When we finally arrive in Rio de Janeiro I disembark the plane and my newfound friend and mentor, Steve, makes the executive decision to go to duty-free (again), where I am coerced into purchasing two more bottles of Jameson and a six-pack of Red Bull (thanks a lot, Steve). After retrieving our bags we experience no issues passing through customs (which is good because I am illegally importing a ton of stuff to sell).
According to my sources inside Brazil, a taxi ride from the airport is to cost around R$50; this is a lie. One of many I would come to know. Hotel Vermont in Ipanema (which I later heard is a popular gay hookup hotel) is my destination, and upon my arrival, I manage to crash in my bed for an hour before I am required to meet a bunch of strangers for dinner.
People at the baggage claim always look miserable for either going on or returning from adventure.
After said dinner with my fellow foreigners in an American themed restaurant (how appropriate) serving food in a very Brazilian fashion (by the kilo – still not sure if this is a good deal or not), I make my way down onto the beach and into the warmest ocean I have ever been in for an amazing night of moonlight swimming (something that is very much not recommended by the locals – or at least one drunk guy on the beach).
The events to transpire over the course of the course of the next 24 hours are unspeakable (read: not remembered), but if they are any indication of what life in Brazil is going to be like, then I know I have come to the right place (note to self: need more Jameson and Red Bull).
