60 hours in Rio

I think I mentioned before that we only had about 60 hours in Rio, but we did it all.  We hired a tour guide off of trip advisor who took us around privately to all the sights.  I gave our priorities and preferences, and she and her driver worked magic.  I cannot believe all that we saw.  Everyone else we talked to also cannot believe all we saw in our 2 days there.  After the "main attractions" she managed to squeeze in this and that and detour past another thing.  It was a whirlwind, but it was amazing.  After we got home we rented the movie Rio again, and had a lot of fun pointing out all the things that we saw.

The Escadaria Selaron was laid tile by tile in the neighborhood by an immigrant who wanted to give something back to the city.  He started with just the stairs, and it turned into a major attraction.  Although he passed away this January and his work is therefore finished, it was a work in progress and anyone could help him in choosing the next tile to lay or bring a tile to go into the staircase.  We weren't there long, but we had a good time spotting tiles from different countries and even from States all over the US.

 

This is an aqueduct that was built in the city when the Portuguese settled Rio.  Later it was converted to carry an elevated train.  It's not currently in use, but a beautiful reminder of Rio's history.  This was also fun because in our homeschool history this past year we studied about the Roman's use of aqueducts.

Of course we didn't actually let him hang glide, but our tour guide took us to the location where hang gliding "lessons" are offered and tours given.  She "knows the owner" so our kids got to "try out" the equipment and then watch some take offs from the mountain over the beach and landings right next to the ocean.

We visited the Sambodromo, the street that was created solely for the purpose of the Carnival parade (although it is also used for concerts and other events).  We (adults) watched a fair bit of Carnival on TV this year, so it was interesting to see.  It also just so happens that they were filming a movie there at the time, which was a lucky surprise.  As luck would have it, they thought H was adorable and one woman in costume came closer so she and M could touch her dress.  Our tour guide said she's never been able to offer that to her customers before!  It was great having her show us this part of town, because with it came an extensive explanation of the whole celebration of Carnival and the parade that goes with it, including who participates, how long they practice, and so on.



 

 

The Sambodromo, where Rio's famous Carnival is celebrated.

The kids getting close & personal with a samba dancer.

We were also able to swing by the National Cathedral, which was unique but amazing.  This is where Papa Francisco (Pope Francis I) will visit during the Catholic Church's World Youth Day. 

 

 

We went to one of the many stadiums being built and remodeled for World Cup and the 2016 Olympics.  This one was just getting ready to open and there were a host or unique characters out front.

D in front of Maracana Stadium

 

This lady, whom we call "chicken lady" had a rooster leashed to her high heeled shoe.  Apparently she is representing a  soccer team whose mascot is the rooster.  Strange, nonetheless.

I think they said this guy is a retired soccer player.  Professional athletes must not make as much here as in the States, because he was performing some really neat tricks with his ball for tips in front of the stadium.

Peace man....he's holding the World Cup trophy, dressed as an angel with a gown that says Peace.  Not really sure what that is all about, but people were posing with him left and right to take pictures.

 

 

We spent our afternoons at Copacabana Beach jumping waves and building sand castles.  There was also a long stretch of beach which displayed professionally designed and built sand displays.  The kids were amazed, and inspired.

The intricacy of the sand castles was amazing.  Most were roped off, and had a tip jar.

This was my favorite.  It had all the top sites of Rio, and carved in the sand is a message welcoming the Pope to Rio.  These sand displays must last a long time, as the Pope isn't due to visit for a few more months.

 

We had lunch at the Treetop Restaurant, which turned out to be cooler for the adults than the overtired kids.  Either way, it was an experience.

The Treetop restaurant was a variety of tree houses and structures built with a great view of the city, but making you feel like you were dining with the Swiss Family Robinson.

 

 

The ocean was so blue.

The view out of the window on the apartment we rented in Rio.

A view of sugarloaf

Strolling Copacabana Beach on our last morning before our flight.

I still cannot believe we did all this and more in just 60 hours (fitting sleep in there too).  It was hectic but it was wonderful.  I doubt we'll ever be back, but we've practically seen it all already.