I have to say that Buzios probably has the most idyllic beaches I have visited... don't get me wrong, for I loved Ipanema and Copacabana in Rio (Ipanema beach is probably one of the downright most beautiful places I have seen), but Buzios, in the depth of Brazilian winter, was warm, lively and beautiful, without having to think too much about the usual precautions you hear about the beaches in Rio. Look at his - tell me if this isn't breathtaking!
But well, the 'perfect day' in Buzios has already been described. Although I must say the following is a good contester! Have you ever driven around town in a super-awesome car that makes everyone around stare at you? Have you ever felt the childish need to take photos of yourselves in the same car while parking? Well, then you must know what I'm talking about.
Fernanda's aunt who we were staying with in Buzios took us, three ladies and her son Vinicius, on a ride to a fancy beach in such a car. Black and shiny, open, a classic example of something that comes right out of a movie or such. As we were driving through Buzios to a beach somewhat further away, we could feel passers-by looking our way
. I can't say I blame them, take a look atthis black beauty! But seriously, only on a select few occasions must it happen that one day you're riding around a beautiful rich-and-famous-people's resort in this sorta ride, and two days later you sit yourself comfortably onto the back of a motorbike that flies you up to the top of the largest favela in South America. True or false?
And, by the way, no I don't drive! ;)
Well you can imagine the usual fun at the beach with a fun little fella - of course, little Vinicius was covered neck to toe in sand, while we laughed around and took photos, admiring the surroundings. There was a lot of kids-type-of-fun that afternoon, for upon returning we also played with the kids of the man who takes care of the house, and guess what - there is a whole mini-playground in the garden of the mansion where we were staying. It's amazing though how simple it is to amuse children (and, khem, adults). I know this for certain because then a large - I mean, large - piece of black plastic sheet was brought out and laid across the modest hill in the garden, which then served for a slide for all of us, aged two to twenty-something.
The next day it was time to leave beautiful Buzios... we still made some time to go to the beach nearby, take a dip in the swimming pool and take more photos, and have lunch - all at the risk of actually almost missing the bus back to Rio. Which we didn't though... but that's how we ride!
Buzios is that sort of idyllic place that captures your imagination (well, it captured mine) for a long time. I mean, come on, if Brigitte Bardot, who was most likely used to the rich wonders of places like Saint Tropez and Paris, fell in love with what back then was probably a more modest little town of Buzios, what are common mortals like us to do, anno 2010, when the city is a thriving beach spot surrounded by beautiful nature? Well, there you go.
As we got on the bus back to Rio a new adventure was about to begin. I will continue shortly, this time supplied with some commentaries from the present day and time. There's more on favela's, Brazilian modernity and mind-boggling contrasts. Stay tuned!
PS I believe I previously skipped a part where I bought a bikini on the beach in Buzios, from one of the ladies going around with large bags and a line of bikini's displayed. A bright red and colourful one that I refer to as my 'Brazilian bikini' - because it is. But no, it's not completely like a Brazilian bikini you imagine - if you get the drift. (If you don't then I guess that's not what you imagined... can't imagine what that might be instead though). I remember when the sale was done, and the lady was moving on, she commented on how it was nice to run into such fun, lovely girls... brings a smile on my face to think about...
