6-April-2012 (Good Friday) Rio de Janiero, Brazil
Cristo Redentor
As expected, the site of the statue is an awesome vantage point to see Rio de Janiero. The sky is clear, weather not too warm. The crowd is of reasonable density for the time we were there. It is one off my bucket list of things to see.
After the visit to the Cristo Redentor, the tour took us to Rio’s 3 famous beaches – the Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon. These are the most sought after real estate in Rio. Our hotel is in Copacabana which is not that far from Ipanema. The two beaches are separated by a small peninsula.
View of Rio de Janiero, Brazil as seen at Corcovado
Ipanema is the inspiration of Brazil’s most famous song – ‘The Girl from Ipanema’. The lyrics in Portugese may have slightly different message than the English translation. The poet is not discouraged by the lack of acknowledgement from the girl but rather is saying that her mere beauty has already made this world a wonderful place. This song is so famous, the international airport is named after the author/composer – Antonio Carlos Jobim.
Overlooking Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon from Corcovado
Further into Ipanema is the Leblon Beach – at its further end is the Sheraton Hotel. Next to the Sheraton is an interesting ‘favela’ or slum area. If you live in a slum – this is the prime spot as it overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. You would have the same view as the prime rooms at the Sheraton. When the Pope came to visit Brazil and asked to be taken to a favela – he was taken here. It is a statement saying that even their favelas can be on prime land – making these views not exclusive for the rich.
The growing economy of Brazil also means that the residents of these favelas are not destitute. It is perhaps a government failure to provide affordable housing that drives citizens to build these squatter areas. Much of the bad raps of Brazil occur on these areas, and more likely perpetuated by the drug trade.
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