Yesterday was our only all day free day with nothing scheduled by Williment, our travel company. But we did have an evening excursion, more of that later. We filled half of our day visiting Rochino favela, a slum. There are several in Rio de Janeiro housing 2 million or so people and this is the biggest one with 250,000. What an experience....south Auckland looks a bit depressing but this favela takes slums to a new level. The living area is so small and there are no green areas or play areas, I would imagine if one person caught a cold or got chicken pox, then they all get it. We were told that there are 80% employed, 10% unemployed and 10% are criminals. Drugs are a problem, mostly marijuana and cocaine, they had not heard of Methamphetamine or "P". The people though are poor but happy. When some of the shanties were knocked down and an apartment block built, the inhabitants built another shanty further up the hill. It was a very interesting half day tour and certainly makes us appreciate what we call home.
Put this in for Blair and any other electrically minded people. All the shantys have power, and running water and we were led to believe they have a waste disposal system. On further questioning about how that works the answers became more and more vague so I left it. Who knows what happens.
We didn't find time to visit "the girl from Ipanema" but she does exist and has become famous because of the song. She is now in her 50's and is reputed to be still quite beautiful. Ipanema is the next beach south of Copacabana, it is not as big and not quite as popular but still beats Castlecliff or Woodend on a good day. The are reports of a song called "the girl with Emphysema" to the tune of the popular song but not sure if it is modelled on a real girl. Not a lot smoke here which was a bit surprising.
We are sitting in the Rio airport right now awaiting a boarding call to Santiago, Chile, a 2 hour lay over then 13 hours to Auckland. Pleased to be heading home but I would happily stay touring for another month.
Until next time, see ya.
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