We were lucky to get great weather today and it’s the perfect opportunity to visit not just the most recognized icon of Rio but of the world. Cristo Redentor,( Christ the Redeemer) standing tall on Corcovado mountain. It is better early in the morning to avoid the long queues for the train ride. The little train ride is more than just a journey to the top but your way through the lush greenery of the Tiju National park, the largest forest within a city in the word. ( If you sit backwards, the view is better.) It is such a refreshing change from the heat of the city.
No matter where I have been in Rio, I have always kept a look out to see if I can spot the Christ redeemer statue which looks like a cute tiny idol from afar-unattainable and Unreachable. But today, all of that changed when we stood below this enormous Christ considered the largest art deco statue in the world, standing tall embracing this beautiful city. Standing there under this massive sculptor is just overwhelming . You also get to enjoy a panoramic view of Rio. You can almost see the whole city from up there. You are going to be tempted to keep taking pictures but you just need to stop at some point to just take a deep breath and enjoy the view. You can also see sugar loaf mountain from there, which is our next stop.
Pao de Acucar or Sugar loaf mountain is another must see in Rio. There is cable ride taking you on top of the mountain. The view from the top is absolutely breathtaking and different from the one at Christ. It is a perfect spot for a nice picnic.I had some passion fruit ice cream. The best time to go is during dusk to catch the sunset.
All over Rio, you will see postcards, posters, sand sculptors and curios of The Christ redeemer and Sugar loaf mountain. But nothing matches up to the actual beauty of being there to experience it for yourself.
Since we didn’t find much time to paraglide, Eeshit and I head to the beach where the paragliders land.Known as Pepino (cucumber) Beach in Sao Conrado , where the sea swells amidts the beautiful landscape of mountains. I could finally wear my bikini and have my moment on the beach without having to film anything. It was beautiful watching paragliders hover above us. I will be back in Rio just to be able to paraglide above the ocean and the mountains. My favourite beach in Rio so far!
It was our last night with Chris and Brian. Clarisse took us to Pedro do Sal .This historical venue is an integral part of the story of Samba where some of the greatest Sambistas have played. It is considered as the birthplace of some of the earliest carnival parades. Musicians and samba enthusiasts from all over Rio flock to this place after work at night. People surround the musicians with their drinks and turn the place into a dance floor. It gets very crowded after a point and difficult to move around with tumbling revellers and spilt beer. Make sure to check the weather before you go as performances get cancelled if it rains. I loved the atmosphere at Pedro do sal, it’s casual, relaxed and a quintessential carioca experience. I feel such a connect to the Brazilian culture by being part of it. It is a rhythm that you catch upto .
