Louise Feller, standing front right, with other volunteers in Rio. Photos/Louise Feller

One of the advantages to being a volunteer at the Olympics is getting an inside view of the country.

Louise Feller of Stateline is in Rio helping out. Besides being featured on Lake Tahoe News before she left, she is also reporting back from the Games.

Louise Feller with Jarrion Lawson of the U.S. who placed fourth in the long jump.

From Feller:

“Very busy at the sport center, but still had time for track and field and some time for touring. Our guide took us to Ipanema to a hippy market (flea market), had fun shopping.

“Then he took us to the favella, the Candagalo communities where mostly the poor people live. They have most services, but the sanitation goes directly into the ocean or streets. In some areas the garbage is high and smells really bad.

Beaches are a big deal in Brazil.

“In Ipanema the government is working with them to improve their conditions. They now have an elevator to take them to the top, which was really cool. We took it with our guide.

Poverty runs rampant in Rio.

“Had our first real dinner because we had no events; which was delicious. The stadium food is so bad we don’t eat anything except have a beer. I found a cafe that makes us sandwiches everyday which are great.

“Going to track and field tonight. Day off tomorrow; going to beach volleyball semifinals.”

— Lake Tahoe News staff report