Day 2

Well day one after starting out great, ended up being pretty slow.  I started doubting my ability to meet people.  I  sat around the hostel most of the day hoping someone who spoke english would talk to me, and it wasn't happening.  At least until 8 o'clock rolled around and I was asked if I wanted to grab some food by a chick named Mikel from Antigua (i hope), and a dude named Nick from Australia.  Conversation ensued so who knows maybe I will be able to meet people.

Day 2 the momentum of day 1 was not to follow into day 2 however.  I was unable to find anyone to head out with for the day so I was stuck walking the beautiful expanses of Ipanema and Leblon beaches by myself.  (No pictures because beaches are notorious for theft if you leave things unattended while going in the water).  These beaches are more luxurious than the more working class Copacabana neighborhood (with the exception of the copacabana palace hotel).  Posto 9 did not disappoint as the gathering place for the young and the beautiful in Rio.  The swimsuits were also as advertised with the dudes wearing speedos and the gals wearing even less.  After spending some time trying not to get burned to a crisp by the sun I walked around the neighborhoods.  Here I was reaffirmed that I would never be too far from American culture.  As on nearly every block their was an American franchise be it McDonalds, KFC, or even Outback steakhouses.  The stores in the malls all play the same music you would hear in the states (although hipsters and stores catering to them don't seem to exist).  Overall it was a weird experience seeing all the sights and not having anyone to share it with.  Something I will soon get over I'm sure, but for now it is rather lonely.