48 hours countdown to the Opening Ceremony…
We arrived in Rio on August 3rd around 4pm and got straight to our apartment. The 48 hour countdown to the opening ceremony has begun!
Rio Ipanema beach views
The last time we were in Rio in October of last year, we pretty much gorged ourselves on food. Everything we could possibly eat or drink we tried, and it was all amazing. We especially remember going to a restaurant called Aconchego Carioca, which has a couple of locations around Rio. Specifically, the pumpkin stuffed with shrimp and cheese, covered with more cheese, and served with farofa and rice.
No seriously… you just don’t understand. We made a bee-line for this place as soon as we landed and got cleaned up.
Arguably the best food we’ve had, in a long time. Anywhere.
Afterwards we headed out for the nearest Bibi Sucos and got an açai bowl and fruit juice.
Bibi açai bowl
Everywhere we went, including our apartment complex, we were reminded about the need to protect yourself and your children from the pesky Zika mosquito.
Zika reminders everywhere
After a relaxing night we woke up the next morning fairly early and started our exploration of the beaches of Rio!
First things first… more Açai and a quick presunto e queijo sandwich. That’s ham and cheese for the uninitiated.
Presunto e queijo (ham and cheese) and açai 🙂
The beaches were brimming with people, bustling with activity, and everyone was getting prepped for the Olympics! Preparation is key.
Notice the on beach massage table?
Olympic Prep, Copacabana
Copacabana beach is also known for their famous sandcastles
Copacabana Sandcastles
Copacabana sandcastles
We also stopped for a bit to enjoy a beach volleyball match and have a fresh coconut.
Beach Volleyball, Copacabana
Fresh, tasty coconut on the beach
Walking a bit further we found the German House on the beach, but it wasn’t open to the public as of yet 🙁
German House, Ipanema
At that point we needed to actually GO GET our olympic tickets, so we hopped on the subway and headed out to go get them. Interesting factoid about the Rio subway. They have specific cars for woman available during rush hour!
Women’s car boarding zone – Notice the economy of words we have with “Mind the Gap”
And finally… after months of waiting. It was OURS! My precioussssss…
The Prize!
Taking an uber back to our place, we got to see the world’s largest favela, Rocinha. But we didn’t have to go into it, as the tunnel goes right underneath.
Rocinha Favela
The next morning we got up really early and made our way to the Corcovado to see Christ the Redeemer. We bought our tickets two weeks ahead of time as they were selling out pretty quick. If you want to get your tickets just go to here to buy yours.
Trem do Corcovado
The views from the top speak for themselves
Views from the top of the mountain
Views from the top of the mountain
Christ the Redeemer
After a few hours of the sun beating down on us, we headed out to a couple shopping malls for souvenirs. The Olympics were everywhere, even invading the malls!
Kids play area in the mall with Olympic Theme
After grabbing some new clothes, we headed back to the house to rest, relax and clean up before the Opening Ceremony! But not before we stopped off for one more Açai. Seriously that stuff is addictive 🙂
Now, off to the OPENING CEREMONIES!!!
August 24, 2016
Omg i got addicted to acai when i was out there. I love the fact they have turned something which is supposedly a superfood into a sweet toothed teenager’s wet dream. Of course i avoided all those candy toppings. Got to save myself for those evening caiprinhias!
August 24, 2016
OMG yes! I’m already in withdrawal from açai bowls! Unlike caipirinhas which are easy to find ingredients for, I can’t find a way to satisfy the craving! Did you ever manager to find it in the UK? I’ve seen Jamba Juice carry açai here, but it’s expensive as hell. I wonder if there is a better way to get it out there…