| BRASIL - December 2003 |
| Claire Rosemary Jane, Children's Author |
| Visit to Brazil |
| homepage Index page Londrina University Rio de Janeiro Christmas Day in Rio de Janeiro Corcovado Travelling around Rio Iguacu Falls Sao Francisco Enseada Pousada Da Ilha El Misti Carima Hotel Currency. |
| Rio de Janeiro. The city of legends; home of the Rio Carnaval; famous for its enormous statue of Christ the Redeemer, (on Corcovado), with arms outstretched high above the city; Guanamara Bay, Rio's huge natural harbour, which is considered to be one of the seven natural wonders of the world, location of the Maracana stadium, the largest football stadium in the world, (real football that is, the game that the real world play, not the one where the players have to armour themselves from head to toe to stop themselves getting hurt); and home of one of the biggest rich and poor population divisions living side by side with one another to be found anywhere on this planet. To go to Rio de Janeiro is indeed an eye opener, especially for a Western European or an affluent North American. People sleeping on the street, even in the more wealthy areas, Favelas (Shantytowns or what we in the UK would call slums) rubbing shoulders with some of the most upmarket hotels to be found in the world, (as occurs at Leme), and (reputedly) very high levels of corruption, But to be swayed by all the bad things, might make one miss on the good things. For one , the scenery is breathtaking. Few cities in the world can boast such awe inspiring views across them from high above them as Rio de Janeiro can. For another, the richness of the culture is there for the taking for everyone with a mind to look for it. Whether it is the Samba schools, the Capoeira displays, the Museums or the Art Galleries, there is something to please just about every taste and interest. My advice? If you get the chance to visit Rio, don't be too put off by all the tales of violence on the streets, just take sensible precautions, (see my own thoughts on the "Travelling around Rio" page) and go and see it for yourself. My main website is at: http://clairerosemaryjane.co.uk |
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| Rio de Janeiro |
| BELOW Rio de Janeiro, as viewed from Corcovado on December 27th, 2003. Baia de Gaunabara, its huge natural harbour, is clearly visible in the centre of the photograph, and in the right middle ground, stands Pao de Acucar (Sugar Loaf Mountain). Enseada de Botofogo is prominent in the right foreground. |
| Photograph Copyright Claire Rosemary Jane, not to be used without permission. |