Rio de Janeiro: There are some places in the world that set your pulse racing even before you set foot on them. Copacabana certainly belongs to that category, even though a friend had warned it’s overrated and a travel magazine said the beach’s decline started in the 70s. Tree-lined streets sandwiched by skyscrapers lead you to the pristine white sands of Copacabana.
People from different countries start to stream in to watch Brazil’s final group game against Cameroon on a big screen, put up by Fifa in its Fan Fest (with the trademark sign) area. Watching the match in pubs or cafes is an option but seats are at a premium. And, the fun of standing in the crowd would be missed. Everyone hurrying towards the big screen screams ‘Braaaazil’ irrespective of his/her nationality.
Brazil have long enjoyed neutrals’ love and it’s not surprising that there is more of the same when the cup has come home. On the other side of the walkway, volleyball nets and football goalposts punctuate the beach. For someone who gets over enthusiastic about the two sports, Copacabana is the place to be. Footvolley, a hybrid game invented by Brazilians, and keepie uppie sessions also have their devotees.
People hawking myriad products ranging from beach towel to beer swamp the area. That most of them are Afro-Brazilians tell a story. An air of relaxation and inclusion pervades the beach. As you get closer to the water, dresses get skimpier and skimpier. Now the beautiful game is more important. Neymar fulfils the collective wish of the crowd by opening the scoring against Cameroon and a feeling that your day is made fills your heart.
A protest march against Fifa and the World Cup offers a contrarian viewpoint. On the other side of the road, upscale hotels dot the landscape. This side of the road is a teeming democracy that treats everyone the same. You will never regret spending an evening at Copacabana, even though it’s not a place to die for. More than anything else, it has a great name.
