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[Brazil] My first trip

This is the story of several firsts from March: the first time I set foot outside Europe, the first time I flew, and the first time I truly travelled. Dude!

Until then, the farthest I had travelled was Spain in one direction and Switzerland in the other, crossed on the way to northeastern France a few years earlier. But on Saturday, I was heading to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Just like that.

The Journey

brazil-journey-roundtrip

As you can see, the journey there takes almost 20 hours (20:20 flight time spread over 26 hours of travel) and 20:15 for the return. I will transit through Madrid airport (the capital of Spain) and John F Kennedy in New York (USA), to finish at the "internacional" airport of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Time Difference

brazil-new-york-time-difference

For Rio de Janeiro it is -4 hours, and for New York -6 hours. Nothing special regarding Madrid, which is in the same time zone as France. I find it hard to realize the effect of a -4 hour time difference.

Temperature

temperature-rio-brazil

The data covers 1960 to 1990, but it suggests an average temperature of around 27°C in March. So I packed shorts, and especially tank tops.

ESTA Request

Since I am passing through the United States, I must fill out the ESTA form. Since 2010, ESTA is a paid form: you have to pay a modest sum of $14, of which $10 for tourism promotion in the United States and $4 for the "application processing." Practically and with regard to the exchange rate of La Banque Postale which is 1USD= 0.737142EUR, I paid €10.32 + €1 commission for my ESTA application.

In My Bag

You know I am going to Rio de Janeiro for a long week. However, I haven't told you what is in my bag yet! And yes, I will answer the famous question "What's in my bag?"!

You have to know that my checked suitcase (for the plane) can be up to 23 Kilos. And there is no real maximum weight for carry-on luggage. Of course, we will try not to overpack to bring back some souvenirs.

Dressing, but not too much

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So yes, I packed clothes. The Brazilian sun promised serious heat, so shorts, tank tops and other lightweight clothes were essential. I also packed a few hats, shoes, loose shirts and underwear. Speaking of underwear, I had almost no ankle socks left. My travel companion had stocked up properly, but I had not. Never mind. I would build a flip-flop collection once I got there.

A Photographic Trip

If you follow me a little, you know that I have a few small photographic gadgets. Here is what I take:

My companion will have a Sony Alpha 77, with a Sony 16-50mm f2.8 lens and a Sony 50mm f1.4 lens.

In short, you got it: if we get the chance to take photos, we will be ready!

A Geek Trip

Yes, I took a computer! My Macbook Air accompanies me on this adventure, and for your own good, otherwise how will I be able to bring you what is happening to us daily in Rio?

One small but important detail: I took my iPhone for the journey, but planned to suspend the mobile plan during the trip. Edit: Well for Joe, I just realized that it's not that simple. Indeed, by pressing the OFF button, I realized how false this argument was. The plan only pauses when the X days (indicated next to the on/off button) have passed, and not instantly as I could believe. The only tangible advantage of Joe Mobile's plan is that the plan is locked. So I will keep my phone in my pocket in Rio.

For the Crocodile

Yes, you know, a little over a month ago, I got a tattoo of a crocodile on my arm. During a tattoo's first year, heavy sun exposure can age it dramatically. So I bought broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen and a wrap to cover it. 2 measures of protection are better than one!

As you can understand, the beach for me will be complicated! I will probably bring back some photos of Copacabana beach.

The Little Extras That Are Always Useful

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To survive nearly forty hours of flying, I packed a few things to keep me occupied:

Once on site, I planned some small bags. An Akibag style "duffel bag" to fit some things in, and a smaller "pouch" when I want to limit myself to the essentials.

I also bought a guide to Rio de Janeiro and a small Brazilian Portuguese phrasebook with a dictionary. In addition to that, to take some notes, I took a small Moleskine notebook.

Add to that some body products, a few hundred euros, my passport, and a photocopy of it. This is indeed very important!

There I am, all set. It is 2:11 in the morning, and I am driving to the airport at 4:30 (my companion lives an hour from Lyon) for a departure at 7:25. I will not sleep tonight, and in a few hours I will discover - finally - the sensation of takeoff.

Rio's Traps

You can do a lot of things in Rio de Janeiro. Stroll through the neighborhoods of Flamengo, go longboarding on the cycle path that runs along all the beaches, climb Corcovado, explore Sugarloaf Mountain. But there are things not to do. Take a look around.

Drinking Tap Water

Do you want to spoil your stay by getting sick on the second day of your trip? No. So drink bottled water (well sealed) or drinks from brands (like Cola, for example) and avoid tap water at all costs!

There is also Guarana, which is a rather nice fizzy local drink (like Seven Up), I highly recommend it!

Walking barefoot (even on the beach)

View from Ipanema beach

Whether you are in the street or on the beach, it is strongly advised not to walk barefoot. On the beaches of Ipanema or Copacabana, you can find hidden shards of glass on the sand, and it hurts. In the street during the day, don't even try to walk on your favorite sidewalk paving stones, your feet will burn.

Showing Off Wealth

Whether you have the latest smartphone, an expensive camera or gold jewellery, avoid displaying them unnecessarily. Like any large tourist city, Rio has theft and robbery risks. This reminds me of the story of a friend who took out her iPhone on the bus in Rio and was mugged by one of the passengers for this reason. Do you find that strange?

Visiting Favelas Alone

Favelas are residential neighbourhoods, not theme parks. Visiting one alone without local knowledge can be risky and intrusive. Go with someone who knows the area, respect the people who live there, and do not treat a film such as City of God as a safety guide.

Swimming

It is forbidden to swim at Ipanema & Copacabana

The waves at Copacabana and Ipanema could be powerful and conditions changed quickly. The sensible approach was to follow the flags and lifeguards, especially with children. As an adult in good shape, I still found the rough water genuinely fun.

Walking with Your Passport

This is an essential rule in Brazil and common in many other countries: leave your passport at the hotel. The passport is one of the most important things you possess when traveling. Without it, you will no longer be able to go home. It would be silly to have it stolen during your stay, wouldn't it?

To deal with this problem, get a photocopy of your passport, you can walk around with it without fear of being far from your home country.

Eating Açaí

Açaí was sold as a refreshing local frozen dessert. The major problem, for me, was that I found it disgusting. Seriously, you can try it, but even I, who am not difficult regarding gastronomy, guarantee you that even if we are still within reason regarding the last point of this article, we are far from an edible product.

And yet, it was becoming one of Brazil's increasingly globalised products.

The last one might be the worst of all!

Buying a Bag of Biscoito Globo

Jeremy, the Globo seller

Biscoito Globo is to Copacabana's beaches what chouchous are to beaches in southern France: a snack sold everywhere by beach vendors. These savoury or sweet biscuits lacked only one thing, in my opinion: flavour. The little rings look a bit like krupuk, commonly called prawn crackers in France, but the resemblance ends there. The Globo tastes like sugary or salty polystyrene.

Then again, perhaps that street vendor really sold me polystyrene and Biscoito Globo is excellent. I still have my doubts.

View of Praia do Diabo from Arpoador