I found myself in a hostel in the not-so-touristy neighborhood of Botafogo which was still very close - and accessible by foot - to the more popular parts of Rio, namely Ipanema and Copacabana. The hostel staff was incredible - friendly, lively and genuinely fun. They personified everything I'd expected Cariocas (as the residents of Rio are called) to be.
As luck would have it, the most interesting guests were from all over (Japan, Brazil, UK, Germany, etc.) started to trickle in and a party ensued every evening - there wasn't any compelling need to go beyond the intimate hostel premises to have fun. It was all about Angela's (the hostel's irrepressible chatelaine) caipirinhas and caipiroskas. The rest just followed.
What about the beaches? Corcovado? It was all more than I'd expected. Even now, I can't find the proper words to describe how uniquely beautiful Rio is - a thriving cosmopolitan metropolis cradled among tropical jungle mountains and beaches.
I cancelled a trip to Salvador in the northern part of the country because I just couldn't pry myself loose from the pleasure of being in Rio. That gives me the perfect excuse to make a return visit. I'd love to see the rest of the country.
With the World Cup coming to town in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016, Rio is ready for her big debut.
Brazilian music is still in heavy rotation on my sound system. Ironically, I never got to listen to any live performances while in Brazil but have since been to a couple of exceptional events in Buenos Aires & Los Angeles. Again, another reason to return. If it's not one thing it's another that lures you back. In my case, there's a lot.
A popular word that gets thrown around to describe the feelings that Rio conjures up is "saudade", loosely defined as "the love that remains" after something or someone has gone.
Exactly.
