Sunday 10th
February 2013.
After one and a half
days sailing in calm seas and cloudy skies we reached the harbour mouth and bay
of Rio de Janeiro . It was a hazy, hot and humid day of about 35 degrees. It
was a spectacular sail in with Sugarloaf Mountain at the bay entrance and the
Christ The Redeemer statue embracing the city through the haze in the distance.
Rio de Janeiro is a
city of about 12 million people and is the cultural capital of Brazil. The
city’s built up areas are nestled between the magnificent bay and the wonderful
beaches and an abruptly rising mountain range and lush rain forest.
We were lucky to score
a full day tour of the city after being on the waitlist until the day before we
arrived. The tour did the full monte with a city drive and visits to Sugarloaf
Mountain and the Statue of Christ the Redeemer. It was a long day and because
of long queues and lines the 7 hour excursion turned into 10 hours. This was
also caused by eight cruise ships being in port for the “CARNIVAL”
celebrations.
The day was absolutely
fantastic. The city itself is magnificent with trees and parks everywhere.
Whilst a lot of the buildings are old and run down the place was generally
clean and tidy. We visited Sugarloaf Mountain and took the cable car to it’s
top which gave us stunning views of the city. The day’s highlight was the visit
to Corcovado Mountain and the statue of Christ The Redeemer which overlooks and
provides 360 degree views of the city. To reach the top it was a pleasant 20
minute ride by rail car through lush rain forest. The mountain top is about
1200 feet above sea level and the Statue is 125 feet high overlooking the city.
Whilst it was a little hazy the views were unbelievable. This is truly a great
wonder of the world.
A beautiful lunch also
made the day at a local steak house and restaurant.
During the city tour we
were able to see a number of the decorated floats for the “CARNIVAL”
celebrations and local people were on the streets everywhere in the colourful
costumes.
This was a day to
remember and a highlight of the tour so far. The city destination is a must see
place, and should be on everyone’s “Bucket List”
We now have two sea
days before we reach Buenos Aires.
Hi Marilyn & Warwick,
ReplyDeleteGreat description and pics of Rio. Have seen many pictures of the statue but seeing it close and personal must have been exciting to say the least. Pleased you had such a good time in Rio. Nothing much has changed here except Luke Hartsuker is suggesting that the Gillard govt is planning to increase the tax on personal super. He says it's a rumour. Don't know if it's a tactic or if there is some truth in it. It would not receive a good review eh ? Off to Norfolk on Tues. Going to Brisbane on Monday and stay o/n. Charise's birthday Tues so will have dinner with her on Mon. Talk to you when we get back. Love Sonia & Bob