"Rio" Rolls (AKA Panama Rolls") were being served on the outside decks as the Volendam sailed into the scenic bay of Rio de Janeiro very early this fine and warm morning. We were awake when the pilot boarded around 6:30am and watched the sail in mostly from our veranda. One of us did go out to deck six forward to get some photos of the starboard side just in case we were missing something. Most of the good scenery was on the port side today.
It wasn't the worst weather we have seen here, but it also was not clear and sunny. The skies were heavily overcast with some dark clouds. However, there was no rain or fog, which happens quite often here.
At breakfast, we asked if they had any of the Rio Rolls. They did not, but our waiter knew where he could get two of them. Within minutes, he brought two of the tasty treats, but just for us. Not many of the usual customers were here, because we are sure they were on tours. Some of those excursions were Easy Río for 8 ½ hours for $60, and Carnaval behind the scenes was 4 hours and $96. Christ the Redeemer and visitor center was 6 hours and $100, while Beaches and Sugarloaf Mountain was 4 ½ hours for $110. Corcovado and Rio Highlights was 4 ½ hours and $116. Imperial Petropolis and Museum was 8 hours and $150. A night at the Roxy was 4 ½ hours for $190 and the Best of Rio with lunch was 8 ½ hours for $260. One thing that stood out with the Christ the Redeemer tour was that every group had to be pre-booked for a time slot. The last time we did a tour there, are group was bumped somehow, and we had a two hour wait to get on the ride up.
There was another large cruise ship docked right behind us – Costa's Favolosa with 3780 guests and half that much again with crew. It appeared that many passengers were disembarking while others were joining. We shared the cruise terminal with them and noticed that they were on the younger side, many with kids. We're not sure, but they may be overnighting like us.
As it turned out, we had a sample of a Carnaval samba band and dancers directly across from the gangway on one of the main streets. It was loud enough to wake the dead. And our room happens to be above the gangway, so we had ringside seats. Doing a little research, we realized that this was not the official start of Carnaval in Rio. That is February 13th to the 21st. However, the locals prepare for this wild occasion by practicing their samba and playing the drums and percussions instruments. They dress up, more or less, or dress down. Many ladies and girls had brief outfits as did some of the fellows. The food and drink vendors mixed with the crowd and followed along as they eventually marched slowly down the avenue. Police on foot, on motorcycles, and in cars lined the parade. And we had been warned of street crime here, so watching this scene from our room was perfect.
We went off for our hike around 10am to temperatures in the high 80's and humidity of 43%. There was a 13-mph breeze, that virtually stopped by the time we came back. In order to access the city, we had to pass through the terminal building, which was huge. It was full of vendors selling tours, souvenirs, along with a small info counter. By the way, the maps the ship provides are not the best, so we looked for a better one in the terminal. The only one they offered was all in Portuguese with the only other option of downloading an emoji on your cell phone. That left us out.
Once outside the exit, we found a street-full of vendors for one long block. By now the samba parade and food vendors had moved up this direction, pretty much blocking our way. Somehow we ended our way around the crowd to continue our walk. Despite the density of the Carnaval revelers, we never did feel unsafe. Of course we would never let our guard down no matter what.
This street led to a massive square where the new Museum of Tomorrow has been erected. It is a modern concept and we were told it is built in the shape of a whale. It should have been on HAL's map, but they are outdated and not up to speed. Being that today was Sunday, the museum was opened, as were many other venues throughout the city. The square had many more souvenir and food stands set up for the tourists and locals as well.
We continued walking along the Guanabara Bay where some folks were fishing off of the rocks. It is possible we saw some turtles and some fish jumping along the shore. On our right, this entire area was fenced off for the military complex there. No photos were allowed. The pedestrian street narrowed into a wooden-planked bridge that went under another bridge. We came out to the naval area heavily fenced and gated. A few years ago we happened to run into buddies Greg and Heo where we watched the President and his entourage arriving in an official vessel. There was a lot of pomp and circumstance at the time with the military guards escorting the dignitaries into the building.
We continued on, taking advantage of some nicer and higher benches along the way. Directly across from us was a very old church we recalled touring years ago. The doors were shut due to Sunday services we assume. Nearby we could hear the drums and samba dancers in another colonial section. Following the sound, we discovered another group practicing for Carnaval. Once again there were food and trinket vendors surrounding the group. A bit smaller than the pier group, they were every bit as loud and flamboyant in their dress or lack of dress.
Time to head back, we passed by the Military museum with planes and boats to see. It was mostly full of locals and their young kids today. We figured by the time we reached the big square, the samba group would have dispersed. Wrong. The group seemed to have gotten even larger, and we ended up caught right in the center of it. Like salmon going upstream, we dodged the vendor carts and bicycles the best we could. If we didn't know better, they seemed to be aiming for us. Too close for comfort, we squeezed over to the terminal buildings and walked the wall all the way back to the ship. There would be no beer or lunch in town today, as nothing appeared to be opened. We were back to the ship by 2pm.
Having taken hundreds of photos, we relaxed in our room for the rest of the afternoon. With two ships in port, the dock activity was constant. Lunch was room service salad and mini sliders.
There was a special Pinnacle Grill venue with Dinner Under the Stars, held in the Sea View Pool area at 6pm. We think the cost was $95 with wine. There was also the tour to the Roxy, so the dining room was not full. Dinner choices for us were salads, chicken tenders and mains of a pork chop and one tortellini plate. Dessert was a slice of cherry cake and a sliced banana with chocolate sauce.
The entertainment was The Magic of Samba with the Oi Brasil team onshore. We were still eating in the dining room when the show started, so we passed on it. Been there, done that too. We did not realize it, but the Costa ship left the dock at 9pm. By then, the drapes had been closed in the upper dining room, and we never saw the ship leave.
One more day here, and then we head for Uruguay.
Bill & Mary Ann
