Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro: 27oC, hottish and sunny.
It is Wednesday, the middle of the week. The weather is unpredictable; sometimes, it rains, sometimes it is sunny, hot, and sticky, and a few times, it is cool.
As an English person, I am accustomed to the rain. I do not mind walking in it, and when I had a bike, I would often ride in the rain. However, the rain in Rio is different; it is usually warm and not cold as in England. In England, cold and rain often go hand in hand and into the person’s bones.
One thing I dislike about the rain here is how muddy the park gets, so I cannot exercise. Additionally, Rio de Janeiro has many pavements covered with Portuguese stones, small square stones about two inches by two inches, either black or white. These stones are one of the legacies left by the Portuguese.
Copacabana is famous for its stone pavement, featuring various music-inspired designs and patterns. The promenade along Avenida Atlântica, which runs in front of the beach, highlights these beautiful designs alongside other streets in Copacabana. The most iconic pattern is the black and white wave design, resembling semi-circular waves that capture the scene’s essence. These stones can be found everywhere in Rio. However, caution is crucial, as they become extremely slippery when it rains. Despite this, the truth is that Rio is enjoyable in all weather and all seasons.
I prefer the middle seasons, Spring and Autumn, as they are similar—neither too hot nor too cold. It is usually windy during these times, which makes Rio feel more vibrant and alive.
Summer has become too hot for me. As I get older, my heat tolerance has decreased. In the past, I could spend hours on the beach, basking in temperatures above 40°C. Now, that is impossible for me. I usually prefer going to the beach either very early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
When I lived at the end of Copacabana, near Ipanema, I had a group of friends with whom I would spend hours talking, drinking, and enjoying ourselves. We would hang out from around 11:00 until 5 or 6 in the evening. I find that extended beach time impossible now, and I do not want to do it anymore. I prefer walking along the beach instead of sitting or lying in the sun.
I enjoy swimming in the sea but do not do it often anymore. In summer, when the water is just right—not too cold—it feels invigorating. Swimming and bathing in the sea is a cleansing experience for both body and soul, refreshing me for the days and weeks ahead.
I learned a lot from the dogs because, when I had them, I had to get up early to take them for a walk. I needed to be at the school by 6:00 AM to prepare for the first class at 7:00 AM, so I would take the dogs to a park near where I lived at 5:00 AM. Sometimes, I would leave home while it was still dark. We would go for a one-hour walk, and I would witness the sunrise in Rio as the city came to life.
Because of this, I have learned to love the mornings and the beginning of the day. In the summer, there is a special light—a golden glow—that fills everything. It gives the surroundings a golden appearance, more so than in other seasons. Even though I complain about the heat of the Carioca summer, I still love Rio in this season. It holds many happy memories for me.
The Carioca winter is a concept that, for some, seems nearly non-existent. Over the years, the temperature difference between summer and winter in Rio has diminished significantly. Fashion companies are particularly affected by this change, as they used to design collections specifically for winter, which now barely exist. Investing in warm clothing like jumpers or sweaters does not make sense when most winters in Rio are, at best, just cool.
Furthermore, when the weather does drop slightly below normal, with temperatures around 18 to 20°C, Cariocas often complain because they are not accustomed to such cooler temperatures. It may sound surprising, but in some ways, a Carioca winter can feel warmer or hotter than a summer in England.
I have concluded that Cariocas, in general, are spoiled regarding the weather. Yes, it can boil in the summer, but there are ways to avoid and enjoy it. For the rest of the year, the temperature and weather are very pleasant. We are pretty lucky, even though we often do not appreciate it as we should.
We are currently in spring and have already had some rehearsals for the upcoming summer, where temperatures are expected to reach nearly 40°C. I will be travelling to England at the end of November, just as summer begins to kick in and heat up.
When I arrive in England, the temperature will be at least 10-15°C cooler than in Rio. Staying in England for a few months in low temperatures may pose a challenge, but I can handle it. After all, if it does not kill me, it will make me stronger.
What I want to know is if I will be able to work out outside despite the cold. My mother lives near a canal, a park, and a massive open area where it will be easy to go early and continue my morning exercise routine. Only when I arrive will I know for sure. The truth is it is all good. I will find a way to make the best of a challenging situation. That is the point: we must learn to adapt to our circumstances, and I will do that when I get there.
Currently, I feel like I am self-sabotaging. I should be finishing the “PlaceBeads” site, but I keep procrastinating. I need to address this. I have also noticed that I am overeating, which might be a form of anxiety related to the upcoming trip and the unknowns that come with it. I need to resolve both of these issues.
In bed by 9.30 pm.
Thank you.
Thanks for reading this blog post. Please explore my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments section.
Richard
