Routine established?

First thing and down to Ipanema beach. It is full of walkers, joggers, bladers and cyclists on the pavement, the cycle track and on one lane of the dual carraigeway which is closed on Sundays. At the Eastern end of the beach, by the Parque Garota, there were about 20 surfers sharing not very good waves. The sea was surprisingly warm but also with a strong rip current which might explain why no-one was in the water without a surfboard.

A refrigerated fresh coconut can be bought for 2 Reals and the cafe worker cuts a base and a hole in the top with 4 deft strokes of a lethal machete. It seems amazing they have all their fingers. A drink of fresh coconut juice is better than a Isotonic drink for quenching the thirst.

There are kiosks every 100 metres and I am determined to find one where the staff smile.

No sign today of the girl from Ipanema!