Brazil was a dream. The primary reason I came to live in Buenos Aires from January 2016- April 2016 was to have easier access to Brazil, specifically Rio de Janiero. As the location for this year’s Olympic Games, I’m ecstatic that I was able to travel around the city and explore some of the city’s cultural landmarks.
Rio de Janeiro is a place that makes you feel yourself, make you feel its people, and makes you feel its geographic beauty. Each day was an enriching journey, learning about myself, the people of Brazil, and the geographic beauty.
My group and I arrived on Wednesday. Staying a block away from Ipanema in an Airbnb, we flocked to the beach as soon as we had the opportunity to do so. Adventures on Ipanema Beach were a cinema–crazy, fun, relaxing, and invigorating.
If you ever visit Rio de Janiero and you end up at either Ipanema or Copacabana beach, here are some things you should do:
1. Try the Culture
As my group and I trailed the coast on our first day in Rio, one of the first things we saw were locals selling Caipirinhas –local, strong, delicious, refreshing, and sometimes “sandy” beverages for approximately $3.00-$4.00 each. They can definitely compel you to appreciate the moment you’re in and appreciate what Rio has to offer. Whether it’s your prerogative back at home, I find importance in trying something from a country’s culture, at least once during your stay in that country.
I recall speaking with a older traveler and his word’s of wisdom were to partake in a culture’s food & beverages because these are the daily elements that enable them to survive or thrive. Â If you’re on the beach in Brazil, and Caipirinha’s are not your thing, find something that passes you &Â try out (with discretion)!
2. When in doubt, embrace functionality.
Yes! The beaches are beautiful, but the sand is fine! Fine sand feels great, but gets everywhere–lodged in pockets, lodged in your ears (if the waves  push you to shore frequently as they did me), and in your belongings. Prior to coming to the beach, I wish I would have embraced functionality.
Don’t wear trunks with pockets and wear as little as you feel comfortable with wearing; otherwise, you’ll find sand hiding in your clothes for the entire duration of your stay in Rio de Janeiro.
3. Live your life, for you, believe in your individuality.
Admittedly, I’m quite modest when going to beaches or pools,I usually prefer staying on the sidelines or wearing a nice button down, only buttoning one button. Nevertheless, Rio and the confidence of its people and/or tourist demonstrated the freedom in embracing yourself, regardless of where you are in your fitness or confidence journey.
The fine sand may be the reason some where as little as they can; nevertheless, the entire atmosphere of Ipanema Beach invited all visitors to live their life, embrace their individuality, and embrace the moment without thinking too much about your appearance. Do just that if you ever visit the beaches in Rio!
4. Understand the openness, boldness, and tenacity of the culture—enjoy & protect!
As I sat on Ipanema Beach for an entire day, I quickly learned that the beaches–although relaxing, fun, and enjoyable–are marketplaces. From hats, sunglasses, drugs, souvenirs, to student performers looking for some extra change,  you are the tourist and the potential customer.
The culture is seemingly bold, open, and tenacious, but you have to match such boldness, openness, and tenacity. No need to be frightened, but simply enjoy your time, protect your belongings, and be the boss. Enjoy yourself, have fun, and have an idea of what you want and don’t want!
5. Appreciate the views, they won’t always be there nor will they be same.
As my full day at the beach came to an end, I decided to walk along the shore, internalizing the fruition of my dream. Each day, the canvas that the sun paints as it sets will not be the same. So, while you’re in Rio de Janeiro (or wherever, frankly) appreciate the views, appreciate the people, and appreciate the ways they all influence you.
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