Yesterday we took a walk to the Jardim Botanico. First we planned to take a bus, but later decided to walk all the way. It is a very nice walk along the Lagoa de Rodrigo de Freitas. We also passed the Hippodrom and the Jockey Club. We never went in, but it looked very nice as it is old (if I remember correctly it said 1889 by the door) and very stylish and I would have loved to go in and maybe watch a race. Maybe still have the chance to do that.





Also the Jardim Botanico has a very old-time stylish beauty. It is founded in 1808 and with the ubiquitous vegetation here of course the botanical garden is no exception, very lush and rich.





For a day as hot as yesterday it was perfect to stroll around in the shades of the garden. Yesterday was a holiday here (S:t Sebastian’s day, Rio’s patron saint) so probably the place was more crowded than on a normal Thursday, but still very far from crowded. Not any way near the crowds at the Ipanema beach where we went afterwards. It was indeed packed! Today we will probably try to get to another beach, less crowded, a bit further away, as our guess is that many have taken this day off too.

Apparently I have been very lucky with the weather this far. We had some rain my first evening here, but after that it has been all sunny and warm and lovely. Yesterday I think it was about 38 degrees. It is very humid and steaming, but I don’t mind!