Rio de Janeiro: Part II

Thursday, March 13, 2014


This is the second post I'm writing in one day. Before heading to CrossFit. Holy smokes!

I'm delivering on my blogging goals, if not a week late. One priority is to generate a couple more Rio posts before the details become less vivid. It's already happening, I can tell. Real life has a way of creeping in and shrouding memories... making them feel much more distant than they actually are. I want to be able to look back and reflect on this trip with striking clarity. To reread my words months and years from now and feel myself back in the moment. 


A major part of our trip happened on only the second day. At sunrise we loaded our exhausted, travel-weary bodies onto a bus and headed up to the Christ the Redeemer statue that perches atop Corcovado mountain in central Rio. Whether or not you answer to a higher power, or believe in one at all, seeing this incredible piece of art is a religious experience (and likely different for everyone). It's hard to convey its greatness through photographs, but the pedestal is 26 feet tall and the statue itself looms another 98 feet above that. It is composed of concrete covered in an unfathomable number of tiny soapstone squares. I can understand why it was deemed one of the new Wonders of the World.

A bus ride, tram ride and about 200 steps get you to the base, and the climb is worth it. The views of the city are astounding... and a sense of peace radiates from the mountaintop. Although a bit hazy, the view was unrivaled by any other location visited during the rest of the trip.










I'd also be remiss if I didn't mention Confeitaria Colombo, the place we had lunch later that same day. Upon walking in the door, I had to physically stop in order to take it all in. The molding, the decor, ornate floor-to-ceiling mirrors... it is steeped in history and rather awe-inspiring.









More to come. There is a picture of a monkey (a monkey!) and photos of this and that from around the city. Until next time...

3 comments :

  1. Wow these photos are simply beautiful!

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  2. Wow - I mean WOW - what a view and the restaurant is quite the sight to behold. I can relate to your urge to get it down in writing before the details become desaturated and trickle into generalities.

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    Replies
    1. You said it perfectly, Nicki! It has only been a month, but the edges are getting blurry. And these are definitely things I want to remember!

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