April 23rd: Free Day in Rio!

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Disclaimer: I couldn’t figure out how to post this until the day after I wrote it. So the shenanigans you’re about to read took place on April 23rd

Blog post for 4/23

Today was our last full day in Rio and it was also a free day! So, I can only fully report on the experience that Rachel Leben and I had. Therefore, today’s entry will be rather short. Sorry, parents! 

We started off our day with a surf lesson on one of the beautiful beaches in Rio, the   Praia do Recreio! It’s a small beach that is known for its safe waves that beginner surfers can practice on. I’m not exaggerating when I say it was one of the most amazing excursions one could go on. It was a once in a life time experience
 to learn how to surf (or at least try) in such a beautiful environment. 

Obviously this is a sociology class so one of the main objectives is to immerse oneself into the authentic culture of the area one is exploring. Needless to say, surfing and beaches are genuinely Brazilian. However, the beach was filled with non-stereotypic Brazilians. There were people of all ages, shapes, colors. It was, like the course title, a mosaic of individuals. The common denominator was that everyone was enjoying the moment. Whether it be actually riding a wave or just relaxing on the sand, there was no hostility amongst the crowd - it truly was a blissful morning. Often times non-Brazilians (especially us Americans) tend to view the country as one that is ridden with violence and drugs. Although I cannot speak for everyone in the class, I can say that my experience has been been quite positive. And it was even better to go to such a peaceful, positive environment. 

The remainder of the day was spent independently as well. However Lila, Professor Khawar, Rachel L., and myself walked leisurely (or sprinted if you ask the passerby’s) across town to the Impenada Beach to watch a final sunset in beautiful Rio de Janeiro. This beach was night and day compared to that of Copacabana (pun intended). It was far livelier and packed with people younger in age - whereas the Copacabana was made of older adults. Should I come back to Rio in another life, I would love to spend more time on the Impenada sand watching the people and looking at the diversity amongst a generation of individuals. 


All in all, it was a wonderful day to conclude our adventures in this piece of Brazil. Until next time, ciao! 

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