This afternoon we headed into Leblon and Ipenema. Kind of a routine weekend walk. We were heading toward H. Stern and other jewelry stores for some window shopping, but I suspected they were all closed as it was a Sunday afternoon. Instead, we casually passed countless boutiques and sidewalk venders and simply enjoyed the walk, ending at a favorite boteca--Sindicato de Chopp--for lunch/dinner. As we were eating, a large party gathered at the table near us, and the waiters brought over this 3 liters Beer vat. We of course stared in disbelief, laughed in amusement and got up to take a picture! We don't know the man posing here with the beer, but he was kind enough to comply.
We are heading in the morning to Paraty, a small port city between Rio and Sao Paulo, for a few days. Staying at what is called a Pousada (very similar to a Bed and Breakfast). www.pousadamorrodoforte.com.br
We are looking forward to the quiet of a more rural setting for a day or two and the adventure that taking the interstate bus and navigating our way around an unfamiliar place will of course bring. And, I'm told they have a Havaianas store in Paraty bigger than Buzios!!