Not a great day for the beach so went to the local market in Ipanema with some others from the hostel. Interesting stuff.
In the evening I popped out from the hostel with Tania to grab a quick bite to eat. On our return we were jumped by 5 knife wielding youths only metres from the hostel. Just before it happened we'd noticed that something wasn't right but by then it was too late. Tania was frisked by one, only for him to get a couple of Reals. Luckily she had the rest hidden elsewhere. Me on the other hand had the other 4 pointing knives at me demanding 'money money'. I was rendered helpless, as when I reached into my pockets to give them money, I had knifes thrust at me. So I just raised my arms, and thought 'take what you want'.
They went through my pockets but they couldn't find any money as it was hidden in a cigarette box. This made them even more angry, as hey, I'm a gringo, of course I have money.
With them still demanding 'money money', I indicated that it was in the box. Then they were gone. It was at this point I mentioned 'card' and they threw back my cash card. Which most considerate of them I thought. The stupid thing is I never take out my card apart from a quick dash to the ATM.
35 Reals (10 pounds) down and extremely shaken, we just couldn't believe what had happened. The feeling was almost dreamlike; not a good one at that! The most incredible thing is that no one came up to us afterwards, and there were a few people around. That's Rio!
A stiff drink was needed. Several to be precise. Went down to the local bar 'Emporium' with a few people from the hostel.
