Wow. Last night was such a fantastic time. I hardly know where to begin...
Getting to the Party
We had to buy our subway tickets for a certain time slot a day in advance, so we decided to meet Pria’s friend Deby around 8 and head to the beach together. I initially thought we would be way too early, but the train was packed like a can of sardines and we didn’t arrive in Copacabana until just before 10, so I think it was perfect.
When we arrived, the streets of Copacabana and the beach were busy as expected, but everyone was in white so there was a certain energy and beauty to it all; even with the frustration of trying to get through the sea of people (holding hands, not to lose each other).
The Beach
There were free giant music stages all along the beach, like at Summer Sonic, Oxygen, or any other huge music festival, with famous Brazilian singers and then the "samba schools" (samba clubs that dance at carnival; basically girls dressed in all the feathers, ritz and glitz) later in the night, around 3am. I have to admit I never knew there were so many kinds of samba, even types that sound like rap. And I finally learned how to dance!
I was with Brazilians the whole time so I felt completely safe (met up with a friend from Pria’s church and her relatives), but also so welcome and actually just comfortable. A few times guys would walk by and try to kiss one of us (overheard plans of kissing competitions), touching our arms or just saying hello, but one of the friends acted as a bodyguard. Really funny moment when we were talking to an American guy and his girlfriend literally pulled him away mid-sentence... apparently we weren't the only ones worried about guys being too drunk or out of control.
3... 2... 1...
When midnight rolled around, thousands of people popped their champagne and sprayed it over the crowd while we counted down together. Fireworks went off from barges on the water as women walked into the sea with flowers, gifts for a goddess, and most people just jumped up and down cheering. Cruise ships lines the horizon on one side, with packed apartments, light and palm trees on the other side of the white, sandy beach, across the boulevard.
I had a Red Bull, but otherwise only a caipirinha for a picture and the experience. Gotta say this was probably one of the best of my life.
When we returned home, we danced down the street to the echo of the samba players (the usually packed streets of the Tijuca area deserted) and then feasted on cakes, fruit and sandwiches with Pria’s parents as the sun came up, a tradition in Brazil.
Will post pictures, which will do more justice, but absolutely amazing evening.
Happy New Years again to everyone and best wishes for good things to come. Love from Brazil, b
Wow, that fireworks display is amazing. I'll have to see one sometime in my life.
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