Part 2 of Jhet’s Rio de Janeiro Adventure Guide

I was welcomed with two good omens that jump started my tour to the wonderful city of Rio de Janeiro.

At the airport, I prepared to pay 80-100 pesos, equivalent to US$ 40-50 for a cab to bring me to the hotel I was booked to stay. A local gentleman approached me and explained that my hotel is just nearby. He showed me the address and endorsed me to the driver of the airport’s big blue bus – that sure saved me some money! Upon my arrival, I showed the address to another local who went the extra mile and carried my luggages for free. I am so glad! Can you even imagine me carrying two suitcases and a backpack uphill? This wonderful man doesn’t speak  English and I don’t speak Portuguese and yet we connected and understood each other.

Rio is definitely a place you should include in your travel list. Again, allow me to give you tips on what to do in this spectacular city:

1. Spread your arms at the Christo Redentor park – Amaze yourself with the largest art deco statue of the world, the Christ the Redeemer statue towering at 130 feet atop Corcovado mountains. Five of us, a Filipino-Canadian, German, Swedish, American and Australian, boarded a cab to save on time  going up. Be ready to negotiate with the drivers though. Some drivers can bid for higher fares. Click here to read my video blog on Christo Redentor.
   

   Brace yourself for the majestic view of Rio de Janeiro!

2. Dine at Lapa – Lapa is known to be the center of Rio itself famous for its historical monuments and nightlife. Here you will find landmarks such as the 18th century aqueduct Arcos da Lapa and the Passeio Publico. Apart from the view, I specially enjoyed the mouthwatering Brazilian food. Do not forget to order Brazil’s national dish Feijoada, a healthy and tasty stew of beans with red meat. Taste the Brazilian barbecue meat, sausages, and chicken wings. They are just as finger licking good!
   

   The Arcos de Lapa - Pose to take a shot on this famous Rio landmark!

3. Sweeten your stay with a tour in Sugarloaf – No I did not taste sugar but I definitely enjoyed visiting the mountainous peak that is called SugarLoaf. Our first attempt failed when we lined up in the cable car for over an hour and changed our mind because it was already getting dark. It is best to pick a sunny day. When I went up with a German fellow good enough to be my son, it was still cloudy and just as we were landing on the top, the sun broke and we got a glimpse of the spectacular view.
   

   Why SugarLoaf? Because it looks like the traditional sugar product of Brazil!

4. Dance Samba! – If Argentinians dance the Tango, Brazilians sway to the energetic beat of the Samba music. Be careful though when you pick a partner to dance. Go with a friend, or dance just for the sake of dancing, have fun, and go home safe.
   

   Get your Samba outfit ready and enjoy dancing!

5. Transport back in time in Santa Teresa – Take the old train to the quaint, rural village of Santa Teresa a few minutes away from the city. We picked a gorgeous day, walked around the old streets lined up with colonial houses, art galleries and restaurants.
   

   Walk along this century old village and feel yourself back in time.

6. Visit the Escadaria Selaron – Referred to as “The Great Madness”, the Escadaria Selaron is a stairway “masterpiece” created by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón. “As a tribute to the Brazilians”, Selaron transformed what used to be a flight of dilapidated stairways to a wonderful mosaic of art.
   

   This staircase could be the most visited staircase in the whole world!

7. When you get lost, don’t panic and just be patient – My friend Nate and I boarded the metro train with five more others. I have not been sleeping well at night so I asked Nate to wake me up once we get to our destination, and then took a nap. He happened to be sitting with a pretty chick, got lost in the conversation and forgot all about me. The metro train broke down and everyone disembarked except the fast asleep me. I woke up when a blue uniformed man patted me. “Where am I? Where did the rest of the gang go?” You should see the face on my friend’s Nate when he realized I was not in the group. He went back inside the metro. I had my power nap, relaxed and rejuvenated and here he was, more anxious than me!
    

   Off to the train station!

8. Live the in the magic of the moment – Every time you visit a new place, be sure not to miss a thing or at least do as much as you can. Mesmerize, listen, sing, swing in a hammock, savor the view. Explore with arms wide open but also take extra precautions.
   

   Meet my new friends in Rio!

9. Mingle and meet other travelers – you will learn tips and tricks of their world travel. When you are open, joyful and friendly who knows you might also get lucky as me. Be open to spontaneous invitations. Find new friends, have local dish for lunch, exchange names, emails and facebook accounts if it feels like, say thank you’s, and hug goodbyes.
10. Count your blessings – The fact you are touring Rio de Janeiro means you are better off than most of the millions people in the world. Every moment is one to be grateful for.

Did you know that Rio de Janeiro means January River? This is so cool because I was born in January and I love the river banks in the country side. “Peace is flowing like a river. Flowing love from you and me. Feeling the love that set us free. Free to live the life has given me.”

Be free to live your life!

Related Post: A Rio de Janeiro Adventure Guide – Part 1