31.07 - Day 42 - Rio de Janeiro, BRA

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Saturday 31st July 2010

Wake up, slightly groggy to my last full day in Rio in expectant anticipation of two tourist heavyweights – “Jesus on a hill” (quote, Mia) and a trip to a local football match at the Maracanã. 

Firstly we need tickets and as tickets can’t be bought online or in the three hours leading up to the kick off we venture to the club itself in Flamengo where we queue for an hour in the sun, get quoted extortionate prices – 80 Reais (£29.80) rather than the 20 Reais (£7.45) we end up paying, then fail to find the bus stop or even route to be able to get to Christ the Redeemer. So by 2pm we’re back at the hostel still not having achieved much. 

Inauspicious start.

Things pick up for what turns out to be one of the best few hours of the trip:
After trekking to Corcovado by bus and two minibuses we’re rewarded by incredible views over the city including back over Sugar Loaf Mountain and of course the imperious 38m high statue itself which watches over Rio. 

Snapping pictures, Krish and I separate until Krish, panting, finds me and drags me over to one side of the base of Christ The Redeemer where a model shoot is taking place of 10 not unattractive Brazilian models. Krish approaches them as they wait for headshots and we both get a snap with the group before they run. Fair to say I haven’t seen Krish so happy all trip. After more appreciation of the statue we descend to make our way via bus and Metro to the Maracanã.

Our ticket buying earlier had also been on behalf of Lee and Marmaloid but as we enter we’ve got no chance of finding them as the cheap tickets are free-for-all seating. We’re behind a goal and as we pick our seats we hear a wall of noise coming from above us – in the tier above are the hardcore fans who chant, clap, whistle, jump, sing and wave flags and scarves creating an effect much greater than the 31,000 attendance might suggest. 

Although the atmosphere is electric its less imposing for tourists than we had feared and at half time with Fluminense leading 1-0 we’re confident taking photos pitch side. Lee and Marmaloid spot us so we spend the second half with them during which time the crowd gets even more boisterous and jubilant as a second and third goal are scored. 

We negotiate the Metro back to Copacabana for one last dinner out (no candles) and even buy a fake Fluminense shirt from a night market to celebrate and show off our latest allegiance.