Rio has been quite fun the last few days…this city has a ton to offer, and I’m trying to take advantage of it.
I decided I wanted to go rock climbing again, mainly because the first time was a bit too easy. I decided to use the same guide as I had before; he was both friendly as well as very skilled. The primary climb I did was called “via Italiano” or “The Italian”…most of it was 5.9-5.9+ for the most part, and he described it as a more technical climb than more sporty.
Most of the climbing was slab climbing, where balance and technique were more important than pure strength. Given my current pathetic strength, I was happy to be able to use more footwork and balance.
The weather was really great, albeit a bit windy. I wasn’t able to take any pictures either, unfortunately, as I was always belaying or climbing.
This was about a 280m climb, we did maybe 4 pitches. Here is the way (I think) I went up Sugar loaf mountain (same mountain as before)-
All in all, a great climb. I had a fantastic time. My feet hurt quite a bit (I have bad feet) and it was alot of toe work…that said, I think I did alright for the most part.
The day after I decided to go biking around the area. I only went around the large lake (a natural lagoon) and surrounding beaches (copacobana and ipanema/leblon). The lagoon was a really nice ride and only 5 miles.
Today I went hang gliding. It was a bit pricey ($150) but still very fun. It was about a 3 hour process and we were driven up to the top of a cliff, where dozens of other hang gliders (and paragliders) were stationed.
I thought it would be scarier than it was but it wasn’t all bad. The guide pretty much told me to hold his shoulder lightly and to haul ass off the run way…the scariest part was probably making the run off the runway and into straight air. After that it was all gravy.
I haven’t decided how long I’m staying in Rio yet…My initial plan was to leave tomorrow and head for Sao Paulo and continue my journey, but I just don’t know anymore. Most people I’ve talked with have had little to say about Sao Paulo, citing that the “city was shit” and not really worth it. I might just end up staying here for a bit longer and skipping SP, instead heading south to Florianopolis and then to Iguazu.
I feel like the first part of my trip was so hustle hustle. And now I’m just dicking around all day, being a pile of shit. Really, I only have one more mark off the list, which is Iguazu…shouldn’t take that long to get there either. I’ll go to Buenos Aires as well…and then back to Peru. Meh…Rio rules.