For a better overview of Rio, we decided to move around a little more. We chose three hostels in 4 days in the districts of Botafoga, Leblon and Santa Teresa. All so different we felt like we were in a different city every couple of days! Highly recommended;)
This was the walk up to our third hostel (Casa 579) in Cosme Velho near Santa Teresa. There was another (unexpected) uphill 20 minute walk after this set of stairs. Maps!
The staff were very impressed:)
We went to visit Christ the Redeemer on the Brazilain holiday...(above)
Let's just say we paid for the transportation up the hill and as soon as we could, back down again. We only saw Christ from this distance. (below)
Our walk through Lapa and Santa Teresa. Yup, We saw Rio's most famous steps (Escadaria de Selaron) and a burnt out VW bug.
Our arrival into Rio de Janeiro at 10pm, after our relaxing island stay was anything but. BUT, sometimes all the planning and organizing wouldn't prepare you for the unexpected events. Let me explain...
Rio is know for its (packed) white sand beaches, surrounded by gorgeous landscapes and plenty of beach-bronzed Brazilian bodies BUT it does have its share of crime and violence. So one must be very cautious...especially at night-which is when we arrived. Our entry into Rio brought on a heightened alertness for the both of us, me especially reading too many warnings and cautions in the guide book. So as we arrived into Rio, everything (and I mean E V E R Y THING) was covered in gang tags. I'm not talking about the beautiful graffiti you will see in the photos, which we also saw plenty of, we're talking marked territory on signs, bridges, concrete fenced walls, houses, high-rise apt, cars...We definitely felt we were out of comfort zone as we arrived at the largest bus terminal in South America.
BUT...
View from Sugarloaf looking onto Rio
Christo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) who sits arms outstretched atop Rio, was definitely looking out for us this night. After stepping off the bus, we must have looked a little unsure of our next move because a young girl we travelled with all the way from the island, asked us (in English) where we were going. When we told her Botafogo (a district in Rio) she said "I live there, close by to where you are going, we could split a cab if you like?" Surprised with our luck or Christo himself, we eagerly agreed to take up her offer and opt out on the city bus we were advised not to take. It was more our lack of funds arriving into Rio that made us opt out of the taxi:( As it turned out, she was a student, studied in Ireland for 5 years near Cork where Shawn's relatives are from, and came back to Rio for more schooling. We were given lots of info and tips on the taxi ride to Botofoga and she even paid most of the fare knowing we didn't have enough Reales left. Her kindness and generosity instantly gave us a different impression of Rio than what we rode in on!
Cable car to/from top!
On top of Sugarloaf looking over the famous Copacabana Beach
Graffiti art in Rio de Janeiro
Brazilian steak house in Leblon, RdJ
mmmmmeat!
Ipanema Beach
Copacabana Beach panarama
Copacabana beach with Sugarloaf to the right.
Wednesday, 13 November 2013
On the ferry back from our island get-a-way with a little more vitamin D in our bodies. Maybe a little more than we should have?
On our way to Rio de Janeiro. Let the adventures begin!
Our 2hr hike (one way) to one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever set foot on. Sand so white and fine it squeaked!
Paradise found!
So many beaches, so little time...
While Shawn tries out his crab catching skills on the beach, this guy pops out of the trees 1 foot away from Shawn's face. Did I mention how much he likes monkeys? (Not!). Just ask him his experience in Costa Rica-lol. Shawn's weapon of defence here? A cracker...good one!
Being on an island means our wifi connection is a little iffy. For those of you we were hoping to connect with (Face Time, Skype, etc) it may have to wait till Rio in a few days. Hopefully then too, we will be able to post some more of of photos, etc for everyone;) Somehow I managed to post on Facebook? Guess there's always a connection for the important things lol.
After leaving São Paulo on a 7 hours bus ride to Paraty, we arrived at 11pm in the pouring rain. Finding our hostel was easy. We asked a guy a the bus station for a taxi to the hostel and he nicely told us it was just around the corner and we could walk it. Apparently not all backpackers are so lucky 'cause some taxis actually drive them to the hostel but not before they drive them around town first! Yikes.
We spend the next day chillin' at the hostel as the rains still came down but managed to see the beautiful colonial town complete with cobble stone streets, quaint shops and great little restaurants in the later afternoon when the clouds began to roll away. When they did, wow, look out white boys! Muy caliente!
Pablo, our welcoming host at the hostel, made a feast of a breakfast every morning for the guests-so we stayed the extra night;) The next day we hopped on the bus again (only 2 1/2hrs) to catch a ferry (1 1/2hrs) to Ilha Grande. Yes, you guessed it, an island. Whoot whoot!
Ilha Grande is Brazil's most famous island just 2 1/2 hrs south of Rio de Janeiro. It has 192 beaches and most say, some of the best beaches in Brazil. I'm sold:) Looks like we may stay longer than we intended...
