EWR - RIO - Buenos Aires
Jun 9, 2000 | 1:57 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Holmdel, NJ, USA
Posts: 121
EWR - RIO - Buenos Aires
I found this board a few months ago and have become addicted. I'm CO platinum and this is my first trip report.
It was with trepidation that I had to plan this trip to Rio (GIG) and Buenos Aires for business. I had to be gone for ten days (my longest business trip ever & the first spanning a weekend) and had to speak before several audiences (definately not a strong suit !). I was helped by the fact I'd get a bunch of miles (each way --> 4,800 + fare bonus (50%) of 2,400 + elite bounus (125%) of 6,000) plus the fare bonus miles count towrd elite status. I'd also get to see Rio for the first time and the family was supportive.
Arrived at EWR (6/4 sunday) about 8 pm for the 10:40 pm flight. Right away there was confusion at the Intl BF / elite check-in counter. There are 2 feeder lines (not 1) all in a very narrow area..and the line I was in is moving faster (a change from the usual) than the other. In fact the other line was not moving at all ; making the others grumble LOUDLY. Like most others I don't like waiting in lines ; but if it's equitable queue (like at banks) I'm ok..this was not equitable..
I got my boarding pass and went to the CO PC(near the construction area..by gate 120 I think). I'm not a PC member but BF ticketholders are allowed entrance. The club was nice, and fairly crowded as many folks were awaiting their evening European flights. I was able to watch the first 1/2 of game 7 between the Lakers and Trail Blazers.
I arrived at the gate about 5 minutes before boarding commenced. When boarding was announced there was chaos as EVERYONE rushed the gate. (I had 3 carryons - suitcase, computer bag, and backpack.) I was very surprised at the intensity of the "surging crowd", it was the worst I've seen in the U.S. Once on board the DC-10 I tried to put my bag in overhead just above my window seat...it didn't fit..no way..I took out a pair of sandals (put them in my backpack) and finally jammed the bag in. Then the guy behind me pointed out there were MUCH more spacious overheads over the middle section of seats..(I KNEW THAT !)..So I freed my bag and put it where I should have in the first place. Pre-flight drinks were served and we taxied out.
The flight departed only 40 minutes late..which with the built in fudge-factor figured to get into GIG around the scheduled time of 8:30 a.m. (It's a 8 1/2 hour flight..currently there is a 1 hr time difference). There were 2 empty seats in BF (1 next to me) (a separate thread on this is in the CO forum). The only problem was that the announcements from the flight deck could not be heard. I was listening intently for info from the captain just prior to take off and could make out a "whisper", could tell it WAS the take-off announcement but could hear no specifics. As we abruptly started our take-off roll I heard the flight attendents talk loudly just behind me they better get seated, commenting that the captain had forgotten the departure announcement.
The flight down was very smooth, the BF service, including 2 meal service, was awesome, as usual. While in coach I love having an empty seat next to me; here in spacious BF, I found myself wishing I had someone to chat with for a while. I eventually got about 4 hours sleep and we arrived in Rio, at the gate, right on time..just after a Delta MD-11 (from DFW I think).
Clearing immigartion and customs was a breeze (getting the business visa to enter Brazil was an ENTIRELY different story however). I had arranaged with my hotel (sofitel on copacabana) to have someone pick me up. The driver was waiting and the drive to the hotel was about 40 minutes through pockets of poverty that bring a lump to your throat. I arrived at the hotel around 10 a.m. and was able to check in immediately.
Next time I'd take a "yellow" taxi to the hotel. I learned that the hotels typically charge much higher rates than are typical. The cabs ("yellow taxi") are plentiful, safe (I hear) and much cheaper. The same goes with taking taxis locally. Many hotels have "house cars" which are sometimes double the fares you could get my walking to the curb and hailing one of the cabs that are always around.
-- more later --
It was with trepidation that I had to plan this trip to Rio (GIG) and Buenos Aires for business. I had to be gone for ten days (my longest business trip ever & the first spanning a weekend) and had to speak before several audiences (definately not a strong suit !). I was helped by the fact I'd get a bunch of miles (each way --> 4,800 + fare bonus (50%) of 2,400 + elite bounus (125%) of 6,000) plus the fare bonus miles count towrd elite status. I'd also get to see Rio for the first time and the family was supportive.
Arrived at EWR (6/4 sunday) about 8 pm for the 10:40 pm flight. Right away there was confusion at the Intl BF / elite check-in counter. There are 2 feeder lines (not 1) all in a very narrow area..and the line I was in is moving faster (a change from the usual) than the other. In fact the other line was not moving at all ; making the others grumble LOUDLY. Like most others I don't like waiting in lines ; but if it's equitable queue (like at banks) I'm ok..this was not equitable..
I got my boarding pass and went to the CO PC(near the construction area..by gate 120 I think). I'm not a PC member but BF ticketholders are allowed entrance. The club was nice, and fairly crowded as many folks were awaiting their evening European flights. I was able to watch the first 1/2 of game 7 between the Lakers and Trail Blazers.
I arrived at the gate about 5 minutes before boarding commenced. When boarding was announced there was chaos as EVERYONE rushed the gate. (I had 3 carryons - suitcase, computer bag, and backpack.) I was very surprised at the intensity of the "surging crowd", it was the worst I've seen in the U.S. Once on board the DC-10 I tried to put my bag in overhead just above my window seat...it didn't fit..no way..I took out a pair of sandals (put them in my backpack) and finally jammed the bag in. Then the guy behind me pointed out there were MUCH more spacious overheads over the middle section of seats..(I KNEW THAT !)..So I freed my bag and put it where I should have in the first place. Pre-flight drinks were served and we taxied out.
The flight departed only 40 minutes late..which with the built in fudge-factor figured to get into GIG around the scheduled time of 8:30 a.m. (It's a 8 1/2 hour flight..currently there is a 1 hr time difference). There were 2 empty seats in BF (1 next to me) (a separate thread on this is in the CO forum). The only problem was that the announcements from the flight deck could not be heard. I was listening intently for info from the captain just prior to take off and could make out a "whisper", could tell it WAS the take-off announcement but could hear no specifics. As we abruptly started our take-off roll I heard the flight attendents talk loudly just behind me they better get seated, commenting that the captain had forgotten the departure announcement.
The flight down was very smooth, the BF service, including 2 meal service, was awesome, as usual. While in coach I love having an empty seat next to me; here in spacious BF, I found myself wishing I had someone to chat with for a while. I eventually got about 4 hours sleep and we arrived in Rio, at the gate, right on time..just after a Delta MD-11 (from DFW I think).
Clearing immigartion and customs was a breeze (getting the business visa to enter Brazil was an ENTIRELY different story however). I had arranaged with my hotel (sofitel on copacabana) to have someone pick me up. The driver was waiting and the drive to the hotel was about 40 minutes through pockets of poverty that bring a lump to your throat. I arrived at the hotel around 10 a.m. and was able to check in immediately.
Next time I'd take a "yellow" taxi to the hotel. I learned that the hotels typically charge much higher rates than are typical. The cabs ("yellow taxi") are plentiful, safe (I hear) and much cheaper. The same goes with taking taxis locally. Many hotels have "house cars" which are sometimes double the fares you could get my walking to the curb and hailing one of the cabs that are always around.
-- more later --
Jun 9, 2000 | 9:25 pm
#3
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 200
Excellent trip report, redsoxfan. I'm considering building some Latin American background in my business study, and possibly do study abroad in Buenos Aires. With that in mind, you are more than welcome to provide a detailed report of your time in BA. 
-d-
-d-
Jun 16, 2000 | 1:33 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Holmdel, NJ, USA
Posts: 121
more trip details ----
RIO was very interesting. It was my first time there ; I had some free time and had an enjoyable time. I love to walk and Rio is a city that gives you penty of opportunity for that. I confined my walking to the Copacabana and Ipanema areas and felt no danger at all - even walking late at night. There's a lot of "friendly ladies" in the center of Copacabana; but they don't "overly" bother you.
I stayed at the Hotel Sofitel which is at the end of Copacabana; about a 10 minute walk from Ipanema. The hotel is fairly old and is "ok". The first room I stayed in had no water coming out of the hot spigots. The following day they upgraded me to a room (with a balcony overlooking sugarloaf and copacabana) as a result.
It was almost winter in Brazil, though the temperature averaged 80 F and it was perfect beach weather; the beaches were fairly empty of swimmers. The sidewalks are very wide (about 50 feet) and there is a jogging/bike path along the beach. From one end of Copacabana to the other is about 2.7 miles. There are many soccer and volleyball courts along the beach. It's really interesting to see folks playing volleyball, but using only what is allowed in soccer..head, body, feet).
Football (i.e. American "soccer") is king down here - I saw a premier team "Vasco" practice on a beach area. I took a Greyline tour to see the 2 big attractions. Sugarloaf and Cordova (the statue). It was an exhausting all day event that was greatly mitigated by the people I met. I'd recommend taking a cab to each of these 2 areas. The cost would be the same or cheaper, and you'd save 4 hours over the 8+ hours of the tour.
Had an interesting dinner one night with 4 associates - each of us from a different country; USA, Chile, Argentina, Pakistan, Columbia..very interesting.
I was really struck by the way the drivers really respect traffic lights and crosswalks. However when the light changes you better be out of the way. Also some streets have no crosslights; and drivers take turns VERY fast..so take warning. Car lights are also very weak, nobody uses blinkers and "everyone" is constantly using their horn. Nobody seems to take it personally though ; and I saw no "road rage".
A warning for you sports fans - ESPN in not "USA's ESPN" ; it's ESPN international..where "football" (soccer) is always on. The only familiar show was sportcenter at 7 a.m. only..otherwise it's "all soccer ; all the time".
Of the 30 or so tv stations about 4 are in english all or part of the day. You haven't seen tv until you've seen the 3 stooges dubbed in portugese.
After 6 days in Rio I headed to the airport for a flight to Buenos Aires on Aerolines Argentina. Checkin at the airport was simple - I paid my $36 exit fee for Brazil and had my boarding pass with 15 minutes of arriving. Since I was in business class (2 class service) I received a laminated map directing me to the lounge. They had a nice lounge with 10 or so couches, 1 TV, and no phones. They had extensive beverages (including name brand alchol). The snacks were pre-packaged only.
About 25 minutes before our scheduled departure time we were escorted to our aircraft (MD-88). The coach passangers had already boarded. There were 3 of us in the 8 seat "Executive" class section. The 3 hour flight departed on time and arrival was 15 minutes early. The food was awesome..with a salad and light chicken, followed by a delicious steak. Spanish and Engligh are the "official" language of the airline. All announcements were made in both languages; the in-flight magazine was also printed in both languages. The seat's "pitch" appeared just a little less that Continental's domestic Business class configuration.
Buenos Aires was cool and I was ready to get home. We did have 1 outstanding meal at a priemer "beef house" (next to the Hilton). The lounge was once again very nice and after less than 48 hours in Buneos Aires I boarded an Aeronlines Argentina 737-200 for the return flight to Rio. This was a much older aricraft than the MD-88; with only 8 BC seats. There was only a curtain separating us from coach; and I kept getting accidently kicked by the person in the first row of coach. The overhead storage was VERY minimal and was virtually already filled by the FA's bags. Being the first on, I fit my suitcase and PC bag above, there was virtually no other room. The FA said no problem - and placed all the additional carryons from BC into the first row of BC, which was empty.
On both "Aero A" flights the attendents put carryons in the empty BC seats and left them there for the entire flight. The attendents were generally very nice and I was pleased by the service.
The Aerolineas Argentina (according to the in-flight book) jet fleet is comprised of 747-200 (7) ; A340-200 (4) ; MD-88 (6) ; 737-200 (29). The MD-88's and 737's handle local traffic "South American" traffic ; while the 747 and A340's are used on long haul routes. Aero A serves Miami, NYC, Mexico City, Kuala Lumpur, Rome and Paris, in addition to South America. They are a partner of American Airlines.
Upon arriving back in Rio I made it to the international "in transit" area...BE PROACTIVE - I had 3 people direct me to the customs line..which I knew was wrong.
I was able to get my CO boarding pass at the Alatalia/CO lounge..and finally boarded CO for the long overnight flight home...thankfully in BF !
RIO was very interesting. It was my first time there ; I had some free time and had an enjoyable time. I love to walk and Rio is a city that gives you penty of opportunity for that. I confined my walking to the Copacabana and Ipanema areas and felt no danger at all - even walking late at night. There's a lot of "friendly ladies" in the center of Copacabana; but they don't "overly" bother you.
I stayed at the Hotel Sofitel which is at the end of Copacabana; about a 10 minute walk from Ipanema. The hotel is fairly old and is "ok". The first room I stayed in had no water coming out of the hot spigots. The following day they upgraded me to a room (with a balcony overlooking sugarloaf and copacabana) as a result.
It was almost winter in Brazil, though the temperature averaged 80 F and it was perfect beach weather; the beaches were fairly empty of swimmers. The sidewalks are very wide (about 50 feet) and there is a jogging/bike path along the beach. From one end of Copacabana to the other is about 2.7 miles. There are many soccer and volleyball courts along the beach. It's really interesting to see folks playing volleyball, but using only what is allowed in soccer..head, body, feet).
Football (i.e. American "soccer") is king down here - I saw a premier team "Vasco" practice on a beach area. I took a Greyline tour to see the 2 big attractions. Sugarloaf and Cordova (the statue). It was an exhausting all day event that was greatly mitigated by the people I met. I'd recommend taking a cab to each of these 2 areas. The cost would be the same or cheaper, and you'd save 4 hours over the 8+ hours of the tour.
Had an interesting dinner one night with 4 associates - each of us from a different country; USA, Chile, Argentina, Pakistan, Columbia..very interesting.
I was really struck by the way the drivers really respect traffic lights and crosswalks. However when the light changes you better be out of the way. Also some streets have no crosslights; and drivers take turns VERY fast..so take warning. Car lights are also very weak, nobody uses blinkers and "everyone" is constantly using their horn. Nobody seems to take it personally though ; and I saw no "road rage".
A warning for you sports fans - ESPN in not "USA's ESPN" ; it's ESPN international..where "football" (soccer) is always on. The only familiar show was sportcenter at 7 a.m. only..otherwise it's "all soccer ; all the time".
Of the 30 or so tv stations about 4 are in english all or part of the day. You haven't seen tv until you've seen the 3 stooges dubbed in portugese.
After 6 days in Rio I headed to the airport for a flight to Buenos Aires on Aerolines Argentina. Checkin at the airport was simple - I paid my $36 exit fee for Brazil and had my boarding pass with 15 minutes of arriving. Since I was in business class (2 class service) I received a laminated map directing me to the lounge. They had a nice lounge with 10 or so couches, 1 TV, and no phones. They had extensive beverages (including name brand alchol). The snacks were pre-packaged only.
About 25 minutes before our scheduled departure time we were escorted to our aircraft (MD-88). The coach passangers had already boarded. There were 3 of us in the 8 seat "Executive" class section. The 3 hour flight departed on time and arrival was 15 minutes early. The food was awesome..with a salad and light chicken, followed by a delicious steak. Spanish and Engligh are the "official" language of the airline. All announcements were made in both languages; the in-flight magazine was also printed in both languages. The seat's "pitch" appeared just a little less that Continental's domestic Business class configuration.
Buenos Aires was cool and I was ready to get home. We did have 1 outstanding meal at a priemer "beef house" (next to the Hilton). The lounge was once again very nice and after less than 48 hours in Buneos Aires I boarded an Aeronlines Argentina 737-200 for the return flight to Rio. This was a much older aricraft than the MD-88; with only 8 BC seats. There was only a curtain separating us from coach; and I kept getting accidently kicked by the person in the first row of coach. The overhead storage was VERY minimal and was virtually already filled by the FA's bags. Being the first on, I fit my suitcase and PC bag above, there was virtually no other room. The FA said no problem - and placed all the additional carryons from BC into the first row of BC, which was empty.
On both "Aero A" flights the attendents put carryons in the empty BC seats and left them there for the entire flight. The attendents were generally very nice and I was pleased by the service.
The Aerolineas Argentina (according to the in-flight book) jet fleet is comprised of 747-200 (7) ; A340-200 (4) ; MD-88 (6) ; 737-200 (29). The MD-88's and 737's handle local traffic "South American" traffic ; while the 747 and A340's are used on long haul routes. Aero A serves Miami, NYC, Mexico City, Kuala Lumpur, Rome and Paris, in addition to South America. They are a partner of American Airlines.
Upon arriving back in Rio I made it to the international "in transit" area...BE PROACTIVE - I had 3 people direct me to the customs line..which I knew was wrong.
I was able to get my CO boarding pass at the Alatalia/CO lounge..and finally boarded CO for the long overnight flight home...thankfully in BF !
Jun 16, 2000 | 9:22 pm
#5
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: I am usually found in YYC or GIG
Programs: UAL Premex
Posts: 1,858
I'll never forget my first trip thru GIG......the female voice that is used in the airport to announce flights, etc, has got to be the most sensual sounding voice I have ever heard.