Our apps were right. Several days of rain were forecast and indeed, it’s raining in Rio de Janeiro.

When we arrived, we were ready for two different scenarios. Torrential downpour? All good, we’re staying at Largo do Machado, close to Catete and Flamengo—streets shouldn’t be flooded, unlike in Copacabana. Rain showers? That’s fine, we will just…

Do what, exactly? There’s nowhere to hide in Rio, it’s a city where all the best attractions are outdoors.

We bought two ten-real ($2.50) umbrellas from the guys who sell the latest made-in-China models at every subway station exit and we decided to suck it up. Enjoy the sun when it’s out, use the umbrella or take shelter when it starts raining. Remember to watch out for giant water puddles, don’t slip on the lovely and ubiquitous Portuguese pavement, and don’t lend Mark your umbrella (he will lose it).

We walked around Centro (no rain), the guys enjoyed Copacabana beach (rain) while I explored Avenida Nossa Senhora de Copacabana (rain). I walked through Catete, Flamengo and Botafogo (rain/no rain/rain). We had more luck with Copacabana today—some sun, finally!

We made our way to Ipanema (no rain) and stopped by the Forte de Copacabana, the military base at the south end of the beach. For some reason, even though we walked past hundreds of times, we had never visited it.

Like most Brazilians, we were more interested in a new viewpoint on Copacabana than in the (probably) fascinating history of Brazilian military. It was 12 reais ($3) well spent—the fort was huge and entertaining.

Plus, you know, it didn’t rain for a while… but it does tonight.