Monday, January 23, 2012

20Jan Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro

On our second day in Rio, we decided to check out Rio’s famous beaches for ourselves.
Copacabana and Ipanema!
They are both famous for songs, too!
From the pier, we took a courtesy shuttle bus provided by giant jewelry chain H. Stern.
After short courtesy of tour in their shop with finest South American gemstone collections, we were on the street of Ipanema beach.
After short heavy rain last night, today is even better with clearer air and brighter sunlight.
We planned to walk from Ipanema to Copacabana beach.
But we spent nearly 2 hours on Ipanema beach with our leisurely stroll along the promenade.
We also need time to go back to the shop for the shuttle bus to return.
Ship was due to leave the port at 4pm.
We were so exhausted by the heat and humidity, we could not go any further.
By midday, the beach was so packed being a public holiday.
It was close to a million people on the beaches.
Full of colorful parasols and beautiful people were parading on the beach.
Sand on this big beach is no more visible!!
Thanks to the public holiday in Rio, everyone is out to the beach.
People must love hanging out on the beaches in this wonderful city.
We took a side street of this chic and upscale area of Rio hoping for some shopping.
Instead we came across a local weekend-style market full of local fresh tropical fruits and flowers.
Sample watermelon, guava and lychee handed out from a generous market stole were so fresh and sweet!
We tried but we were told that it is too early to buy any official 2014 World cup soccer souvenirs.
What a clean, beautiful and wonderful city Rio is!!!
I love Rio!!!




Ipanema Beach.
Road is car free today, public holiday only in Rio.























Ipanema is uptown and very safe. Actually, I was told that the whole city is safer and better for the World cup soccer and Olympic Games.



One of stole selling all kinds of chilies below




1 comment:

  1. Thanks for sharing these pictures. It makes me really want to go see Rio. It's been on our list for some time and it looks like a really tourist friendly city.
    www.worldfamilytravellers.blogspot.com

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