Rio de Janeiro

The “Branco-Miles party of six” forged on a previous fun-filled vacation in Mexico was once again re-united to take on a new adventure.

Since it was Ben’s parents first time to Brasil, Patricia’s parents were keen on a stay in Rio so that they could experience the “heart” of Brasilian culture in the south. Famous for its vibrancy and colour, samba, good food and beautiful people on beautiful beaches, everyone had an amazing time exploring the neighbourhoods of Copacabana and Ipanema where our hotel was located.

Patricia’s dad was the “planner”, and scored big with finding the Arpoador Inn, the only hotel located on the beach and for some reason also incredibly well priced. We enjoyed many a beverage on the beachside tables, with a view of the beautiful rock formations that ring Ipanema beach, right beside the most famous surfing spot in Rio.

The breakfast was all inclusive and deserves mention as our routine involved getting up every day to sit in the sunny restaurant overlooking the water and to fill ourselves with the local delicacies including “café com leite”, “pao de queijo” and a wide variety of fresh fruits. Yum!




Patricia and her parents were able to participate in one of the favourite Carioca (word for people living in Rio) passtimes: jogging along the beach in the early hours of the morning and after the setting of the sun, as Rio remained hot even into the late hours of the night. There is a strong beach culture in Rio, of course, and everyone wants to look good when they hit the sand! Cue the models...

In Rio we did the usual touristy things including strolling the beaches, drinking from coconuts, and sitting on patios having a beer and appetizers while listening to a local street musician playing “Garota de Ipanema”. The girls even got to hit the streets for some shopping! Patricia’s dad arranged a tour to the Cristo Redentor on the Corcovado, where we lucked out on a cloudless day with a full view of the city.

We sampled the Brasilian cuisine with a lunch of “petiscos”, one of “feijoada” and a dinner at a churrascaria (Brasilian bbq). Feijoada is the national dish made of black bean stew and meat, one of Patricia’s favourite meals. We were even able to catch up with old family friends living in Rio, who took us out for pizza under the moon at the foot of the Pao de Acucar. It was incredible.


We left Rio with a wonderful impression of clean beaches, bright sun and beautiful green mountains, full of energy and colour. It was the perfect introduction to Brasil for Bill and Margaret, and a chance for us and Patricia’s parents to fall in love with Rio all over again.