Not to be Confused with Maine

Just to be sure, we are in Rio de Janeiro and not Sugarloaf, Maine. Snow here doesn’t stand a chance. It was best that they bid on the 2016 Summer Olympics as they would have been laughed out of the World Cup by bidding on the Winter Olympics. Sugarloaf Mountain cable car is the third oldest cable car in the world. Built in 1912 it was to showcase the city to the rest of the industrialized world. There are in effect two different trams to get you to the summit, and the views are spectacular, especially considering that the clouds have dispersed and the humid air has dissipated. The 360 degree panoramas always leave you on the lookout for the next Ooooo and Ahhhhh. The sailboats dot the bays below and the endless number of umbrellas on the beaches provide a colourful backdrop to the long and white sandy beaches along the coast stretching off into the distance. Greater Rio’s coast goes on for in excess of 70 klms. As you look back at Christ the Redeemer, high above, I begin to realize why Rio has always been on my bucket list. It’s hot but the breezes are welcoming. We’ll get the swimsuits on after our return to our Copacabana beachfront hotel later this afternoon, when we will mingle with the locals in the surf. However, I have left my speedo at home and everything will be left up to the imagination. There is more ink spilled here on beach tattoos than I could ever fill up my printer with over the course of a lifetime. Despite being forewarned of crime and theft, we never felt threatened. The favelas or the communities of the poor are controlled by the local mafia and despite Rio being home to 7 ½ million residents, everything seems to be under control; relatively speaking. Without a doubt however, there is poverty and the homelessness does not go unnoticed. There is an eclectic vibe to the city as well, with its tiled and terraced street section and the unconventional cathedral leaves you wondering “what were they ever thinking of?” The backstage tour of Carnival, which really gets underway next month, is a testament to the cultural joie de vive that comes with the samba and street parties. Viva La Carnaval!!

And allas no trip to South America would be complete without a traditionnel BBQ. It is an unparallel dining experience and though I would not shy away from a healthy debate with local producers from home, there is no doubt that there is no comparison. I think Jennifer would say the same about the oysters but that is her domain to defend. Our guide Tiago has been terrific in going above and beyond. I don’t know how we would have navigated the SIM card situation without him. And getting us upgraded speed pass tickets for the lineups at Sugarloaf Mountain saved us enormous amounts of time and frustration. It was his strong suggestion to pick us up at 6:30 for our trip to Christ the Redeemer and we were so glad of his proactive recommendation. Our driver Alfonso kept us on the straight and narrow and I don’t think I ever had to open my door, coming or going. We certainly could spend more time here but its back on a plane for the continuation of the journey to Manaus. Viagens Seguras!