Rio 3-Peaks Challenge

So a week ago was the Rio 3-Peaks Challenge, a fundraising event for the Street Child World Cup which involved hiking three of Rio's famous mountains in 12 hours. I did the challenge last year and the experience was amazing. This time around was a little different.

We did Pedra da Gavea first and what makes this peak challenging is the 30-meter wall you have scramble in order to reach the top. The wall is pretty much vertical and open air, so you are exposed to the heights. Last year I had heard about this famous wall but I didn't know what to expect so I felt a bit fearless. This time around I knew exactly what was coming I was scared. I wasn't sure if I wanted to make it to the top and told myself I would decide when I reached the wall. 

Nearly there...

It was a gorgeous day and the lagoon in Barra was mirroring the skies, which was amazing. 

Looking up at the wall I felt unsure but everyone went up and I didn't want to punk out. Plus we had guides and harness equipment, so there was no reason to be afraid. Midway up the climb I couldn't get a firm grip and I froze on that wall. I became paralysed with fear and my limbs started to shake. It felt irrational because I couldn't fall, but so real. Finally I made it up and then had a little cry. 

I still felt shaken up once we reached the top, the experience shook my core. I also had to get my ass back down, so had that to look forward too.

I felt nervous about scaling down, but I also really wanted to get off the peak. It's kind of crazy that you can't see the bottom of the wall, it just drops off after that curve.

Once I got down, the rest of the day was a piece of cake. Our next peak Dois Irmaos was easy peasy.

Hub was in the fast group but I eventually caught up to him on the last peak Corcovado mountain.

On our way up we ran into this little guy and I was able to get really close. I desperately wanted to feed him a banana and give him a hug.

Once we got to the top I sat by the bar and put my feet up. Three peaks done. In the end I felt proud of myself for getting through it, but I don't think I'll be visiting Pedra da Gavea anytime soon. 

Thanks for all the support and donations.

Love,

L

Rio2014: World Cup in Photos Part 2

It's been a very busy and exciting week, so sorry I've been MIA. We've been rubbing elbows with football legends, exploring a new city, meeting HRH Prince Harry, catching some live games and showing my folks around.

It's pretty bananas how famous footballers are just wandering around in Rio and how easy it is to cross their paths. Such was Hub's luck a couple of weeks ago when he met Patrick Vieira and Fabio Cannavaro at the Caesar Park Hotel. They loved the idea behind the Street Child World Cup and wanted to help. So Hub organized a friendly game between these guys and the kids from SCWC's partner Favela Street. It was fantastic because Patrick Vieira and Fabio Cannavaro sat down with the kids and listened to what they had to say. Then they played a hilarious match in the sand, teasing the kids, tripping them up and having a good laugh.

still got it

We tried our best to show my mom and step-dad around Rio while also catching every single World Cup match. We took them to favela Vidigal and on our way down we discovered a quirky lounge called Bar & Brexo Quebra Galho. The owner Helena was a character and she basically converted her home into this vintage shop and lounge. I loved that she put it together herself and that it was different to any other bar I've seen in Rio. 

We also took my folks to a famous buteco bar in Santa Teresa called Bar do Mineiro to watch Algeria vs Bosnia Herzegovina. The food was tasty and the people very drunk. 

eye candy

Last Monday we flew to Belo Horizonte to meet Prince Harry and watch England's final game against Costa Rica. I loved Belo. It felt bigger, modern and more cosmopolitan than Rio.

HRH was doing a "This is Great Britain" press junket and we were invited by the British Consulate. I was pretty excited and Prince Harry cracked a few jokes with Hub and those around us. We were told not to take photos and so I didn't, but everyone in the room was. So once HRH left us, I took a few shots.

We then dashed off to catch our game.

At times I'm baffled by what fans wear sometimes. It was so hot...I mean why?

After the game finished England came over to where the majority of their fans were sitting, thanked them and then bowed out. The fans were chanting with enthusiasm, but it was sad.

I flew back to Rio the following day and went to France vs. Ecuador at the Maracanã with my friend Julie. The energy on our way to the stadium was amazing, such a contrast to England vs. Costa Rica which essentially was an insignificant game.

lots of French fans

again, why?

Le Bleu!

Ecuadorians singing their anthem out ;)

It was awesome even if there were no goals. The end.

Street Child World Cup Rio 2014: Part 2

Happy belated Easter everyone or boa páscoa! We had a beautiful long weekend and the weather was gorgeous, so we hit the beach a lot. I can't wait to share some photos tomorrow.

It's kind of strange (and sad) how fast the Street Child World Cup came and went, but I guess that's the sign of a good time. I finally finished editing my photos and videos and I'm so happy that I captured some great smiles, wonderful dancing and some singing.

The Late Show

Every evening after dinner, we would have The Late Show where SCWC would share football highlights and each team gave a cultural performance. I absolutely loved this, especially the dances. It felt like a special glimpse into each of the different cultures that I probably wouldn't have the opportunity to experience if I was just a tourist in any of these countries.

Team Kenya

I loved the music from Team Egypt's dance. Egypt has always been high on my bucket list and when I go, I want to hear more of this.

 

Team Liberia started off with a choreographed dance, but I enjoyed their freestyle the most.

 

 

And Team Pakistan got the whole crowd going. That was pretty spectacular.

One night after The Late Show, the DJ carried on a bit so we could boogie and played Michel Teló's "Ai, se eu te pego." This song is so popular here and super catchy (I love it) and Team Brazil Girls would singing it every chance they got. Here below is their captain leading us in the song's dance, which is kind of like the Macarena.

 

Let's Dance...or break into song

Dancing and singing at the drop of the hat was a common occurrence at the SCWC and it was so fascinating to watch. Sometimes the kids just start singing Shosholoza, a South African folk song they all learned or break out a little freestyle circle because they were happy. 

Team Zimbabwe

Team Mauritius

 This was magical and it happened at the top of Cristo Redentor

Well as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. After two weeks away in the middle of nowhere with a bunch of boisterous (yet lovely) teenagers, I was ready to come home. I look forward to seeing these smiley faces again in the near future and I'm so grateful to have been part of this special experience.

permanent SCWC mural by Joel Bergner at Espaço Lonier