So I am back in one of my most favourite cities in the world, Rio de Janeiro. Its summertime and a baking 31 C'. I have already taken a jog along Copacabana as its one of my favourite past times. Not only am I been healthy and attempting to keep in shape as I know I am a sucker for all the delicious Brazilian bakeries around town ,but it is also the best way to get familiar with long stretch of beach front.

There are 3 main beaches in Rio de Janeiro. Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon.I am extremely lucky to be staying with Felipes grandmother, Tuca , who has an apartment right on the peninsular btw Copacabana and Ipanema next to the Sofitel Hotel. Copacabana beach is full of activities. There are people walking , jogging , playing volleyball, bat and ball , beach soccer and the popular footvolley which is a like volleyball but instead of hands you may only use feet and heads. Ipanema and Leblon join together to make the next stretch of beach all the way up to the Dois Irmaos which means " Two Brothers ".

The things I love the most about Brazilian beaches (apart from the terrific eye-spy hotties ), is the tents that are scattered along the beaches offering you an array of services. Firstly you can rent sunchairs and an umbrella for the whole day for R40, secondly you have access to - and let me use capitals to emphasize this bonus key point - ICE COLD BEER. Each of these tents sells waters, cold drinks , caparinha's and beer. When you get into the swing of things you just raise your finger and someone comes running along with the next bottle of beer ready to be replaced with the empty one in your beer cooler. Be careful, they run a tab for you and its easy to lose track of how many you've had after awhile. There are also people walking along the beach selling almost anything from Sarongs, dresses, sun block and bikinis to sandwiches, ice creams , shrimp , kebabs and Cheese sticks which they bbq for you right there on the little griller type thing they carry around with them. Best part is they dont bug you or nag you to buy, they just walk along announcing what they are selling and if you would like to buy something you can just call them over.Unbelievable and totally awesome!

Its a wonderful thing to kick back in your sunchair, drinking your beer and watching all the beautiful people around you. Ipanema and Leblon are the trendier beaches to hang out on. There is also a middle section covered with Gay pride flags , showing once again how the beach caters for your every need.....;) In Brazil the Speedo is worn by all men on the beach - and sometimes in the streets and shops - generally the only ones not wearing them are the Gringos ( Foreigners ). I find this very amusing as it tends to become hard not have the odd willy watch hahaha. Due to popular belief topless tanning is not permitted ( sorry boys ) but the fio dental ( dental floss ) bikinis are a big hit. They cover the bare essentials if you know what I mean. This is one of the most appealing things about Brazilian people in my opinion, their confidence. Not everyone one has a rocking body but they seem comfortable enough in their own skin to wear what they want and own it!

So thats all from me at the mo about Rio beaches.

Stay Tuned:)

Lexibon.