An elderly couple from Brazil became instant stars on social media after they strolled at a beach in Rio de Janeiro dressed up as astronauts.
Retired accountant Tércio Galdino and his wife Alicea told Brazilian news website UOL that they have been wanting to go for a walk on the beach since individual exercises were allowed in their area last June. However, Tércio has a high-risk of getting COVID-19 due to his chronic lung problem.
To make sure that he is fully protected from the virus, Tércio, 66, thought of creating overalls for him and his wife.
Tércio said he went for the astronaut-themed design because he considers astronomy as one of his passions. The former accountant also told UOL that he watched internet tutorials on how to make the astronaut helmet.
As to where he got the inspiration for creating a unique protective gear, Tércio said he saw a report on a doctor who dressed up as a dinosaur when he went to see his sons after 40 days of separation.
The couple first went out wearing their astronaut overalls last June 15 when they went to Urca beach. The image of them in spacesuits which went viral, however, was taken during their stroll in Ipanema beach this week.
Tércio said Alicea was “a little apprehensive” in wearing the costume at first, but was relieved after they received so many good words from people.
"On the first day, it was that concern to be paying a mico. Alicea was a little apprehensive. When we arrived at Praia Vermelha in Urca, there should have been 200 to 300 people, families with children, the focus was all on us, a total attraction. Everyone turned to look. People started to praise, and my heart exploded, beat fast. People saying: 'hey, original'. That made me more relieved, " Tércio told UOL.
Brazil has over 1.8 million COVID-19 cases, making it the second country with the most number of infections after the United States, according to Agence France-Presse.