Friday, 10/11. There was almost a sunrise. But the sun didn’t appear until about 8. I’d realized that today is probably my last chance to sleep in for a while, so I did. Left at about 11.

The beach was busy, on a Friday! (Jumping ahead, it’s now 9 PM and there is a band playing. Good time to have a deaf ear.) I did a slow walk until 4. Visited Fort Copacabana, which has a fine army museum. Gorgeous view of the beach. Nicely placed cafe along the coastline.

Ipanema Beach is obviously newer and better arranged. Had a snack at a very nice beachfront cafe. The Cop’s aren’t as fancy.

There aren’t any cigarette butts around, but there are certainly a lot of butts in view. As advertised. Pick-up soccer ball bouncing circles are common too. I thought they were groups of friends, but realized that anyone walking down the beach could join in. (I Did Not Know: Three of the four football teams in Rio are also rowing clubs. I bought a “Clube de Regatas do Flamengo” cap.)

Allowed a guy to “shine” my rubber beach sandals. Persistent, and he spoke English. I had too much cash anyway. Even paid the musicians.

I’m glad I got one day of sunny weather here. It’s a different city with the sun out. I need an Uber at 4 AM. I’ve asked if that’s a problem and the reaction is “why would it be a problem?”.