3 days in Rio - pt 1

Our itinerary doesn't usually have us in the same port for more than a day, perhaps 2 at most. However, our time in Rio de Janeiro ("River of January") has lasted 3 days. We could have done much more than we did, but I'm enjoying a lazy day on the ship without even getting off today. Ronnie, on the other hand, ran a 5K outside the port today. I'm just thankful he didn't become a "statistic" as we were warned we could be if we walked in this area of the city! 

The highlights of our time here were the Oceania "event" of the ROXY dinner show and going to (attempt to) see Christ the Redeemer from its base. 

The ROXY theater is described as a cultural and architectural landmark located in the heart of Copacabana. The show celebrates the art, culture and history of Brazil. The "event" was only for ATW's (Around the World) passengers. We dodged puddles as we made our way from the ship under umbrellas to board the buses that were taking us to the theater. The food was good (choice of chicken, fish or steak) and we ate while 2 singers entertained us with songs, mostly in Portuguese. 

 

"gold" chocolate on Ronnie's dessert

The show "Aquele Abraco" (which means "that hug" or "that embrace") was unforgettable. The talent of the 60 dancers, singers and percussionists was off the charts. Besides the costumes, colors and music, the fast moving video behind them filled a screen the entire length of the stage. There was so much going on at once! One would have to see it many times to actually take it all in.

 

The show presented somewhat of an overview of Brazil's 5 regions - its history, traditions and peoples. While the colorful costuming was quite incredible, the ability of the dancers to do what they do was by far the most impressive to me. 

 

 

 

We were allowed to take pictures (with no flash) so only the stage was lit. The dancers were moving really fast and the lighting was constantly changing. Without using flash, it's a wonder I got any decent pictures at all. Actually the decent ones are only a small percentage of what I actually took.

 

 

Girl from Ipanema 

 

Rio's Carnival begins 47 days before Easter, and preparations are well underway in the streets. We finally went to sleep last night around midnight to a drum beat in the street. Carnival (Carnaval to Brazilians) attracts approximately two million party goers per day. Personally, I'm glad we won't be here for that!