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Nothing but the best for Rio’s four-legged guests
RIO DE JANEIRO: No expense has been spared in providing luxury accommodation for some athletes competing in Rio — one hotel would elicit rave reviews if only its
RIO DE JANEIRO: No expense has been spared in providing luxury accommodation for some athletes competing in Rio — one hotel would elicit rave reviews if only its guests could write.
The five-star residence in question is at the Olympic equestrian centre where horses have been arriving from around the world in customised pallets on charter flights. From the airport the special cargo, whose value runs into millions of dollars, are transported to their boutique Rio resort. Along with their luggage. No measly 23 kilo limit applicable here, forklift trucks are required to ferry the tack and equipment weighing up to 300kg from reception to room. As befits any quality hotel, residents’ security is paramount. The horses have no need to fear, the stable is situated at the heart of the Deodoro military camp.
Soldiers are everywhere in the fortressed town — lining the roads, taking shade under trees from the blazing winter rays, on rooftops, keeping a watchful eye from terraces, their beret-ed heads popping out of tanks. There’s a soldier it seems for every mosquito.
Crime in this quarter of a city notorious for its high murder rate must be refreshingly low. As a quarantined area there are strict procedures to adhere to on entering the complex, with all visitors made to walk over a disinfectant mat. Hands must be washed going in and out.
Up to Thursday night, 174 of the 270-odd guests had arrived safe and sound, able to enjoy their custom-made boxes that would give many a student hostel a run for their money.