Rio de Janeiro

View from Cristo Redentor

5 am is early for any arrival, including to Rio de Janeiro. Before the city even woke up, we were there, talking to taxi drivers, planning on places to see and things to do with such little time. All we could think about so early in the morning on this beautiful sabbath day was to see Cristo Redentor. The second we peeked our heads out of the bus station, we could see its white figure looking over all of Rio. Finally, something so well known but seen only in pictures and movies was real and in front of our very faces! Easily, one of the best moments of the trip.

We took the first train and the sun was still coming up

It took a taxi ride and a trolley to reach the top of one of the citys central mountains where a resurrected Christ (that's how we saw it at least) reigns over all the eye can see. There is a plaque by the statue that gives details of its owners and different restorations it has gone through over the years. The most interesting of all is the vision behind the idea. Originally Christ was going to hold a cross in His right hand and the world in His left, then realism replaced symbolism. Now, His figure spreads His arms wide to represent the cross, while the city of Rio de Janeiro represents the world. It was a brilliant revelation. The grey marble base was also home to a chapel or cathedral were worship was taking place. 

The stadium was massive, this doesnt give it justice.

From the top of the mountain, we saw a stadium in the distance... SOCCER... we also put two and two together and realized that there was way more English tourists then the usual amount. Turns out, there was a friendly going on, Brazil vs. England, with the best players present, all getting ready for Mundial (World Cup) in Brasil this 2014. We decided any amount of money was worth it to get into the game, but apparently it wasn't because we couldn't find a single one for sale. The place was packed. We tried to buy tickets from a street vendor but it was a little too obvious when we compared a real ticket with stickers and anti-counterfeit logos and the tickets this guy was selling. Horrible black and white copies. I personally felt embarrassed for the attempt, he couldn't even commit to a color copy? People started warning us that there really weren't any tickets left and to be careful with the guys we were talking to. Sad and disappointed, we drowned our sorrows in a Churrasqueria where we watched the game with the locals.

In between our all-you-can eat delicious meat dinner and the failed attempt to attend the soccer game, we checked out the famous, Copacabana beach. Its basically a long stretch of hotels and stores with the most people I have ever seen in the water. It might be an obvious comment, but the water keeps getting warmer the father we get up on the coast. There was a lot of small tent business' renting bikes, umbrellas, chairs, and even those stand up surf board things. 

We wanted to go check out a few other places and beaches but the clouds started heading our way. It was actually good timing because the game was about to start and we had starved ourselves all day so we would be as hungry as possible for the Churrasqueria. The game was a good one, 2-2 was the final score, but the goals were Sportscenter Top 10 worthy for sure. After the game and the food, Dustin had to go get his things and head for his plane home. It was a sad moment for all of us.

Although we have done so much together, it feels weird losing a whole fourth of our crew! He will certainly be missed as we have 3 more cities to visit and to explore before our journey comes to a close. If there is anything I have learned so far, it's that there is always un mundo más allá... We hope to catch some good weather and some history as we get to Porto Seguro where Brazil was discovered by the Portuguese. 

 We´ll leave you with the view of Copacabana (and way too many speedos) until our next post. We have recieved word that Dustin is home safe and working hard on his medical school application. We wish him luck on his new adventure. Thanks to everyone for the amazing support we have had with this blog. Derek is working on the translation for a newspaper article that was written about us in Sorocaba! Stay tuned!