Rio Samba bus

Mark was feeling a bit better this morning, so we decided to get out and explore Rio. He wasn't up to walking far, so I looked for a bus service. The only hop-on, hop-off bus I could find was the Samba bus, complete with music, a live commentary, and a dancer. It had mixed reviews on Get Your Guide, but seeing as we only wanted to familiarise ourselves with the layout of the city, we decided to go for it. We will save our proper sightseeing for later.

The starting point for the bus was a shopping centre at Copacabana Beach, so we took an Uber there in time to catch the 10.45am service. Our guide was Andrea, too! The sound system wasn't the best, and we couldn't always hear the commentary, but the two and a half hour loop of the city was very enjoyable. It gave us an idea of where the different city districts are and a list of places to return to after carnival.

The first of these is definitely the iconic Copacabana Beach. It was packed with people sunbathing, enjoying the ocean, and drinking cocktails. The atmosphere was relaxed and full of fun. Everyone was smiling and generally appeared to be enjoying life. It was the same wherever we went in the city. I don't think we've ever been anywhere where there are so many openly gay people on the streets. People wear what they want, often hardly anything at all! Nobody bats an eyelid. I love that!! I'm sure we're going to love being in Rio. I'm not naive. I know there's a seedy, dangerous underbelly here, but the general vibe is exciting and fun.Lue lisää