Ipanema

First day in Rio started of slightly overcast and cloudy. With that in mind, we decided that it wouldn't be a beach day, and instead to go and take a look at the hippy fair a couple of blocks away. At what we thought would be a loud, attention grabbing stall, was a really calm and friendly fair, hosted by the locals of Rio, and quickly put our minds at ease, after a lot of reading about pick pocketing.

There was a large selection of hand made trinkets, clothing, jewelry and loads of  really interesting art.

Favelas

Favelas

Ring Pull Bags

Lots of Ring Pull Bags

Shot Glasses

Hippy Trousers

Steph at the Hippy Fair

After having a mooch around, we felt the heat slowly creeping up on us, and realised it would be a Beach day after all, and so to the Ipanema we went!

After walking along the sea front staring in awe at the infamous white sands, waves and mountains, we were collared by a friendly English speaking gentleman, who swiftly got us some chairs and an umbrella, all for the small price of R$26 for the day. We were constantly being waited on, and asked for cocktails, by lookalikes, such as Snoop Dogg as well as seeing Jamie Foxx selling some fake ray bans and coconuts on the beach. After slowly singing ourselves in the midday sun, we went for a dip in the azure Atlantic Ocean!

The beach was full of characters, people trying to sell you absolutely everything you could need, and a sassy transvestite minstrel who greeted us by saying "ooooooh Papi turn down the volume!" and then proceeded to tell us we looked like Leonardo Di Caprio and Shakira (LOL). With a compliment like that, of course he was looking for money for his amateur dramatics company. Although the offer of a secret party with Victoria Secrets models sounded interesting, we told him we'd unfortunately have to pass this time.

After a bite to eat, we decided to take a further look around and head towards the Cocacobana Beach, about a 20 minute walk away. Where the Ipanema and Cococobana beaches meet, there is a large rock at the point of the coast, which, when climbed gives panoramic views which were amazing. From there we could see all the landmarks and gave us a good idea on the vast size of Rio.

Sugar Loaf in the Distance

Ipanema

Sugar Loaf

Christ The Redeemer

Obnoxious light post ruining our picture

Tomorrow we go on a tour of the land marks like Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf, as well as the Selaron steps, which we're really excited for! We will let you know how that is tomorrow, and expect a HUGE influx of pictures #holidayspam