A Trip to Rio

A Trip to Rio

Julia thought Brazil would feel just like home, but she was wrong. Rio de Janeiro was nothing like New York City. There actually seemed to be more people here. Julia's family squeezed through the crowd, inching toward MaracanÃ(MAR- uh-cuh-NUH) Stadium. " It's because of the Olympics, " Gabriela said. " It was much quieter during your last visit. Don't you remember?" “ We were only five, " Julia said.

The families finally got inside the stadium and located their seats. All around her, Julia heard different languages-Chinese, Spanish, and Russian. Julia and Gabriela's parents spoke Portuguese so rapidly that she couldn't understand. She felt nervous and alone.

With a sudden rush of music, the opening ceremonies for the Olympic Games began. A Brazilian pop singer appeared, and Gabriela screamed with joy. Julia wanted to be excited, too, but their seats were so far away that they could hardly see the performers. Cameras flashed from all sides. People screamed and blew horns. By the time the fireworks started, Julia had a headache. Julia had been waiting for this trip to Rio for months. It was a rare chance to see her cousins and other family members. Now, all she wanted to do was return home.

The next morning began quietly. Julia's family was staying in Gabriela's building, in the apartment next door. The owners had left Rio to avoid the Olympic Games. Julia understood why. From her high window, she watched traffic fill the highway. Suddenly, Gabriela burst into the apartment, followed by Chaz, her little brother. “ We're going to another Olympic event today! " she said. The thought of going to another crowded and noisy place made Julia's head hurt again, but she smiled and got ready.

The families walked beneath green trees, through the shady streets of Gabriela's Flamengo neighborhood. The block ended at a park. Gabriela grabbed Julia's hand and dashed through an opening in the trees. They came out on a broad golden beach. Julia stopped and stared at the tall white buildings that lined the water. Steep dome-shaped mountains rose behind them. She didn't know a city could look so wild and beautiful. “ That's Sugarloaf Mountain, " Gabriela said. The beach was full but relaxed. They found a spot to unpack a picnic. The white sails of an Olympic boat race danced across the blue bay. Watching them, Julia realized her headache was gone.