Christ the Redeemer
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Hello Jesus . Today was a visit to Rio’s number one attraction.
Christ the Redeemer is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and Rio de Janeiro’s most recognizable landmark. The statue itself stands approximately 125 feet (with pedestal) and rises above the city from the summit of Corcovado Mountain in Tijuca National Park. The view over Rio’s mountains, beaches, and spectacular harbor add to Christ the Redeemer’s awe factor.
As a New Yorker, I believe the Statue of Liberty also deserves recognition as a world wonder too.
Ipanema Beach
Later, I visited Ipanema beach, made famous by the bossa nova classic song “The Girl from Ipanema.” The song became an international hit in 1964, and later, a bigger hit when Frank Sinatra recorded his version. Veni sang it for us just in case anyone was unfamiliar with the tune.
The song was inspired by Helô Pinheiro, a beautiful young woman whom its writers frequently saw walking through the Ipanema neighborhood. She later became a model and businesswoman and remains forever associated with the famous song.
TIP: Buy a pair of Brazilian Havaianas flip-flops to take home.
A Strange Coincidence
That evening, Veni treated us to happy hour at his favorite beach bar. We thought someone at the next table said that they were from New Jersey, so naturally, we started a conversation. We soon learned that they traveled to Rio frequently for work.
What did they do? They were pilots for Delta Air Lines—the same airline that had nearly wrecked my trip. Even more remarkably, they had piloted my flight to Rio. Weird, but true. Sometimes the most unlikely encounters become the best travel stories.
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Sugarloaf Mountain
Reaching Sugarloaf Mountain is part of the experience. The journey involves two cable-car rides: the first travels from Praia Vermelha to Morro da Urca, and the second continues to the summit of Sugarloaf. It is probably Rio’s second most famous attraction after Christ the Redeemer.
From the top, the views are jaw-dropping. Rio’s unusual combination of ocean, beaches, granite peaks, and dense urban neighborhoods makes the panorama unlike that of any other city I have visited.
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Seralon Steps
We continued downtown to the Seralon Steps, decorated by Chilean artist, Jorge Selarón, who transformed the steps into a public work of art. More than 200 steps are covered with brightly colored tiles collected from countries around the world.
TIP: The immediate area was packed with tourists and difficult to navigate. Several local “entrepreneurs” were being paid to photograph visitors posing on the stairs. If you accidentally walked into one of their staged shots, you quickly heard about it. So enjoy the artwork, but stay aware of where you step!
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Afterwards, we had a quick lunch at a local restaurant around the corner from the hotel, and afterward took a taxi to Jardim Botanico for a short visit.
Jardim Botanico
Rio de Janeiro’s Jardim Botânico is a peaceful escape containing thousands of tropical and subtropical plant species from Brazil and around the world. Visitors may encounter orchids, giant water lilies, monkeys, and colorful birds while exploring the shaded pathways.
TIP: As it was getting late, we didn't see the full garden. We discovered that there was a trolley to pick up passengers at certain stops along the route, so you don't need to do all that walking unless you want to. Inquire about this when you purchase tickets. It is not that obvious that this service exists. At least it wasn't to us.
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Brazilian Red Tree
adorable kids on a field trip