Carioca
Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
18:00 LT - Day 23 of our trip through South America. Four more days before starting the return journey to Hong Kong.
We arrived in Rio de Janeiro last night on a direct connection from Buenos Aires. Unfortunately, one of our friends has been deported back to Argentina for some irregularities with his arriving documents. So just the two of us were left to continue the trip.
After several recommendations from local sources, we rented a flat near Ipanema Beach that we barely had the time to enjoy as we were up early to follow our tight schedule. The day started with an Uber picking us up from the building. We made our way towards Christ the Redeemer. It is a beautiful morning, right before the beginning of summer, clear blue sky, mild temperature and a light breeze. Little did we know we were about to be thrown into the buzzing dynamic of this vibrant city.
Halfway up the ride on Corcovado Mountain, our car gets stopped by a large group of youngsters. We initially thought the worst. Shortly after we realised that they meant no harm, they were only trying to make their living through the sales of tickets to access the venue, asking for a small “extra fee”, which I thought was acceptable. A short walk past the entrance let us appreciate what is now one of the 7 Wonders, as well as the breathtaking view of Sugarloaf Mountain and Botafogo Beach directly ahead, before proceeding towards our second destination - “Escadaria Selaro”, in the city centre.
A not so friendly encounter this time with another local (probably our fault for straying off the beaten path) started making this day a bit uncomfortable. What was supposed to be a good day out exploring a city that has been on my bucket list for a long time, was now forcing me to shift my attention to my immediate surroundings, rather than allowing me to appreciate the scenery.
We eventually arrive at “Pão de Açúcar” (Sugarloaf Mountain). The journey on the “Bondinho” (cable car) will only take us a few minutes before reaching the summit. This place is entirely different. Mostly tourists and even the locals seem to enjoy a positive atmosphere setting the scene for a more pleasant afternoon. We sit on the ledge of a cliff. From this spot we can see everything: the prominent figure of the Christ statue overlooking the city, just like we have seen on most of Rio’s postcards, Botafogo Beach on the right, Copacabana and Ipanema Beach straight ahead looking as far away as the eye can see into Leblon. Sun striking our foreheads, live music playing, chilled beer in our hands. Two Brazilian guys are standing on a rock outside of the perimeter, halfway up the mountain. They seem to be very familiar with that spot, and they are certainly from Rio, something I envy of them. I think for a second what is it about this place that makes it so incredibly unique… I realise that the huge contrast and the cheerful living of its people, sharing the same picturesque tropical nature of the city could be a good answer to my question.
Next stop: Copacabana.
