We had a new appreciation for air travel as we took our first plane since landing in Peru in October and flew to Rio in a mere 1 hour from Foz de Iquazu.
We wasted no time and hit the famed beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana!
People on the beach playing a soccer version of volleyball:
Moving along the coast we took the cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain to take in the amazing view of Rio from above:
Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) Statue as seen from Sugarloaf
Ipanena and Copacabana beaches on the left… ‘Christ the Redeemer’ perched on the mountain on the right:
A samba show to get the flavor of the local culture:
Something on our “must-do” was to see a soccer match in a foreign country. In Buenos Aires, the soccer season had not yet started… but we were lucky enough to catch a game in Rio. Two of Rio’s top teams: Botafogo and Flamego would face off. Despite Flamengo having international superstar, Ronaldhino, the final score was 0-0. It was still a blast to see two great teams and two great sets of fans… complete with banners waving, loud chanting, drum beats, etc.
A little beach time in the Barra neighborhood close to where we were staying.
The perfect summer drink… coconut water!!
Watching the Superbowl at the hotel, we met a couple fellow Americans to pass the time, David and Joao. Only, the commentating was in Portuguese as were the commercials!
Everywhere we went in Rio it was evident that Carnaval was right around the corner… billboards, practices in the street, announcements on TV, etc. We would not stay in Brazil for Carnival, but would be in near-by Trinidad (a couple stops away!).
This video captures Rio and Carnival perfectly! An amazing film by Jarbas Agnilli and Keith Loutit, done with a film/ editing technology that makes everything look like it’s miniature… a must-watch!!
Next stop: the Amazon jungle via Manaus, Brazil
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