OUR FIRST NIGHT IN RIO

OUR FIRST NIGHT IN RIO

Met some fellow Regentites - they were on the same plane as we were - in the lobby. One woman was petrified to walk out of the hotel and was extremely worried about mosquitoes. She was astonished to hear that we had already been out searching for a supermarket - which we found - to replenish the measly one small bottle of water provided by the hotel and to purchase some wine. We had even been out for another couple of hours walking the Copacabana Beach and searching for Ipanema. The beach walk was wonderful - the sand the consistency of brown sugar and it is kept extremely clean by multitudes of workers sweeping the sand. Admired some beautiful bodies in the ubiquitous thong bikini and surfers attempting to 'strut their stuff' in the waves. A delightful breeze kept us cool. Today, we plan to walk to the other end after our half-day tour.
After checking out the rooftop pool, retired to our room for a shower and ordered dinner from room service. The food was terrific and cost less than any of the restaurants around here. We were in bed by 6 o'clock Ottawa time - 8 o'clock here. Fell to sleep immediately and was awakened a half-hour later by Norma screaming that someone was trying to get into the room! Turns out it was the "turn-down" service. We managed to fall back asleep after that adrenalin rush and didn't wake up until 6.20 this morning. We have just finished a delicious breakfast with the most wonderful fresh fruit and Brazilian cheeses. Have an hour to relax before our tour.
Should mention that one thing Norma was disappointed about with our room is that there was only one bathrobe. I told her she could use it. When I emerged from my shower, she modeled it for me. It was so small it wouldn't close around her and was so short, it was more like a bed jacket. Now she owes me one for my act of generosity!