Rio from the Air...and Sea....
"Not all those who wander are lost."-J.R.R. Tolkien
I am not a particularly religious person, however, I was raised Catholic and find much familiarity within the religion. I've been to St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, St. Peter's in Rome, Notre Dame in Paris and now Christ the Redeemer in Rio. Unlike the aforementioned it is not a church, but a statue, however the significance of the 98 foot tall (plus a 26 foot pedestal) being is just as significant. You can spot him from most places around Rio given he stands at the top of Corcovado mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park, 2,300 feet above sea level.
We took a cab from our apartment to the tram that takes you up the mountain (and through the forest). There are 220 steps to climb to the platform where the Christ resides. There are also elevators, but I urge anyone who is physically able to climb, it's not difficult and the view is worth it. At the top there are a lot of tourists clamoring for that perfect picture (we were lucky to go on a day that was slighty overcast so there was room to walk around, I was told during perfect weather and peak times it can be shoulder to shoulder). We took the obligatory pictures of ourselves with our arms outstretched (us and everyone else). The best part of making it to the top is the view of Rio, you can see Ipanema beach, Copacabana, Sugarloaf, and much more. Since everyone is a tourist people are more than happy to take photos for you and you can return the favor. One man asked me to take a picture of him and his father and then after I thought he was asking if I wanted one of my mother and I. However, he actually wanted a picture with me - I obliged (he was harmless and persistent). He asked if I spoke french and I was able to have a mini conversation with him in which he informed me I was "tres jolie". It wasn't exactly a divine intervention, but compliments while wearing yoga clothes and tennis shoes are always welcome. **travel tip: you buy tram tickets and then are given a specific time to board. We only had to wait 1 hour, but at peak times you can wait anywhere from 2-4 so bring a book/magazine/something to occupy your time. Also, at $25.00 per person you might consider skipping it, but I would advise against it. Religious or not, the statue is incredible up close and the views of Rio make it worth the cost.
Yesterday morning we took a kayaking tour around Guanabara Bay. I suppose not many people are interested in the more physical tours as it was just us. This actually made it nice because we got our own private tour. We could see Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, downtown, and the city of Niteroi (across the bridge, where our guide informed us the only good thing there was the view of Rio). We passed an active military base (where they were having firing practice or a mass killing - I'm going to lean towards the former). One of our guides used to be an attorney and went to work everyday downtown. He said he got tired of it and decided to quit, buy a boat (that he lives on), and start the kayaking tours. He was in his early 30's - clearly didn't take him long to realize the corporate world was not for him. How very Captain Ron of him (if you don't know the movie, rent it or I won't speak to you any longer - kidding - err...well....)
Last night for dinner we went to Zaza Bistro Tropical. It was recommended to us by the apartment people and I had also read an article about it on CNN travel. It turned out to be amazing. We each got drinks - watermelon margarita for my mom, Zaza Love for me - absolut citron, orange juice, iced watermelon juice, and drops of Italian lemon - amazing (and strong). They had a vegetarian (stated on the menu) appetizer of brazilian white pastry, coalho cheese, and tomatoes served with apricot and ginger glaze - tasted sweet and savory, delicious. We then shared the beet risotto with goat cheese brûlée - the dish we are single handedly going back to the restaurant to eat - melt in your mouth, perfect portion (for two, a lot for one person), the beets aren't overpowering (they are pureed to make the sauce). Delicious.
Ignorar.....(ignore).....
