Butt Floss and Banana Hammocks
Rio is growing on me. I think I told everyone before we left that this was one destination I was not looking forward to in South America. From what the guidebooks said, I was sure that I was going to get mugged the moment I stepped off the bus. But our apartment is in a very safe area of Rio, and thankfully nothing has happened.
So as I get used to Rio and what this city has to offer, there is one thing I have not gotten used to yet. That is the choice of bathing suits here in Rio. WS and I went to a shopping center and they had bathing suits on sale dirt cheap. So I started looking, and thought well no wonder they are so cheap, there is nothing to them!
The fashion here is butt floss and banana hammocks. And everyone wears them. In fact, we have gotten some looks on the beach because we stand out in board shorts and shirts! But there is no way my 35 year old butt is ever going to see the light of day. And WS will only be in a Speedo if he joins the swim team.
The people here love their beaches, and rightfully so. The beach is such an integral part of the city, with the hills behind the city as the backdrop. Rio really is stunning. The people take full advantage of the beaches in every way, sitting to talk, playing volleyball, flying kites, and walking. There are paths alongside the beach where people rollerblade, run, and ride bikes.
One thing you can say about the people of Rio is that they are definitely into fitness. Maybe that explains all the butt floss and banana hammocks.
twoleftfeet said:
Dawn–
How funny to read this the day after I went on a dive trip that had two (hot) tourists from Denmark. Both of these guys were wearing paper thin Speedos that became transparent when wet! No problem for my (female) dive buddy and I, but the rest of the party were guys who just about fell overboard to avoid brushing up against or even looking at Speedo boys! People from other countries certainly have different beach couture than we do!!—Denise