Arriving to Rio de Janeiro

I arrived to Rio de Janeiro on July 4th. Yesterday I was still having some major jet lag, which explains why I woke up very late today. Good thing classes begin this coming Monday. However, when I opened my eyes and proceeded to do the same with my room's windows there was such a gorgeous breeze that I realized why Rio is Rio. My homestay unfortunately happens to not be near the beaches. Neighborhoods such as Leblon, Ipanema, and Copacabana happen to be on the east side of the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and I'm on the west side of the lagoon, closer to Jardim Botanico. Nevertheless, I was still privy to an amazing ocean breeze. 

Purchase your plane ticket early. I read somewhere that when flying to Brazil it's a good idea to purchase tickets between Tuesdays and Thursdays. I flew with Copa Airlines and was impressed with their service. They did not charge for baggage but it can weigh no more than 70lbs. Also, they serve snacks and meals. After all, it is a long flight.

I'm participating in the PUC-Rio one month intensive program as a Special Student. I'm doing this program independently. I had a difficult time wiring the monies to the program's bank. Apparently banks in the United States have a list of countries that they do not wire money to, Brazil happens to be one of those countries. I'm to pay the tuition fee here.

I've been wanting to do this program for a couple of years and each summer the price goes up. If you're wanting to do it, do it now. Don't wait for the World Cup and the Olympics because I guarantee you it will be even more expensive then. I contacted the coordinators via phone in regards to paying the program (have patience, they may or may not answer your emails, in my case they did not).

Use Skype as it is an affordable way to call. Make sure you select in Skype's drop down dialing pad menu the Brazilian flag and then dial the city code and the phone number.

This is one my rooms windows. There is an AC window type unit here but honestly it is not needed. Plus, there's a ceiling fan in my room. Some students are luckier than others with their homestays. My situation happens to be okay.

Today I finally wandered off to the other side of the Lagoon and made it to the beach in Leblon. The sand is fine and it feels very soft on your feet. I didn't bring my diaper bikini (as Brazilians call our general choice of bikini styles in the States) so on my to do list is to purchase a Brazilian one soon. You see all body types wearing these tiny materials, so I'm gonna brave it out and not be so shy.