Part III of a series on how my guests responded to a little survey I gave them after their time in Brazil...
The third question in the survey:
Did you feel nervous or afraid for your safety at all? If so, in what situations?
My Mom: I was probably the most nervous and hot:) when we were walking in Lapa and trying to find the steps.
[DRL's note: I try to make my tours of Centro & area "authentic"... meaning that I take different routes every time and without fail I lose my way for a short period of time each time. You know, as though my guests were wandering it on their own! This time, it was really hot and we walked from the cathedral to the steps in Lapa, after a taxi driver told us it was too close to drive us... I don't think we took the most "express' route and it took about 40 minutes in scorching heat. My mom has since told me that she does NOT want her grandchild going there (we passed some sketchiness on the way!)].
My Bridesmaid & her Boyfriend: For the most part we felt pretty safe. We just kept our wits about us and if something didn't feel right, we just went the other way. There were only a couple of times that I felt a little threatened. One being on the last day...it was an overcast day so hardly anybody was at the beach and 2 very young girls started following us. I saw them and turned around to face them and pointed right through them saying "look at the waves" and they hesitated and then took off.
My Mother-in-law: Not so much, certainly due to the forewarning (didn't wear jewellry) and organization of DRL on our expeditions. Without the Portuguese expertise of Mr. DRL and DRL, I think we may have felt more nervous.
Engaged Couple Friends: No, we didn't (except for that one crazy cab driver who pulled out to the oncoming lane to pass some cars!). Our tour guides definitely steered us straight!We were certainly aware of the danger though, and very thankful that we weren't staying in hotels in Rio or relying on public transportation and maps to figure out our own way. Thanks guys! You made this trip so much easier! We have been spoiled for our next trip.
My Dad: A bit uncomfortable in Buzios in the wee hours when walking back to our accommodation. Encountered a group of 10 guys walking towards us and made a quick 180 and ran like hell once we were around the corner. Would not have been out like that in Rio. Also both of us had our credit cards compromised which was surprising since mine had the new microchip technology. My brother and I stuck out like a sore thumb....whitest guys in town and definitely looked like tourists...
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