RIO FRIO

 What could be better than to arrive in Rio de Janeiro in an afternoon. The excitement was in the air and the idea was to throw the bags in the dormitory and leave for a good warm day. 

But soon there was a thin cold breathe.  Frio in Portuguese mean cold. So Rio frio is an expression to claim the fear of tourist in the city of Rio.

No it was not cold in Rio de Janeiro. Just that the fear I developed in my mind. My friend warned me to be extra careful, not look in the eyes of people. Not to speak to strangers. Although the people were so cool and smiling. But Rio is a big city in South America. Like any big city there would be touts , thiefs, cheats. One has to be very careful with bags and belongings. As a tourist even more.

In couple of hours I realised it.Some people would shout from behind while you were walking to scare you. We went to withdraw cash from an ATM and had to pay some money to the guy waiting outside the door. I protested for this as why we have to give money when we do not wish to. But my friend insisted for safety. Eventhough we gave him 2 euros, which is a big amount to give a begger in India he shouted this is not good enough. 

But this feeling faded sooner or later as it is like this in any big city. People could cheat us if we give them a scope!! One has to be alert and pretend lost at the same time to ignore the crime.

The beautiful Rio de Janeiro was right ahead to be explored !!

After all its not my first time, its same in Cape town or in Mumbai. There is a fear surving in people between every thing else.

So I ignored the cold air of the city and started to gather the best of the city.

MY FIRST TIME # 1

The year 2012 was great with travel and lots of first time experiences while traveling.

So , I decided to share my first time experiences here during my travel, especially now that am in South America which is other side of the world for Indians. 

Here is my first time no 1. This is the first time I checked into a dormitory as I arrived in Rio de Janeiro. 

It was the first day and Rio is an extremely expensive city. So dormitory Accomodation was a resort to cut on the expenses. 

In India or Asia the hotels rooms are already so much below the expectation that it is difficult to even think of staying in Hostels. Unclean bed sheets, dirty toilets and safety of our luggage is a big concern. I was hoping that may be I have to carry around all valuables when am out of the dorm. 

But it was not like that in our hostel called Leblon spot. The sheets were very clean and so were the toilets. The shower was shared and was cleaned every now and then. The entire place has wifi.There were safety cupboards to keep your valuables. The breakfast was included in the tariff.

All in all it was a cool experience :)