Day 18 - Some Sun, A Tree and Me

Big surprise – we enjoyed the beach again today. The weather was by far the best so far.  It was sunny all day and the water was a deep emerald green.  The waves were full energy today – occasionally knocking someone over and tumbling them over into the shore.  It happened to me, and it was a ton of fun! 

After spending a majority of the day at the beach, we decided that the famed Ipanema Sunset had to be seen.  It was unreal.  The sun came down from the clouds with the power of a bomb exploding in the distance.  People lined the shore as it slowly made its way down to the horizon line.  People were posing and taking selfies, trying to get the best shot.  It was hard.  I tried many times to capture Mr. Sanders with multiple different exposures and camera tricks.  Nothing worked.  Every time, he showed up as a dark silhouette against the background.  Colors of fiery red, burnt oranges and electric yellows blazed through the sky.  When the sun finally went to sleep, the crowds cheered and applauded paying homage to the incomparable show that nature displayed.

We then walked over to the lake where a famed tree has been erected for the holidays.  They say there are 3 million lights on the tree!  When you get there, it plays a variety of holiday music and changes during the musical transitions.  From all green, to a bright sunrise, to a deep right purple and even all black!  It truly was a sight to behold and am so glad we got to see it.  This afternoon we officially take off.  I will miss Rio, the beach, the beauty and the casual lifestyle it offers.