Happy New Year!

Lovely night at friend, neighbour and blipper's house briocarioca with her husband HH. Nice to catch up with the friends who were at the same gathering last year and meet a few new people.  We all strolled down to Copacabana at 11.20 to get onto the beach and into position to see the fireworks at midnight and bring in 2017 in Carioca style.  The usual joke went around, 'If I get lost, you'll see me easily as I'm wearing white'.  Of course the tradition is for everyone to wear white!  Bb carried a long umbrella as a marker for our group and it came in handy at times, rounding us up to bring in the new year together amongst the 2 million on the beach.   Strange as it may sound, you don't feel hemmed in or jostled at all and the atmosphere is one of happiness. The fireworks, although a bit shorter than last year due to cuts, were as spectacular as ever.  Let's hope 2017 brings a more peaceful year worldwide.  At least blip's in a healthier state than last year!