Buzios (FEB 23)

With nothing of cultural or historic significance demanding our attention, we just wandered around.  Pam & I had been to Buzios three years ago (click here for that post). No much had changed.

Buzios is what guide books no doubt aptly describe as a “charming” seaside resort.  There is a nice promenade along the waterfront.  There are lots of shops to visit.  There are numerous indoor and outdoor restaurants.  There are sandy beaches, water sports and boat rides. 

What was missing when we went ashore was the release of the energy that would make Buzios really hum.  There was an easy explanation for this lack of energy.  It was morning.  It was apparent that the place came alive when the sun was low in the sky and kept rocking until the wee hours of the morning.  Think Kenny Chesney “When the Sun Goes Down” and you are in Buzios.

For those old enough to remember her, Gina Lollobrigida was a resident of Buzios at one time, having moved here to get away from the paparazzi that stalked her in Rio when she lived there.  A statue of her is on the shoreline promenade.  The shiny spots on the statue are where people rub up against it while having their picture taken.  Enough said.

There is a fun set of three statues a bit further down the beach.

Having had a nice walk, we returned to the pier and to VEENDAM.

After a difficult time recovering the tenders because the wind had come up to about 35 knots, the ship weighed anchor and we slowly cruised out of the harbor.

Buzios was an substitute port of call, replacing the scheduled on in Vitoria.  About a week ago, VEENDAM’s captain told us that a police strike in Vitorio had rendered that port unsafe due to a police strike, so we would be going to Buzios.  I went online and read that Vitorio was definitely a place to avoid.  The murder rate had climbed 650% with an even greater rise in lesser crimes.  The Brazilian government was sending in the army to restore order.   

It is nice to have your ‘hotel’ float away from such situations.