Up to the top
The day was at our leisure. In addition to hot samba rhythms, Rio stands out
outstanding cultural, architectural and scenic highlights. A visit to Corcovado with the Christ the Redeemer statue and a swim at the famous Copacabana are a must. It is also unique to watch the sunset on the neighbouring beach Ipanema with a view of the mountains and islands to enjoy.
None of this we did.
The day started with a marvelous breakfast at the B&B. Nice vibe, homemade pastries, yoghurts, selection of fruits… More than you can wish for. An Uber brought us to Sugar Loaf Mountain. The cable car took us in two stretches up to the top. Already from the first hill we had a great view over the city, the beaches and the bay. Just enjoyed the plateau with all it has to offer. Even on a Sunday, it’s not too crowdy, there is a certain tranquility. Except, when the helicopters take off from this hill for flights around the statue of Christ, at the other side of the city. After the second stretch, up on Sugar Loaf Mountain itself, we chilled with some frozen açai, tried to recognize the sites, we had seen the day before in our drive-along-round. Good for our orientation in the city and our memories.
Back to sea level we got to our next stop: the Selaron staircases. Quite an inspiring story about one person which started to repair some steps in disrepair, just for own safety. With tiles, Portugese style. That got a kind out off hands, resulting in a hype of tile-work on the stairs, engaging the neighbourhood, communities all over the world and finally even the city council. Now, it is a vibrant tourist spot, space for handcrafts, trade and restaurants.
We came at a moment when there were almost more people than tiles (no idea if it might be different at any time of the day). You could stay there a week, and still spotting tiles from different places, tales, icons. Got lost in diversity!
From the staircase it was not far to our B&B. Used the pool to get the heat out of our system. And went for dinner.
Our host recommended a small, old Portugese restaurant downtown. Was like the time stood for half a century or so. Even the waiters were from back then, with right the old fashion hospitality, you would expect in the 50’s. We had some awesome seafood, portion to feed a family. Enjoyed the scenery and the ways of the local crowd. Great advice from our host!
Nova Capela
From the staircase it was not far to our B&B. Used the pool to get the heat out of our system. And went for dinner.
Our host recommended a small, old Portugese restaurant downtown: Nova Capela. Was like the time stood still for half a century or so. Even the waiters were from back then, with right the old fashion hospitality, you would expect in the 50’s. We had some awesome seafood, portion to feed a family. Enjoyed the scenery and the ways of the local crowd. Great advice from our host!
