Back down the hill and to the beach, BOY!

There was not much sleep since we got up with David to have breakfast. He didn't get to sit and finish his breakfast because his cab showed up earlier than he expected it to. We had our rushed good bye and off he went( he threw up his breakfast later because his flight was rough. Sorry David! We missed having you around.) We had a laid back breakfast and I laid around with the soft, pregnant cat that lives there at the hostel. If we go back to Rio I might have to go there just to see if she popped our her kittens. The view from the balcony outside our room was so wonderful. I was at peace watching the ships leave from port. My imagination wandered with them.

We moved back down the hill to the other hostel even though it didn't really make sense. It cost a bit more, the breakfast was not as good, it smelled worse, the view was not as glorious. Honestly though, the vibe was better at the Rio Hostel, and that is why we came back. Karla was happy to see us return and we made up a song for her as we ascended those long steps up to the door. It was a steep climb that never seemed to get any easier, especially with all of our bags. We got our laundry going and took off for the beach. It was time to get into the water, and we went back to Ipanema beach. There were so many nearly naked bodies! It was ridiculous how many people there were all the way up and down the beach, right up to where the tide came in. There were groups of men and boys kicking the soccer ball back and forth in colliding circles. It was difficult to walk the shore without interfering with a talley. We hopped in and out in turn so one of us could watch our things. There was shade from a beer tent on the beach, so like pale little gringos we took it and played backgammon for a while.

We took another dip and then hit the road. The road was reserved for pedestrians and there were plenty to watch. Rio certainly is a great people watching city, hence free entertainment! We came upon a street party, aka parade. It reminded me of a March Forth party with a man on stilts and a big band of horns and drums in the center of the crowd. They even laid into a song that March Forth plays from time to time. We were hungry and headed back to the nice corner cafe we had eaten at the day before.

More delicious food with beer and backgammon! I once again realized how happy I am and told Josh of this realization. I have been laughing so much on this trip. Josh just brings it out in me, and for this I thank you, my friend.

We made our way back to shower and relax. And that is what we did. This night we really did take it easy. I walked back up the hill to the house we had hung out at the night before. They had invited me to come back so I could play an electric bass with some of them on drums. I was excited about this, but I didn't make it over till close to eleven. The lights were out, and I guess I kind of expected this being that it was a Monday night and the end of the holiday weekend. I dropped some Paper Bird c.d.s through the gate and made my way back home. Stayed up way too late on the computer typing in this silly blog and chatting with Jalie. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz