And it's pretty cool.
I was just chatting to the owner at the bar. An Austrian guy. This was his house and then eventually grew into a hostel over the last 6 years. It was interesting talking to him about favela politics. He bought this house but no one that lives here owns the land, and he had to ask the drug lord if he could start a hostel. That drug lord died in a shoot out on NYE 2011. Once, "hostel guy" (can't remember his name) was summoned to speak to the drug lord because word was that he was selling drugs to the hostel guests; "be there at 6 or we will kill you". Everything was chill in the end... Just a misunderstanding...
It was a right bastard getting up here in the taxi. The hostel is right at the top of the favela and there's only one vehicle entry point. A couple of times there were some trucks coming down so a chain of cars had to reverse back to let them through.
This place is definitely budget... eg. There's mould on my mattress and pillow.. But the view is amazing!
Since word of the popularity of the parties at this hostel got out, 2 other imitation bar/hostels have popped up.. One literally on top of this one and one directly across the street. The one across the street is having a big party tonight... And because of the reputation of the parties here.. They charge a fortune for entry. Like.. A FORTUNE. It's insane. 120BR for girls and 150BR for guys. That's $55-$70AUD just for entry, no drinks included... And at the top of a favela where the average monthly income is around $220AUD. It seems.. kinda unethical. And bullshit.
Just ate some sort of delicious thing from the tiny hole in the wall restaurant next door. It's kind of reminiscent of a tortilla but made of tapioca... Fried... With a variety of different things and then folded over like a giant soft taco. I had salami, cheese, tomato and onion. Delish.
Tomorrow I'll wander around the favela and maybe down to Ipanema to meet Pablo.
Amiee x
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