Romance in Rio

Post bus trip hell recovery required a nice beach front hotel overlooking the Copacabana. Nice one Kaz! Pinching ourselves as we enjoyed breakfast on the 11th floor with views of Pao de Açucar (Sugarloaf Mountain) and the buff bodies jogging along the famous tiles lining the beach.


Important things first, Kaz´s finger was looking a little light so we visited Mr H. Stern. Wanting our full wits about us for this once in a lifetime purchase we politely refused proferred caçhaca (caiparinha) at 11am. Were given a tour of the jewellry workshop where Mr Stern´s little elves make all the gems shiny, cut and set them. A good overall guide for first time diamond shoppers. Ushered through to the even shinier sales room and were presented with unpolished, souvenir gemstones. All very nice but show us the real stuff! 4 hours, 2 coffees, cheesy high-tea sandwiches, 2 escorted trips to the toilet and 100s of thousands of dollars worth of stones on Kaz´s finger later, even Kaz´s eyes were starting to sparkle. Though Stu says they sparkle all the time (blarrrr). Found a beautiful princess cut diamond with 2 trillions (didn´t take too long to pick up the lingo - finding diamond speak flows off the tongue more easily than Portugese). A bit too classic for us so decided to check out the sandwiches at Amsterdam Sauer next door.

Friday afternoon we enjoyed a caiparinha at Amsterdam Sauer and saw some sparkly stuff that caught our eye in their modern collection. Made an appointment to meet with the designer on Monday morning and have a go at designing our own with her assistance. Damn! A whole weekend to burn in Rio and 4 more days in the comfort of the Hotel Debret ;-)

Listened to some Jazz over more Caiparinhas - this stuff is good, cheaper than beer and soon to be launched in London - thanks for the update BBC World. Couldn´t believe our luck to wake up to a beautiful 26 degree autumn day - time to join the hoards on the Copa, Copa Cabaaaaaaana (try getting that tune out of your head while in Rio). Some bright spark thought it would be a good idea to jump out of bed at 6 for a jog along the Copa. One of those things that feels good before and after and not during. Made our Saturday laze on the beach feel deserved though.

Our snoozing, baking and swimming was only interupted by vendors trying to sell us everything from tatoos to grilled cheese on a stick (what-the!). Saying that, the cold beer and ice tea were appreciated even at gringo prices. Stu still feels guilty about leaving the Copa before the beach seller had a chance to bring back his change 3 hours later.

The memory of our tango trauma in BA sufficiently faded, we were ready to see if our samba stood up to the dance floors in Rio. Where better to do this than a 3 storey museum of antiques. The band rocked, and so did we, or so we thought after more lime infused caiparinhas, and that`s the main thing!

With our perfected "Nao obrigado"s at the ready we laid down our swanky Hotel Debret towels at Ipanema for more brazillian baking and a different tune in our heads. Still glowing from the beach it was time for our first tourist tick. Breathed a sigh of relief to read the sign at the bottom of Pao do Açucar cable-car that it was going to be closed for maintenance for the next 5 days. Tried not to think what that maintenance involved when we boarded the cable-car. Made it in time for a beautiful sunset at the top. The romance continues...


Monday morning up bright and early for Amsterdam Sauers chauffer. Anna the designer was impressed with our designs knocked up on the beach and after playing with more sparkly stones, wooooo, we left feeling happy and excited to return the next day to see the final drawings. Keeping with the theme of romance, Stu took Kaz for a jungle walk around the base of Pao do Açucar. The micro monkeys were out and about as were the proud budgie smuggler wearers. Bit of a scramble and muddy path at the end of the paved walk took us to the base of the climb up Pao do Açucar that Stu made when he worked here.

Whisked back to Amsterdam Sauer we were thrilled with the final ring drawing. Stu´s credit card took the strain (gulp) and we can´t wait to have the finished ring delivered in Florida at the end of our trip. Took advantage of our chauffer who took us to the top of Corcovado to complete our grockle checklist. He patiently waited for us while we snapped the redeemer in all his glory and watched the choppers fly close overhead. More amazing, romantic views to finish off our wonderful time in Rio.

Kaz and Stu

Sight of the week:Fine line between the colourful array of budgie smugglers and fio dentals.

Meal of the week: Prato kilo with sushi, Prato kilo with sushi, and just to be different, Prato kilo with sushi and chicken heart.

Bargain of the week: everything was a bargain after buying the rock!