I went to Rio de Janeiro! How cool is that to say?? And it did nothing short of living up to every picture you've ever seen online. Absolutely beautiful. I went during a holiday season here in Brazil, Carnaval, it's a huge holiday here.. huge. And honestly I think pretty much everywhere else in the world too except for the States. But in the States I believe the equivalent celebration is Mardi Gras.
It is technically is a religious holiday celebrating the season leading up until ash wednesday. And boy do they celebrate.
Two of the biggest cities here in Brazil, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro attract many people for the holiday. However people celebrate wherever they are as most cities have parties, parades.. there are things called 'blocos' which gets its name because there is a big truck/float with either a dj or band, and people follow the truck dancing and partying in the street, so hence the name, a block of people. Some are stationary and some are walking. In the bigger cities some of these blocos are estimated to have 10,000+ people in attendance. Some of these blocos can turn into quite the adventure!
Blocos do Carnaval
Cristo Redentor e Pão de Açúcar
I think that the Cristo Redentor is one of the most common things thought of when imagining Rio. It really is such a beautiful site to behold and when thinking of the symbolism, makes you stop and just stare. This larger than life statue of Jesus sets up on a hill with arms wide open for people to come, and in herds may I add. And even to those who don't come.. the statue stands there, watching over them all, entire city below. Once you're up there on that hill, the beauty that there is for your two eyes is almost too much. Every where you turn there is beauty, pictures can't capture it and there aren't enough minutes to sit there and soak it all in.
And here below is our feat of a hike, arguably one of the next most thought of places is Pão de Açúcar 'Sugarloaf'. Generally people pay to take the little trolley car up the side of the mountain because that in itself is quite the view but well you see.. after an unfortunate series of events we didn't have enough money to take the trolley but we really wanted to go to the top, so we said.. well, let's hike it! We were so unprepared without water, I don't think anyone was wearing good shoes and when we finished it all all of our legs were shaking from the climb. BUT we made it and boy was that view worth it and also how accomplished did we feel at the top.
Do I really need to say much about these beach pictures? Maybe for those of you up in Wisconsin freezin your buns off right about now, the sun does still exist my friends.. and it is HOT down here in Brazil, especially in Rio. Woah baby! We were able to make our way to Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, and Barra da Tijuca. Sun glorious sun for days and days.
As Praias
Escadaria Selarón is this set of stairs that are very famous in Rio de Janeiro. They were created by a Chilean artist, Jorge Selarón. 250 steps of hard work and beautiful art and as Selarón once said 'his tribute to the brazilian people.' There may or may not have been a group of people singing, dancing and making music.. so logically, I joined in.
Escadaria Selarón
Aqui é nossa galera! Here's our group! We were pals for our 4 days there in Rio which flew by way too fast. It was a special treat getting to experience all I experienced with this group.. some good friends, some I hadn't known so well and a few that I just met there on the trip but what a good group to spend these days living up Rio.. singing on the metro, soaking up the sun on the beach, weaving through crowds of the blocos, hours spent on the bus, jamming, beholding beauty, and everything that is Rio. Trips and places bond you to people and make a trip what it is. I say it so much but it's only because it's so true that it is always such a gift to be lovingly welcomed into a culture as I always am here by Brazilians, they gently and with lots of fun allowed me to experience and learn more yet of their culture on this trip. There is always more to learn if you have the posture. I never want to stop learning from the people around me. Então.. muito obrigada gente, até proxima. Beijos.
And don't worry Rio, I'll be back soon. I couldn't stay away from those beaches and beautiful sites if I wanted to! Until next time, the streets of Rio await.
And don't worry Rio, I'll be back soon. I couldn't stay away from those beaches and beautiful sites if I wanted to! Until next time, the streets of Rio await.