Carnaval and ClimbsVicks: Sara, when you asked if I wanted to hike while in Rio, you didn't specify that I would be tied to a safety harness and using a rope!
But this one view of many is my reward for the spent energy!! Beautiful!! We are all very tired and very excited that we accomplished climbing a mountain! Nearly 1,000 feet!!Rio de Janeiro at dusk. Copacabana on the left edge, Botafogo Marina on the right, Cocovado on the horizon. Incredible!!

Ian, Meg, me Vicks and Kirsten before heading to Sambodromo!!!

Me and Vicks dressed up and ready to desfilar...man those costumes were HOT!!

Carnaval esta Chegandooooo!!!!!

Bikinis and Congas
So as of Sunday, the total number of bikinis occupying my closet is 9! And the conga, a must have with each bikini (you can't imagine the limitless possibilities with this piece of fabric! It's ingenious.), is up to 10! I'm starting to believe this may be a borderline obsession. I didn't even attempt to add up the number of Havaianas in the other closet, which also are a must have with each bikini. I was too shocked when I actually saw ALL of the bikinis and congas together in one space at the same time. I could totally open a secondhand bikini shop. Would you buy a 'used' bikini? hmmm, good question. Not so sure I would.
This all started me thinking...maybe it's a reflection of my environment (ya think?). When I lived in Houston, did I overbuy any certain item? Let's think.
Did I have 9 cowboy hats? Uh, no.
Did I have 10 pairs of cowboy boots? Uh, no.
Maybe I had 9 horses...ok ok, so there is more to Texas than cowboys and cowboy gear.
How about when I lived in Minnesota?
Did I have 9 pairs of snow pants? Uh, no.
Did I have 10 scarfs? Uh, wait...I think we might be on to something.
How about 10 different cozy winter hats? Indeed! I believe I had at LEAST 10 at one point. (I liked hats a lot for several years.)
So for now, the current environment is forcing me to overbuy bikinis and more or less, beach wear.
let's face it. A girl does need at least two bikinis. If you venture to the beach two days in a row, which I often do, it is likely that the bikini worn the first day is still damp the morning of the second day. We all know the unpleasantness of attempting to wear a still wet bikini. However, I'm pretty sure that by the third day in a row on the beach, which I often have, that first bikini is good and dry. It could be worn again...
Well, here's my proof:I think I may need to seek professional help on this one. It just seems a little excessive. I'm going to work on repairing this situation. I will not buy another bikini the ENTIRE month of February! (I know, big sacrifice.)
I am curious though. Is there anything in your closet, in ridiculous numbers, that you know deep down you don't really NEED yet you continue to buy just ONE more of?

The modified pub crawl: The Quiosque Qurawl....Here's Meg at our first stop overlooking the path we are embarking on...praias Leblon and Ipanema.
Nancy, me and Brad near a quiosque somewhere along praia leblon.
Us girls after a trek to the water to...cool off.

The intent was to go through Leblon and Ipanema, ending at Apoarador to watch the sunset. We made it almost through Leblon. Operating with little to no agenda, enjoying each other's company and not keeping a schedule. It was a beautiful sunny day in Rio with good friends. Now we have a reason to schedule Quiosque Qurawl Parte Dois!

The blazing sunset ended our travels, the rain poured in, we returned home to eat, shower, rest and plan "parte dois".