24 June 2016 - Rio de Janero, Brazil - Part 3

Every photo and movie I've seen over the years of this city always seem to include a flyover of Cristo Redentor or Christ the Redeemer statue. Here is a nice Youtube video to give you an idea; moreover, it's better than my photo skills.

It was only natural that I would want to visit this place located at the top of Corcovado Mountain. In terms of height, it is much taller than Sugarloaf Mountain topping out at about 700M or 2300Ft.

It is listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Here is the whole list...I intend to visit all of these:

• Christ Redeemer: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
• Great Wall of China: China.
• Machu Picchu: Peru.
• Petra: Jordan.
• Pyramid at Chichén Itzá: Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.
• Roman Colosseum: Rome, Italy.
• Taj Mahal: Agra, India. Top.

To get to the top, you take an alpine style train upward at a near constant 45 degrees for about 20 minutes.


As we neared the top, a think blanket of clouds moved in. My same experience with Mt. Rushmore happened here!

None the less, I enjoyed climbing the stairs, people watching, and was still thankful for the experience. What it really means is that I will just have to come back to this city again someday to see this view...

Side note: That last photo holds a rather deep metaphor for me.

As we took the train back down the mountain we came out of the clouds and got a great view of the city in a cloudy twilight. Not bad at all.

As I was returned to the hotel where the tour started I felt a mix of joy about the day and sadness that it had to end. I spent some time wandering along Praia Leblon, the famous beach of Ipanema. For a moment, buried in my thoughts, I found a brief element of serenity.

Back at my hotel, I celebrated the day with very delicious Mojito. That, my friends, is my Rio adventure. Who wants to go when I go back?

24 June 2016 - Rio de Janero, Brazil - Part 2

There are so many things to do in Rio that one post would not do the place justice. Continuing my tour day my next stop (and most important to me) was a visit to Sugarloaf Mountain (Portugese: Pão de Açúcar). This tour involves 4 cable car rides to the top and back. Arriving at the base of the mountains I was thrilled to notice all the mountain climbers. Maybe I should start that sport again. Rock climbing has given me one of the greatest gifts of my life: a deeper understanding of my own mortality, ability to overcome fear, and greater freedom to choose my paths in life.

I took a ride up to the first hill. There are some shops, restaurants, and plenty of hiking. I enjoyed an an açie smoothie with banana + kiwi. Next, I took some great photos and selfies. In addition, I also admired some climbing groups that I will have to look up on my next trip here.

They had a few older cars displayed, including the style used in the James Bond film.

After about 20 minutes I continued my journey to the second peak. At first I was a little worried it was just an observation deck. Instead, they've built a tiered garden on the east facing side that goes down about 40-50 meters. It made for some fun hiking. There are signs everywhere saying don't feed the monkeys...and lots of tourists were feeding the monkeys.


Here is a nice Pano of the main parts of South Rio...

After a few more moments of exploring the top, I started my journey back to the bottom of the mountain. At the bottom, I wandered over to a local beach called Praia Vermelha (I believe the translation is Red Beach). This very expensive neighborhood, named Urca, is very protective of the state park, trails, mountains, and beaches. They do not allow super markets and big developers to build here, for example.

After all that hiking I was starting to feel rather famished. How do the Brazilians feast? At a Churrascaria (aka BBQ buffet aka Brazilian Steakhouse), of course! When the tour started, our guide had said something about a buffet. All morning long I was worrying about cheap chinese buffets that usually end in indigestion and shame. As we arrived my fear turned to joy. I only eat at this type of restaurant about 1 or 2 times a year. I usually consider it a marathon gastronomical event requiring pacing and being picky about what you try...then ending in indigestion and shame.

Stay tuned for part three...off to visit the Cristo Redentor...

24 June 2016 - Rio de Janero, Brazil - Part 1

I've wanted to visit Rio for nearly 20 years. Not for the beaches...I already have that in California. Not for the Samba...I like other genres better. Not for the 2016 Olympics hype...someday in another city maybe. No, my friends, I've wanted to visit Rio because of James Bond. Do you remember the 1979 film Moonraker?

This is my 5th trip to Brazil over the last 12 months. Every time I have come to Sao Paulo for the purpose of a work trip.

Rio de Janero is just a 1 hour flight away. With each trip I kept telling myself I should go visit. This time around I did, with a nice weekend visit. I stayed at a nice new Hilton in a rapidly growing western part of the city called Barre. This is more of a business area than tourist area and makes for better sleeping in my experience.

On Saturday morning I took a 30 minute taxi ride to Ipanema. Ever hear the song?

What a beautiful coast line! I'm going to surf this someday.


I joined a tour group in the lobby of a local hotel. We set off for a bus ride around the city. The bus took us around the lagoon where in one month the best rowers in the world will compete at the Olympics. There is about 7 miles of bike/run trail here. Rio culture includes a strong desire to be outside and active.

We stopped outside the downtown area where Carnival happens every February before Ash Wednesday. That is a bucket list item of mine, but such a trip is expensive and requires reservations more than a year in advance. Anyone want to go in 2018?

The tour also stopped by the Catholic Cathedral, an interesting conical architecture. There is also a roman style aqueduct (now used for train) behind this building. Very different influences than the Spanish/Portuguese style I am used to seeing. This modern place has been visited by 2 popes and has room for 5,000 seats or 20,000 standing. The stained glass windows were amazing. I took a moment to say a prayer of thanks for this wonderful day.


The tour around the city was continued. On the way to the mountain we witnessed a few other landmarks.

Stay tuned for part 2 - a visit to Sugarloaf Mountain and one of the most amazing views in the world...

13 June 2016 - London UK - Stopover on the way to LHR airport

Its raining in London. Now that is sort of like saying water is wet. However, this is only the 3rd day out of 19 days in the UK that it has not been sunny. Not normal, but most welcome.

I arrived at Waterloo Station and walked down to the Southbank Real Food market for a cheese sandwich. Next, I grabbed a quick selfie in front of the London Eye and Big Ben. Finally,

 I walked to Embankment station and headed for Ealing where I would spend the night at a very nice Double Tree Hilton before heading to the Airport for my flight. 

I also found a Polish festival occuring across the street in the park at Ealing Commons. I had a kilbasa and enjoyed some wierd 80s Polish pop music.