Carnaval in Rio, part 3

On to the last remaining little bit of time in Rio and the pre-trip meetings for the next leg of the trip. 1st priority was breakfast and was amazed to be down in the restaurant for 9am. Second priority was to get rid of the nail polish the girls had so carefully applied yesterday evening. Fortunately Jeanna had let slip that they had some nail varnish remover in their room, so managed to get cleaned up by mid-morning. Met the 12 passengers and 2 new drivers for the trip right down south to Ushauia. Five of us were on the trip down into Rio, and had already had email contact with a few of the others. Meant there were very few new names to learn, so showed off at the end of the 30 minute meeting by going around the circle and naming everyone.

Rest of daytime was a chance to chill, have final meals with previous group, and say goodbye to some who were heading home (it was great getting to know you Carol and Shirley).

Headed back down to Ipanema with Jeanna and her room-mate Clare for a final night out. Beer by the beach, then a very nice Italian meal (eventually - once the girls remembered where the restaurant was). Had a surprise when midnight came: Jeanna had remembered that it is now my Birthday, and had told the waiter. He arrived with a bowl of chocolate brownie, ice cream, and sauce, with a lit sparkler in the top. Wow! Thank you! Unfortunately don´t have a photo but hopefully I can get one from Jeanna or Clare. Another long period of time spent chatting & drinking in the hotel lobby follows (maybe they should set up a room where people can socialize - can be tricky if you´re sharing a room with someone who is already in bed when you get back after a night out) and then off to bed before lots more goodbyes and the start of new trips. Have to say goodbye to Sue, Pink Dave, Erik & Kristina from our pre-Rio times. Make sure I down to the lobby in time to also say goodbye to Jeanna, Clare, and Becky who head north over the reverse route of what I have just done. Will miss them all - hope the new group are as much fun.