mesh. One foot and beak on, move the other foot, up he went.

Random bird of paradise flower

That thing back there is a cassowary. Looked like he wanted to gut me. Tree in the wrong spot for a good picture.

and a toucan

On the way back to the park & hotel, Maria said she was feeling pretty bad (turns out chicken soup is a home remedy there too). As mentioned earlier, this is when the miscommunication started. When we parted, she said she could come by for tomorrow's walk along the cataract; I said not to, get better; the path is right there, I've been down it. Then she said she's see me the day after at 12:30 for the airport ride, and it didn't click with me that tomorrow was leave day. Oops.

Anyway, did walk down the path again.

Saw some iguanas and geckos

As well as more falls, of course

Oh yeah, here's the joint. Another whole wing out of frame to the right.

My phone continues to be a better camera. It was about this time that I bumped into the MSP couple, and they said something like, "maybe we'll see you at the airport," which set off my phone calls/texting to try to get the correct communication established.

When I went to bed, I was advised that Maria we be there at 9 for the falls walk, then we'd go to the airport at 12:30.

As noted, the next morning was a flurry of texting to other people, starting about 10, when Maria hadn't shown yet. I think it was close to 11 when she and the driver got there, so straight to the airport.

I don't mind, would rather have a low-stress airport experience than having to rush through. As mentioned, somehow was in the priority line. At one point a woman walked up, tyring to butt in line. An older guy a ways in front of me was kind of in the middle. I couldn't hear them (and wouldn't have understood if I could). From the gestures, it was clear that she was late, the guy pointed to the back of the line, and gave the palms up shrug like, "well, be more organized." Ultimately, though, he let her go.

Was able to see the falls from takeoff, but my phone wasn't as good with the plane bumping around.

Got to Rio, found the guide. Copacabana Palace is operated by the same hotel group as previous. Learned today these guys also run the Orient Express. Another five-start joint.

and that's an ok view, despite the rain

That night, walked down the beach a little bit in the rain, grabbed a Mixto Quente (grilled ham and cheese) from a street vendor. Went to a couple of the beach bars for a beer, but ultimately decided rain no fun. I think this was Sunday night, so caught the Lions scoring twice early. Learned their unfortunate fate later.

The view was better in the morning, despite me apparently having something on the lens. God damn it, wish I would've noticed.

After breakfast, walked the beach a little. Here's the outsideof the hotel.

Then we went on the day's tour, which was to Corcavado first.

That's Ipanema down there, for the curious.

Sugarloaf in the background.

and the big statue

Noticed on the way up, he has rode sticking out of the back of his head. I assume lightning rods. Maria pulled up some pictures of it getting struck, pretty amazing.

Anyway, it was a madhouse to me with the crowds, but Maria knew how to navigate to get on the train, around the statue, and back down without too much problem.

Here's the business/financial center of Rio.

Around back in the pedestal part, there's a small chapel where people get married, and there are regular services, I guess.

Good thing we got there when we did; later in the day, we noticed it clouded up.

Next, it was over to Sugarloaf for the cable car ride up to the top.

That's the first half.

This is Corcavado, with the statue clouded over. If anyone could make it clear, you'd think it would be that guy.

Here's the original cable car. The statue in the back is the guy whose dream this was. Unfortunate timing I didn't notice the person right in front. He had kind of a grumpy look.

Second part of the ride

And, of course, great views. Copacabana beach. Hotel's a couple blocks past that taller, blocky building right beyond the trees.

Also had some marmosets up there. Unfortunately, stupid humans were feeding them people food.

After that, we took a ride through Ipanema. This is the bar where the famed song was written. Apparently, that's a copy of the original on the wall.

and this is the musical half of the duo, a little down the beach

What Margarida said was the song told a true story--they noticed this stunning young woman from the bar. They didn't get any contact info though. After it became a hit, they asked the bar owner if he know her; he did, so they were able to thank her for the inspiration.

Unclear to me if she got any royalties or anything, but Margarida said she had a successful "Girl from Ipanema" line of beachwear for many years, so did well. Died relatively recently.

Anyway, back to Copacabana. Went to a churrascaria literally across the street from the hotel on a recommendation of Margarida.

I'm usually a "just grab something", especially when on the road. To me, this was quite a nice restaurant (it probably really is). Some sides and a salad bar, and every few minutes they'd roll by with another cut of meat. Just my kind of thing.

Man, it was good. Tender, juicy. Not sure how to describe the flavoring. Sometimes a bit salty, but always tasty.

I see the bill translated to around $55. A bit out of my normal range, but well worth it. Highly recommend Churrascaria Palace if you're ever in Rio.

Pretty busy day, so rested a bit, then walked up and down the beach. They have vendors trying to see all manner of things, including drinks, along the way (in addition to the permanent places).

