Copacabana

by Becky
(Tampa)

After eight months of continuous hard work and no days off apart from Sundays, I thought it was high time I took a holiday. I convinced my boyfriend to accompany me and apply for leave. Finally, after a week of cajoling and coaxing, he finally agreed.

Next, we had to decide where to go. This time we were both on the same wavelength. We wanted to visit some place fun and lively; a hip hop, feel good kind of city. We decided on Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro.

We had visited many fun places together in our three year relationship, but had never been to Brazil. Last year, friends of ours visited Copacabana during Christmas holidays. They had a great time and could not stop raving about it. I also surfed a bit on the internet and read some absolutely amazing reviews from people who had been there.

I have always been in love with the ocean and anything to do with water attracts me like a magnet. My zodiac sign is Pisces and my mom always used to tease me that I am like a fish; can't live out of water! The feel of sand under my feet and between my toes, soft wind blowing my hair and salty spray of water on my face is my ideal setting for a vacation. I knew I would find all of this and more if I visit Copacabana.

Shopping and fantastic bargains are added attractions for many like me. My boyfriend is looking forward to beach volleyball, surfing and other water sports such as parasailing and scuba diving. I also enjoy these activities but not the ones that are too dangerous like a banana boat or bungee jumping. One time I went with him on the banana boat and it toppled over! The water was pretty deep and I had a hard time getting back on. That was a terrible experience for me!

Another reason why we chose Copacabana as our holiday destination was the fact that it is full of glorious white sandy beaches and a real treat for the eyes! It is also home to some of the best night clubs and discos in the world. A tiny borough in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana has a 4 km long strip of beaches that attracts tourists from the world over.

The Desire Hotel in Copacabana is known for its amazing night life and wide array of activities. Weekends are jam packed with back to back parties and weekdays have their own charm. Tuesdays are open mike nights, Wednesdays are free drink days and Thursdays are karaoke nights. Their Barbeque is known to be the best and the pools are simply to die for. Our friends also stayed there and loved it! We thought that it was safer to choose a place someone had recommended; rather than try our luck and simply walk in to a hotel no one had heard of before.

Our flight is tomorrow and I am all packed. My luggage consists of four new bikinis, lots of sun block, flip flops, a big straw hat and some sexy dresses, suitable for evening wear. I can't wait to dive into that pool and sip a Pina Colada! The best part is that I will come back with a real tan and not a fake one like all my friends are getting this summer! I am certain we will have a rocking time and will want to visit Copacabana again soon.