I am enjoying an unexpected trip back into Rio. Things have settled down, many tasks checked off the list. But unable to resolve a couple issues with my bank, issues unfortunately of my own making, through an attorney and a friend trying to help; I had to fly down and spend a few days getting things straightened out. Paulo and Lenira kindly are allowing me to stay with them for the week. I have been up here to their apartment a few times for dinner but this is the first time I have explored their neighborhood on foot. The Laranjeiras barrio has the residence of the Governor of the Rio de Janeiro State and his ‘office’ . As in the rest of Rio, there is a mixture of grand beauty and despair. From up here in the highest part it is a 15 minute walk down to the Lago Machado metro station and past that by about 5
minutes is a crossover to the aterro and its path along the bay. Today I walked a total of 2 hours, getting down to the path, walking nearly to the downtown airport and then back up to the apartment. It was a good exercise given that my 
new camera’s battery gave out after about one hour and then I maintained a good clip on the return. I didn’t get my photos downloaded to the computer soon enough to write for the FSO but I have been on the lookout for some very special graffiti and if that failed some public art that is so prevalent in Rio while I have been walking around. I really did intend to participate this last week, but for now I have to be content with showing you just a few of the shots from this part of Rio.
Now knowing this area better I would recommend staying here versus Ipanema (out of this world expensive) or Copacabana (so totally dirty). There is easy access to several metro stations, lots of little bars and restaurants, smaller hotels. a great beach and it is very central to both the central museums, and the Christ and Sugar Loaf. It is great to be home.
