Cidade maravillosa : no, this is not an exaggeration

Mural of Rio's top attractions (minus a few obvious ones)

 

 

1- CHRIST THE REDEEMER

 

 

Eventhough this is a good shot; I still think this is one of the worst tourist traps I experienced on my trip

Here is the reality of the spot. Packed with tourists stretching their arms out, mimicking the statue.

 

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Like Table Mountain in Cape Town, Christo Redemptor is landmark that can be seen from everywhere in Rio. It is way more impressive from afar. Good symbol of the Brazilian faith as Brazil has the largest christian population in the world.

 

 

But I am still trying to figure out why this is one of the 7 New Wonders of the world

 

2 - Beach life

Ipanema & Copacabana

 

Avenida Atlantico parallels Copacabana and Ipanema

Coconut trees, bikes; sun, sand, food stalls and beautiful people. Especially at the high Coconut tree at Post9.

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Copacabana is all about sports : endless stretch of football fields and volleyball nets

 

 

Postcard.

From Rio, Post 9. Brazilian love. W

 

 

 

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Only Brazilian women take their own mirror to the beach.

Missing on this shot : the queijo vendor (grilled cheese).

 

 

Trust me; this football does not belong to this girl's boyfriend.

 

 

And I thought I was a OK football player.

 

3 - MARACANA

The mythic football stadium. Brazilian Mecca or Vatican.

Couldn't leave Brazil without going to a football game.

Lucky me; got two tickets for a Cup final. 7 dollars each.

 

Huge fan gangs run around the stadium; chanting and clapping. Damn impressive supporting spirit.

 

 

I'll let you read Youri's post concerning our afternoon at the Maracana stadium.

http://levoyagedeyouri.blogspot.com/2008/02/rio-de-janeiro-2.html

 

But for the lazy one; here is a pic.

 

4- LAPA

 

Nice to hang around , it is the artistic center during the day and an incredible party spot at night.

 

Just beneath Santa Theresa; it is famous for this aqueduct

 

 

5 - ARCHITECTURE

 

Oscar Niemeyer; one of the world's top architect.

Two of his works in Niterói

 

Museu de Arte Contemporânea

 

Why does the color red feature is several of his works? Simply because Niemeyer is a 101-year old communist. He planned Brazilia; the young Brazilian capital city.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Niemeyer

 

Futuristic and stylish, no? Quite like it. Very Apple to me.

 

What favelas look like ? Well a lil' something like this.

 

Yes; favelas are right in the city center. People say you can sometime hear gunshoots while sunbading on Ipanema.

 

 

The characteristic portuguese-style pavement

 

This are my new Havaianas sandals. Tomato red. Like Niemeyer.

You can find these "sandales brasileras" everywhere. And when I say everywhere; I mean EVERYZWHERE.

 

 

6 _ The Carioca girls

Exemple given of a girl from Rio, "meuf caramel" as Youri calls them

 

 

 

The sun will soon set on Youri and me. Next post and probably one of my favorite : Rio by night.