Carnaval

Carnaval

February 15th to february 23rd would be one of the craziest party weeks of my life. This is carnaval. 
Hilary and I got off the bus in Río de jerneiro and made our way to Ipanema beach. Our hostel was in an alley way filled with other hostel, (difficult to find, even more so because our portuese has not gotten better) They have alley ways of hostels around the city to make it less obvious they are there. They plan it this way because aparently groups of people go in and take everything with guns. We were told this apon arrival, along with never take anything out of the hostel because it will be stolen and if you are a girl be extra careful with all of the grabbing by men in the street parties. What were we thinking? 
When we walked into the hostel all we could do was laugh because we had paid almost $100 Per Night, and this hostel was probably one of the Worst ones we have come by "once in our life" we kept saying.
On our first full day we jammed in all of the tourist things to do in the city so we would have enough time to enjoy the parties of carnaval. We saw the Cristo, the lapa steps, and my absolute favourite pao de azucure. (sugar loaf mountain) the view from Here was just spectacular! We could see the whole city, plus ocean and the cristo which was fading in and out of cloud. We watched the sun go down up there. Amazing.
Now we were ready for the bloco's. This is what they Call the street parties. They have them set up all over the city and they go On all day and night everywhere. We went to a beatles one, where they play Beatles music samba style. We went to quite a few beach parties On Ipanema, my overall favourite bloco was one that our hostel man took us to by his house. There were no gringo's, so no english, we were with friends from argentina so they translated for us. At one end of the block samba drums were playing and it didn't matter the age the people were dancing like pro's. Along the street lined people selling beer from small carts and the people who attended the party dressed up like it was halloween. With two kisses On the cheeks we were instantly apart of the crowd, it didn't matter we spoke english. People in brasil are so kind.
Despite all the bad that was said, we were so lucky and had no trouble and got nothing stolen. Rumors were true however because 3 out of every 5 people we talked to had their camera stolen. Men in brasil are also súper forward. Sad to think I have to leave place where i am told i am the most beautiful daily. (not sure why because Brazilian woman are the most beautiful I have ever seen)
Besides all of the parties there was the samba dome parade. This was incredible! Hilary and i put On our masks and glitter and jammed onto the subway along with thousands of other people heading the same way. I have never seen so Many colours, Feathers, glitter and sparkles everywhere! The floats were huge and filled with amazing dancers. The main nights to go are sunday and monday. They go from 9 pm to 6am. There are about 6 samba school that go a night competing for the title of the Best. It is based On how Well they play the drums, the floats, costumes, the dancing, and the organization of it all. What an awesome experience to be apart of! 
Rio instantly became one of my favourite cities!