So, much like the Vegas strip, I grabbed a beer once in a while and people-watched.

They also had some pretty good sand sculptures.

Then back to the room. checked in for flight, pre-packed a few things.

Today was pretty boring. After breakfast, wandered down the beach, (saw some gold dogs playing in the surf) then turned inland. Just kind of stayed a block off the beach, as it was getting warm and there was shade over there.

Noticed moon was setting.

Wandered through some shops, found a Coke, just kind of saw a bit of the backside. Also found the Carnaval sign.

Checked out about noon, stowed the bags with bellman, and went for another neighborhood/beach wander. Yesterday when walking the beach, I'd noticed a sign that said something like, "Barracs das Colorados". I asked Margarida about that, and she said it was the fan club for the Internacional Football Club.

Seemed like it should be my club too, but I couldn't find any gear while out and about, either in the shops or their stand. Did buy a beer from them though.

Oddly enough, I was asking that while in the train line at Corcavado yesterday, and the couple behind us pulled out their ICF cap. Random bumping happened a lot on this trip.

Anyway, now just waiting for the airport pickup, due in one hour. United says flight's on time.

I'm ready to go. Despite staying in this really nice place, didn't sleep great. Too easy to get a beer or five and watch the crowd across the street, I suppose. Just need to exchange my Reals and get on the plane.

just found this, looks dope, very jealous

Thanks, Rick! Welcome to the thread.

Forgot to mention--yesterday looked at Denver weather, google showing things like 15/-1, 18/-3.

****, I'm going to freeze.

Until I realized those are Celsius. It'll be fine.

Through security at Rio. 2 5 hrs til boarding. Pretty tired, hope to sleep some on plane.

So far, only thing I know I lost is my glasses case. Still have a wallet, passport, and phone.

I think ~19 hours.

the waterfall pics were amazing

Thanks, Red. Didn't do them justice. Strong recommendation.

In Houston, couple hrs til last flight.

You know, the plane where the doors come loose.

Through customs, immigration, and security. Currently in United Club waiting for boarding.

I don't think the upgrade did anything for me, except by accident. Same seat with slightly more legroom, which isn't a problem for me.

I specifically chose the seat I did because the window seat showed as open. Grabbed the aisle, hoping I could get room. (This was a plane with a 2-3-2 configuration, I was in the last two).

Woman stows her stuff, says she's got the window. Rats. She goes to get a cup of water.

By the time she got back, the two seats behind us were still empty, and it seemed like everyone was on. So, she took those two.

Unfortunately for me, it was uncomfortably cool on the flight. Made a tent with the textra blanket over my head, trying to retain some warmth. Slept a little.

Checked bags need to be grabbed and rechecked, so was able to get a hoodie in case the next flight is cold.

Flying with a T, long sleeve T over, and jeans. Usually that's enough. Maybe the malaria is setting in. (Though it didn't feel like a sick coolness-no aches or fever).

Anyway, maybe I can get a hour on the plane to Denver and not be quite so tired.

Love the pictures and the way you share your travels through your authentic, no nonsense style of writing. Hugely appreciate the time and effort it takes. I hope that this trip was enjoyable and fulfilling in a variety of ways! You aren't even back home and im curious where you will go next, thanks GD.

Z

Thanks for taking us along!

You are both very welcome, I'm glad to hear that people out in the world are enjoying my travels.

zendout's right, I am pretty straight to the point. Maybe doesn't always make for good storytelling, but I hope it gets the experience across.

Anyway, back home. No problems flying to Denver. The flight plan showing us going between Dallas and FW, and I was on the port side of the plane. However, since I was aisle and not window, I didn't wave to mark.

Got off plane, helped young man seated next to me make his quickish connection to Spokane. Came down, bag on carousel. Down to the bus, it's leaving in 5 minutes. Neighbor came and got me. A long, but pretty good overall, travel day (despite the cold on the first flight).

Crashed a little, then took neighbors to lunch as a thank you for watching the place.

Back to the grindstone tonight. (Actually, I'm the third dealer. We often get enough players for three tables, but not always. So it could be a show and go).

I thought that was you!

took the liberty of touching up one of my favorites

This one was my favorite

I think I'm with mark. If one gets enlarged and framed, that'll probably be it.

Back in the days of film, I would occasionally sit for hours waiting for conditions to be right, because once you expose it, that's it. I've kind of held that idea in the digital world: have never used software to tweak photos.

So now I'm curious, red: what do you use, and what did you do? Mind posting a before-and-after?

well yeah mark, that one was obvious
golddog, i just loaded it on my phone and hit auto correct, the rest is magic!

Ok yeah the falls and jungle and rivers are all amazing but I’m here for girls in bikinis at Copacabana and Ipanema.