Rio de Janeiro

January 24: We flew from Salvador to Rio on (Vo)Gol airline. We checked into our hotel and then went for a walk on Copacabana beach which was located just several blocks from our hotel. The beach next to it is Ipanema beach. January 25: We went to Pao de Acucar (Sugarloaf) which is a large hill. It's name comes from when Brazilian slaves use to make loaves of "bread" from sugar that were the same shape as this hill. We rode on a cable car to a slightly lower hill (as seen in the picture below) and then to the top for a spectacular view of the city below. The weather was very nice and so I was able to get some pretty good pictures of the city below.

January 26: We took a tour of Rio by a van which included driving to see Corvocado/Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer). It was rainy and foggy so the view wasn't what it could have been but it was still nice. I remember seing the statue in a movie in jr. high but I can't remember what movie was. It was the first thing that came to my mind when I thought of Brazil so it was really cool to see it in person.

January 27: I went shopping today with Dominique at Rio Sul mall. We're always proud of ourselves when we manage to navigate ourselves somewhere (ie take a bus). We always make sure to "ask" when we get on the bus to make sure. I bought lot's of stuff. A green bikini that isn't too "Brazilian" and was cheap for a nice suit by American standards. It's the only time in my life when I've ever bought a large! I'm not a prude but even a medium was very innappropriate by American standards. I think it's really cool that Brazilian women seem to not worry as much about their bodies. Througout the trip I saw women of all shapes and sizes wearing bikinis and other fashionalbe clothing without seeming self conscious about it.
I also bought several shirts at a store called Lojas Renner. One shirt that would have been US$35 was only R$20 (US$8). Too bad that place doesn't have online shopping on their website! Another purchase was a shot class with the Brazilian Flag and the country on it. I collect shot glass
Links