Rio de Janeiro
“Why do you want to go to Rio?” That was the reaction from fellow travellers and Brazilians alike, when we told them of our plan to visit the Big City.
It’s always a little stressful (understatement!) to enter a large town and to drive into a big city scores 100 on the stressometer. There are overpasses, underpasses, tunnels, low cables, innumerable complex junctions, busy streets and everyone else seems to know exactly where they’re going. However, Dave had carefully researched an entry route and, with the additional help of a good deal of luck, we found ourselves at the campspot without too much trouble. It was only a car park, but it was a perfect location from which to explore the city and we could walk or catch taxis easily.
We visited Ipanema Beach on a Sunday and, true to the song, it was full of “tall and tanned and young and lovely” Cariocas (Rio residents), but there were also families enjoying the beach, old dudes playing volleyball, as well as people cycling, roller-skating, running and walking along the road (no traffic allowed on Sunday). We were exhausted watching all of the activity and had to stop for an ice cream. Rio sure has a lot of fit people!
Everyone is familiar with the image of Sugar Loaf mountain and the imposing figure of Christ the Redeemer, but perhaps less acquainted with the “Escaderia Selarón” (“Selarón Steps”). Jorge Selarón, a Chilean artist, began to renovate the dilapidated steps outside his house by covering them in colourful tiles. His work became an obsession and he ended up covering the whole of the stairway of over 200 steps. He called the steps his tribute to the Brazilian people and it has become a popular spot to visit.
With a boat tour of the harbour, a ride on the street tram, walks around Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, not to mention our first (but not our last!) caipirinha – we had great fun in Rio and are very glad that we ignored the person we met who advised us to “go to the beach, then leave”!
PS: Francine, you forgot to mention the BBQ festival!
Good to see the inner Peter Allen coming out in Rio.
I had to look that one up Victor!
Brilliant! Loved the video. Must feel weird after africa
It’s very different Jo. Very first world.
Looks like it was worth it!
Looks a great tourist destination. Pleased you had fun. I enjoy the pictures & commentary. Thanks.
You might be interested in these chaps following you! 😅
https://youtu.be/-dgQdoHOdrA?si=Ek6izPH7mKY3LdHx
Chris, we are really glamping compared with these guys!
As ever fantastic – WHAT an experience you are having !!
Rio looks so vibrant and colorful and well worth the stress of getting there.
Happy travelling.
Somewhere I always wanted to go, it looks so full of life and so colourful, A bit busier than Africa.
Can’t wait for the next instalment!!
We also went to Rio – in our Berta. We probably parked in the same parking lot. We were totally happy that we made the effort. It is an amazing, vibrant city. Brazil remains one of our favourite countries ever.
Hi Yasha, yes we were very pleased we made the effort. We were warned by many people (Brazilians) not to go for safety reasons, so we were quite wary. But that parking lot was super safe. And Christ was looking down over us….