22.05.12
“At any on one occasion of the week, any time of the day Copacabana rocks,” announced Bernardo, our bosom buddy exuberantly, “For families, Sunday is the best day of all to be on the beach.” We were established on the roof-top of a 30-floor hotel looking out on the magnificent confluence of real property, the long scalloped beach, the sea and mountains at dusk. Down below was the shimmering damp, dark palm trees and a curving road with streams of yellow taxis, cars and buses speeding along. Byway someone's cup of tea lamps cast pools of yellow light on pedestrians and beachside vendors.
“Beaches here are not well-deserved for relaxing, they are a huge social event,” continued Bernardo, “Whole families fall on the beach. People meet, hang out, dance and party, lap up and eat, frolic or exercise… and generally have a ball all day long in a seamless respite atmosphere. Inexpensive, lots of fun, this sweet life of Brazilians.”
Next morning, it was glowering when I stepped out into the morning. The roar of the sea, rustling palms and cool zephyr were most welcome after the many meetings in stuffy air-conditioned rooms. I filled the lungs with tonic sea air. Hugging the beach was the magnificent Avenida Atlántica. It has six-lanes separated by a tree-laden median. Beyond the method is a remarkable mosaic tile sidewalk in black and white wavy conceive, with each block made up in a unique pattern, created by landscape artist Burle Marx, that runs privilege from the old Copacabana Fort to the huge rock at Leme.
Source: The Hindu