Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, Day 131

The weather is trying to be happy today, which is enough to entice the Cariocas (natives of Rio) to the beach. And it’s not long before Christi and I join them. This morning we’re going to explore the slightly more up market Ipanema beach (and can’t you just hear that classic song in your head: Tall and tan and young and lovely, the girl from Ipanema goes walking…) before returning to Copacabana for the big game. It’s going to be a tough day walking along beautiful beaches and beside a bevy of beautiful girls (and guys, Christi says) – but someone has to do it, right?

Beach life is an eclectic mix of showmanship (there are all manner of beach games on the go, including pickup football, volley ball, foot volley, net-less tennis and surfing) and people watching (tanned hunks with rippling muscles amuse Christi while thong-bikini clad girls preening, posing, and pouting enthrall me). And all humanity is represented here: favela kids to families and hawkers to the rich and beautiful. Although as one commentator put it, no one knows how rich you are when you’re wearing a pair of Speedos. Most of all, though, everyone seems to be having a good time, including me, as I capture some of those Ipanema babes on film.

At the far end of Ipanema the name switches to Leblon, which is the truly posh end of town. A few blocks back from the beach is a shopping mall, which is all decked out with Christmas decorations and high-end retailers. We stay for a cheap fast-food lunch so we can enjoy some serious air-conditioning and then hightail it back to Copacabana for the game.

We find a bar full of cheering, singing Flamengo fans (wearing the team’s classic red and black football shirts) and join in the pre-game festivities. Fan fever plummets to unimaginable depths, however, as Grêmio take an early lead and I share their pain…and then their passion…and, eventually, the redemption of Flamengo as they come from behind to win 2-1, sending their fans into a Carnaval-like frenzy, as they win their first national title in a generation. Their celebrations continue long into the night. And certainly long after Christi and I are tucked up as snug as bugs in a rug at the hotel Apa!