June 19: Vidigal Beach and Feijoada

Today we went to Vidigal Beach, which is the “locals” beach right next to the Sheraton beach. We were greeted very warmly by various men who wanted to sell us beer, water, and/or bracelets (and one woman from Columbia who offered to massage my legs). We gave them a nice acho que não, obrigada, and that was the end of the gringo hustle for the day.

The water was much warmer than it was the day we got here, so we were able to go in without getting hypothermia. Evan had to remind me how the ocean works, and I only got pummeled a few times before getting out beyond the waves. I am still finding sand in my hair from failing to make a hasty final exit.

For dinner we finally had the famed Brazilian feijoada, which is a meat and bean stew that is very rich and tasty. It comes with rice, greens, cassava, and oranges for digestion, and the waiter also gave us shots of orange liqueur to take after. It was on the menu as a meal for two, but it could have easily fed four. Yum!

Tomorrow we are leaving our fabulous beach house for the Botafogo neighborhood, which is on the other side of Copacabana. Our apartment is across the street from Botafogo Beach, which I didn't realize is not a swimming beach but more of a bay where boats are kept. We're also across the street from the “shopping,” which is what Brazilians cutely call their multi-level upscale malls.