At 3AM, we reluctantly leave to go back to the hotel. Understandably, the city wakens slowly. Rio is a city of walkers and joggers and on weekends and holidays half of the boulevard in front of the beach is closed to traffic. Young and old, walk, ride bicycles, walk dogs or just sit on benches and chat. Aside from the usual street vendors and open air cafes, there are tables with nurses who will take your blood pressure, pulse or blood sugar after your walk.
Brazil has more lingerie and bathing suit shops than any other country in the world.
When one looks out at Copacabana beach, it is easy to see why. Saturday is the evening for costume balls throughout the city, with the most famous at the Copabana Palace Hotel. The entire second floor of the hotel is set aside for the ball, and a special Carnival Ball boutique has costumes, head dresses and masks for the occasion. At 10PM the Ball begins and the line of traffic along the beach slows to a crawl. The crowd pushes up to the railing to watch the costumes on those lucky enough to attend the Ball.