Rewind: Rio/Carnival (finally uploaded pics)

I didn't take a ton of pictures in Rio at Carnival because: A) It's not safe to carry around a nice camera, and B) I was too busy living in the moment to really take pics. I've included the highlights from my camera below, and there are captions to help you understand each section. Wish I had more, but all I can say is that it was a life changing experience, and something I will cherish forever. Enjoy!!

The gondola up to Sugarloaf Mountain - check it out here. 

Me and Reka

Loved seeing all these birds in the foreground of the pic

Me and Katryn - always good laughs!

The steps at Santa Theresa - called Escadaria Selarón

As we left the steps we caught a huge crowd going to a Bloco in Lapa

Crowds just kept coming...

We stopped for lunch before heading to the block. Was an amazing meal with a great view of the neighborhood.

Ah - our first bloco, in Lapa. Such insanity. And there were cars trying to drive through, but there was always a kid who jumped on a car of truck and started fake humping it. Typical...

Humper

We found a great pitch to watch the chaos!

Safe...

Cross-dresser on the back of a truck

Reka found something he liked

Rocinha - biggest flavela in Rio. Views are unreal, right? 

Rodrigo - my guide through the flavela. Such an amazing experience, and he made us feel like his friends rather than tourists. 

Me and Rodrigo in Rocinha

Me and Rodrigo in Rocinha - apparently this rooftop was used in one of the Fast and Furious movies.

These kids danced to local guys playing samba for us. Was so amazing. Such positivity. 

And GREAT music!!!

Rodrigo introduced us to his gramma. So intimate and personal. Very cool. 

Rodrigo showing us his military photo - he was in for 2 years. 

Back alleys in the flavela

Good view of Rocinha - largest flavela in Rio