Our 2nd Getting Together in Brazil took place in Rio de Janeiro on the 3rd & 4th of June 2022. This time around, we were 50 people-strong from across Brazil and Europe and you could easily see the enthusiasm and friendship amongst all of us.
Keeping with Vigil’s tradition, the Rio Getting Together venue and agenda were kept a secret until the day before the event itself. We stayed in a hotel on the iconic Copacabana Beach. What started as a formal and seemingly structured work discussion quickly changed when a Samba school band entered “unexpectedly”, and the room promptly filled with some of Brazil’s energising rhythms. This surprise set the stage for a lively percussion workshop that effortlessly transitioned into a mouthwatering barbecue.
We began our Saturday morning bright and early with a 6 am and left the hotel for a fun-packed day. Our sightseeing in Rio de Janeiro was in full tourist mode. We took off to new heights as we got on the first cable car of the day to Corcovado, and Christ the Redeemer was exclusively for the Vigil Team. Visiting Rio de Janeiro means visiting the iconic and legendary Maracanã Stadium, where some of us even indulged in a playful post-game interview. It was a day to take in Brazilian culture, and as such, lunch featured delicious Brazilian food. We wrapped up our tour with a visit to Sugar Loaf Mountain (Pão de Açucar), where we were treated to stunning panoramic views.
After getting back to the hotel, those of us who were feeling more energetic and, are avid football fans, decided to continue with a “teambuilding activity” and play football on Copacabana’s sandy beach (our CEO’s child’s dream).
The day drew to a close with a spectacular dinner with live music from Brazilian bands at one of the highest-rated Rio restaurants/bars in the Lapa neighbourhood; the laughter, music, and shared moments were, for sure, the icing on the cake.
Our Rio Getting Together was nothing short of unforgettable! With this array of experiences, memories were certainly imprinted in our minds, and our friendships strengthened.
