Carnaval in Rio, part 2

OK, on we go with Rio entries. Tuesday is the big day of the Scala Gay Ball, one of the highlights of Carnaval. Promise is that we will be astounded at the costumes being worn (or not worn). Before that a bit more shopping is required to gather some accesories for my costume. This done, six of us head down to Ipanema to buy tickets. Ends up that 3 of us go to the beach and the other 3 go to buy tickets. Spent some time out in the water whilst Starna and Sue sunbathe (they were too worried by the height of the breaking waves to do more than paddle). Had great fun riding the 2 metre waves and body surfing back in to the beach. A couple of drinks and then we sit around and wait for the others to come back. We had expected them long before this. Turns out Scala is a lot further from we were than they thought. Means we miss the planned sunset cruise, but this gives us the bonus of more time to prepare for the ball. Colin, Dave, and me definetly need as much time as possible to make ourselves look beautiful. Gradually all of us get ready whilst downing a generous qty of cider and beer to boost our courage, and lower our embarassment levels. Quick visit from Becky shows just h0w little some of the people will be wearing tonight. Then meet up in reception and see what other people have done to dress/undress themselves. Think as a group we can take on the best of them.

Get taxis down to Ipanema. Amazing number of people, press and tv there to watch/cover the event. Long red carpet and raised platform entrance to walk down. Make the most of it by really hamming up the approach. Meet up with Becky, Naomi, Jeanna, Abi, Corrina and pose for photos as a group and with some of the other ´sights´. Once we finally head inside, have lost most of the group I got ready with, so spend the night with the girls. Amazing inside - never seen so much bare flesh in one place. Took lots of photos of the people I was with whilst just taking in all the rest that was going on. Think Jeanna got more photos of the people around us (never seen so many bare boobs on one digital camera!). Finally retired back to the hotel at somewhere around 3 o´clock and just spent the next couple of hours on a high chatting about the evening.

If you ever get the chance to go to the Gay Ball during Carnaval, and you´re not easily offended, then do it.