Bangkok to Rio

Fascinating City

Rio can be explored in a few days, but it will take months to learn and enjoy life there the Brazilian way

• Published: 26/08/2010 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: Horizons

Rio de Janeiro is a beautiful, very lively and vibrant city. Once you are fascinated by its passions, you never forget it.

''How many days you will be here?,'' Giomia Belmonte, my guide in Rio asked when she picked me up at the airport.

''Two,'' I replied softly.

''Two days are nothing here. You need at least five day to know Rio,'' she said, laughing. ''Anyway, you will find life here is much, much easier to enjoy than in Sao Paulo.''

That is true. Compared to Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro is smaller, easier, much more beautiful and full of cultural and natural attractions.

However, the most fascinating part is probably its people.

Though I was warned to be cautious when walking the streets, particularly with my camera, I found exploring Rio a worthwhile experience, including meeting the local people who are natural happy, receptive, friendly and light-spirited.

My tour guide was right after all: it takes a few days to get around Rio, but months to learn how to enjoy life the Brazilian way.

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This statue on Mt Corcovado is the symbol of Rio de Janeiro and any trip to this city is not complete without a visit to the statue of Christ the Redeemer. Standing over 700 metres above sea level, it is a struggle to get there, but worth the effort. The statue was voted one of the new 7 Wonders of the Modern World in 2007. What tempts tourists to make the effort is probably the stunning combination of panoramic view of the cityscape, numerous mountains, lagoons and the beach. On a clear day there, you can see forever.

It is quite usual for visitors to be standing on Mt Corcovado with helicopters hovering overhead. The helicopter service enables visitors to enjoy the stunning view of the city and its surrounds. The 60-minute flight costs US$200 per person.

This mountain rising above clouds is called Sugar Loaf due to its shape, like a huge loaf of bread coated with sugar. A natural symbol of Rio de Janeiro, it stands at the entrance to Guanabara Bay. The cable-car service to its top is a two-leg ride: the first to Urca Hill, 214 metres above the bay, the second from there to the apex of Sugar Loaf, which is at an elevation of 1,300 metres.

From Urca Hill you can see planes winging in or out of Rio’s Santos Dumont Airport.

f you want to send a postcard of Corcovado, please be aware that the statue faces Sugar Loaf and the stunning scenery of Rio. Some postcards, like the one on the left, have gone through Photoshop which makes the statue appear as if Jesus has turned his back on the city.

In the south of the city is Copacabana, one of the world’s most famous beaches. Every day thousands of people descend there for fun and to enjoy life. The beach was called Sacopenap until the mid-18th century when it was renamed following the construction of a chapel housing a replica of the Virgin de Copacabana or Our Lady of Copacabana. This 4-km-long beach is home to 150,000 residents, more than 60 hotels, numerous bars and restaurants, and a leading venue New Year revelry, beach volleyball and soccer competitions.

Barbecue in Brazil is quite unique. The customer just sits at the table saying nothing while waiters approach with different kinds of meats ranging from grilled chicken to lamb and spare-ribs. The waiters will keep coming until you put up the ‘‘red’’ sign you see here on your table.

Dine once at Confeitaria Colombo (Gonalves Dias 32) in the heart of Rio and you will remember that meal forever. This 1894 architecture is a treasure house of Art Nouveau. The cafe is a fantasic place to enjoy Brazilian cuisine in style among wonderful furnishings including Belgian crystal mirrors and chandeliers, rosewood furniture, Italian marble benches and richly elegant stained-glass windows.

Among the many beautiful leftovers from the last century in downtown Rio de Janeiro is Paco Imperial or the Imperial Palace, one of Brazil’s most important historic buildings. Built in the 18th century, it began as the official residence of Brazil’s colonial governors. From 1808 on, it variously served as the royal residence of King John VI of Portugal and later of Brazil. In 1822 it became the palace of Pedro I and Pedro II, rulers of the Brazilian Empire, and thereon until 1889 its nerve-centre. Today it is a cultural centre featuring exhibitions, shops and restaurants.

Fans rarely miss a game at the Maracana Stadium, the scene of some of the greatest triumphs in the history of Brazilian football. Built for the 1950 World Cup the nation hosted, the first matched held at the stadium was on June 24, 1950, when Brazil defeated Mexico 4-0. Five of Brazil’s six games in that tournament were played here, including the final when Brazil lost 2-1 to Uruguay. The loss was a national tragedy still fresh on the conscience of most Brazilians who remember the debacle as the Maracanazo. The official name of the stadium, Ma´rio Filho, bestowed to honour a local journalist whose support in its construction was vital. However, it is better known as Maracana Stadium, named after the Maracan neighbourhood in which it is located.

Travessa Do Commercio or the ‘‘Street of Merchants’’ is a wellhidden local downtown Rio a stone’s throw from the Paco Imperial. Beautiful two-storey colonial style shophouses line this narrow cobblestone street which contains half a dozen restaurants and drinking spots that open onto the street. If there is a big football match, particularly if Brazil is involved, the whole street is blocked off for the people to enjoy the game.