Flying over Rio

So first off, I have to admit that my impressions of Rio have turned a complete 180 since my last entry. I was a bit tired, had just been ripped off, it was raining and the beaches were empty. That night the rain subsided a bit and I decided to walk along the beach from Ipanema to Copacabana to get fresh air and stretch the legs. The beaches had flood lights shining down on them and I could see soccer goals set up for the usual night games though I´m guessing the sand was too wet to play on that night. The setting here in absolutely spectacular! Rio is situated in what is the most pysically stunning environment of any city I´ve ever been. The islands, dramatic peaks, dense, dark green vegetation, beaches and lakes make for a very special city!

Following a good night´s sleep I was elated to see the sun had returned, and began exploring the city with two Swiss girls from my hostel. We road a couple public busses around the city and it turned out to be the most economical and thorough way of sampling the city. Went down to the beach for a bit where winter winds were churning out huge wave after wave (comparable to a stormy day at Corolla Light for all you Breauxs who remember). At night I went out with 4 British guys whom I shared the room with and we saw this great cover band perform until into the wee hours.

The next day I sorted out my transportation legistics and then went swimming at the beach. The current was incredibly strong and it was impossible to relax without being pulled down the beach away from my belongings. In the afternoon I did what is quite possibly the single coolest thing I´ve ever experience. I hang-glided over Rio de Janeiro! I was strapped to a professional but the sensation of the whole thing was fantastic. Under normal conditions, you slowly descend towards the landing area on the beach after running off about half way up a steep mountain, but the windy conditions made it so that we practically shot upward after leaving the launch area. We flew along a steep cliff face where we could catch the sharp updraft and in several minututes´ time we were high above the mountain peak and everything else in Rio. I´ve been skydiving before but hang-gliding beats that experience by a longshot! The sensation is that of flying like a bird!

This afternoon it´s off to Sao Paulo to meet up with my friend. I want to say hi to everyone out in Colorado for Kristin and Aaron´s wedding. I truly wish I could be there but please know that I´m thinking of everyone there!