2/10 Yesterday was amazing. We had THE whole carnaval experience. First we walked in a parade. Walking means samdaing. It started at 10am and we walked, sang, danced and drank til 3pm. Yup, that is not a typo. 5 hours in the blazing  sun, where even sun block isn't enough, skin to skin with sweaty bodies. LOVED IT.  After that a quick dip in the Atlantic to cool off. Terry needed just a little help walking home after enjoying the brazilian custom of ALWAYS having a beer in your hand. Doing this with the locals was great. Fabio's sister played in the marching band and we met a lot of their friends. We planned on meeting up with Fabio and Andrea around 5 for another parade, but the parade kicked out butts so eventhough I am not much of a napper, that is what we did. Overslept by an hour, so we didn't meet Fabio. Instead, Terry and I ventured out on our own. Took the "dangerous" subway to the samba dome for the big parade. TOTALLY COOL EXPERIENCE, So glad we decided to pay the money for tickets. Had to bargain down. Great seats right across from the judges booth. The energy was infectious. Loud music, singing, dancing. So amazing. We only stayed until 2am. It started at 9pm and went to 9am. Yup, non stop. Ride home on the subway was eventless. Everywhere you look, no matter what time of day, tons of funny and elaborate costumes. Would love to have posted some pictures, but I have not figured out how to get them on my tablet from my camera. Stay tuned, I will figure it out.
I have learned not to believe everything you read on the internet. Copacabana is Not dangerous, the subway is a great means of transportation and hardly anyone living in Rio speaks English (including the police). But you can easily communicate with hand gestures and a phrase book.
Tomorrow we are heading out on our own again. This time conquering the bus system. Off to Santa Tereza and the Christ statue.