Rio de Janeiro: The Spirit of Carnival

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, holds a unique spot in its allure to travelers worldwide. It is a destination of adventure, sensuality, mystique, pleasure, beaches, and the world famous weeklong celebration of Carnaval, called by many as the world's largest annual party that culminates in the Sambadrome competition of twelve schools for the title of being recognized each year as the school that best exemplifies the heart and music of Brazil. For many years Pancho dreamed of visiting "Rio" (as it is often referred to). On his "Bucket List" of world destinations to experience, high on the list was his desire to participate in the annual Carnaval festivity first hand. When the opportunity to do this presented itself, he quickly seized that opportunity even though he was seriously ill. "Rio de Janeiro, The Spirit of Carnaval" recounts the day-by-day experiences of his trip from Los Angeles International Airport to Panama City, then connecting to Rio. Among the many experiences, he describes the culture shock of arrival in a foreign country and accommodations in Rio, the initial struggle to adapt to culinary differences and grocery shopping, public transportation, and the exhilaration of participating in the many street parades during the week of festivity. You will feel the rush of the hot weather reaching the top of the mountain to arrive at the giant statue of Christ (Cristo Redentor) and Sugarloaf Mountain. The author puts you, the reader, into the seat of viewing the intense Sambadrome competition that takes place over two nights with six schools each night. Finally, returning home, the stopover in Panama City, visiting a centuries old church (La Iglesia de Los Pobres), his horror in finding a 16th century prison that has been converted into a restaurant and learning of pirate raids from those times for treasure, and observing a cargo ship coming through the Panama Canal. There is an incredible amount of adventure in this book that will draw you in as the reader!