Tag: brazil
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Exploring Rio’s Historic District
When I think of Rio de Janeiro, I picture Sugarloaf Mountain, the golden beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, and Christ the Redeemer watching over the city. But I realized I knew very little about downtown Rio. So on the last day of our trip, I decided to join a free walking tour and explore its…
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Sugarloaf Mountain: An Afternoon Full of Surprises
We booked our tickets to Sugarloaf Mountain for mid-afternoon, hoping to see Rio from above in daylight and stay long enough to watch the sunset. It turned out to be a great decision. Surprisingly, there were no lines when we arrived, and within minutes we were stepping into the cable car. As the gondola climbed…
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Favela Rocinha, A Different Side of Rio
When planning our trip to Rio de Janeiro, I knew I wanted to visit Rocinha, the city’s largest favela. Favelas are an important part of Rio’s identity, and I wanted to see that side of the city for myself. I’ll admit, I was nervous. I didn’t know what to expect or whether joining a favela…
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A Walk Around Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas
After spending the morning at Christ the Redeemer and Parque Lage, we decided to walk back toward our hotel along Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. It was nearly a two-hour walk, but we weren’t in a hurry. Our only plan was to enjoy the afternoon, find a beautiful place to watch the sunset, and see what…
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A Jungle Hidden in the Middle of Rio de Janeiro
After visiting Christ the Redeemer, we made our way to Parque Lage. I had seen photographs of the beautiful Palacio with Christ the Redeemer rising high above it on Corcovado Mountain. It quickly became one of the places I was most looking forward to visiting. I imagined sitting in its famous courtyard café with a…
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My First Impression of Ipanema Beach
Before arriving in Rio de Janeiro, I assumed the city would have a slower, more laid-back feel to it. I imagined people lingering over coffee at seaside cafés, surfers heading into the waves, friends gathering for a game of volleyball, and families slowly making their way onto the sand. After visiting other coastal destinations, that…
Notes From Everywhere 