This is what Ipanema Beach
looks like at a spot locals refer to as
Country. We are between streets Anibal de
Mendonça and Henrique Dumont (see
map).
Half of this block is taken by Ipanema's
Country Club, with excellent tennis
courts, pool, Sunday brunch, etc.
There's
a sand dune across from the club, but the
main reference point is the line coconut
trees - they are the tallest in Ipanema.
On the weekends there's always a massage
stand set under the shade of the trees.
A funny story: not everyone is
eligible to become a member of the
Country Club. Before you are approved,
your name is displayed on a billboard.
Members have the right to give you a
black ball. Three black balls, and you're
out! Imagine the devastating effects this
had on the life of socialite wannabes who
had the mistaken notion that they were
Country material. Don't ask us
for names, please.
