Street parties in Rio

Street parties appear to take place all over the city during Carnival. Every day we saw groups of people, many dressed in costumes, some carrying chairs or eskies, walking along streets all over the city. Not sure why they bothered with eskies because alcohol was readily available everywhere along the streets, either from local bars or from the many street vendors Sometimes samba bands and dancers paraded along streets, followed by large groups of people.

One night, whilst looking for a place to eat we got caught in a crowd crush - street party, loud drumming music from a samba band.  Another day, early afternoon, we were attempting to get to the Metro station obviously on the other side of a massive street party (2.2million people reported to be at this particular party). We were holding on to eachother, trying to crawl our way through the crowd, aware that this would be an ideal opportunity for pick pockets.  But we were not prepared for such blatant actions - Lex felt a hand on and IN his pockets, looked up into the face of the guy.  Amazing.  He shouted back to us to watch our pockets.  Zac had the same thing happening to him as the same guy edged past him - Zac had his hands wedged in his pockets and this guy pushed one arm through Zac's trying to force his hand upwards out of his pocket.  Unsuccessful - thankfully. 

Was really wishing we had distinguishing umbrellas. Bet they don't lose each other easily!  

Some time later, in just a few seconds we became separated from Zac and Milka - completely lost them in the massive  crowd.  Just impossible - so many people, loud music pumping out - so for our safety, we headed back to our hotel.

There were many smaller street parties - tables and chairs out on the road outside cafes, bars and restaurants, music, bands, people in costumes and LOTS of alcohol everywhere. The whole of Rio seemed to be in party mode for days!!!!!  From our hotel window we saw 2 or 3 groups parading down the street.

There were a couple of supermarkets across from our hotel - we couldn't get over how much alcohol was being wheeled out all hours of the day and night.  Large eskies were restocked on the footpath - leaving all the plastic shrink wrap for the cleaners!!!

One night after dinner with Tish and her travelling companions, we headed back to a street party near Lapa Arches.  Was awesome catching up with Tish - Lex really gave her a surprise!!!

Mum - this man grabbed me in Rio!  I think it's Mr L.

Great dinner out at Catete Restaurant - a per kilo restaurant.  Huge range of options - seafood, steak, salads.  Fill your plate and then have it weighed.  Amazing place!!!!!

Great food and even better company!!!!!

Andy, Lex, Zac and Al .... in Rio

Tish and Judy at the street party at Lapa.