Rio De Janeiro

Rio for New Years Eve is a really big deal. It bring in over 2 million Brazilians and tourist to Copacabana Beach to celebrate the new year. It is one big party with drummers and everyone on the beach is dressed in white to symbolize peace. People also throw flowers into the ocean as an offering to lemanja, the Brazilian goddess of the sea, in order to wish for prosperity in the new year. At midnight the sky is lit up with the most speactular fireworks show, spanning the entire 2 miles along the beach. 

We spent 5 amazing days in Rio! We did a whole day of sightseeing. The most famous thing to do is to see Christ the Redentor.

This iconic statue can be see from almost anywhere in the big city of Rio. It was completed in 1931 and stands 98 feet tall. Symbolizing Christianity across the world, it has become a new 7th wonder of the world. 

We also visited Maracanã soccer stadium, where two World Cups and the 2016 summer Olympics was hosted. One World Cup being recently held there in 2014 and the other in 1950, the same year the stadium opened. This is another iconic building for Brazil, being the second largest stadium in South America and place where some incredible athletic events are held. 

We also visited the site where Carnival takes take and we were able to try on the costumes worn by the dancers. Carnival is the largest festival held in Brazil that happens before Ash Wednesday and the start of lent, lasting for about a week. The week entails extravagant floats, samba dancing and street parties. Samba dancers goes to schools all year long to perfect their routine for Carnival. 

We also visited the famous Lapa steps. These 215 steps are decorated by beautiful colorful tiles by self taught artist, Jorge Seldron, a Chilean who had traveled the world and settled in Rio in a tiny house in front of the steps. 

Another one of our days spent in Rio was hiking Dois Irmaos, or 2 brothers in Portuguese. This iconic rock formation can be seen through Rio and tocuhing the rocks is believed to bring one good energy. Unfortunately we didn’t make it to the popular lookout on the mountain as our cab driver took us to the wrong trail but we still had a great view overlooking the beaches of Rio and sugarloaf mountain. And we still touched the rocks for good energy!

The rest of our time in Rio was spent on the beach and wondering around the city! Oh and Açaí!! Most of you know I had a mild obsession with açaí bowls right before I left, and Brazil is where this amazing superfood comes from! You better believe I’ve eaten it every single day I’ve been here! The best we have found is on the beach 👍

Another thing you will find everywhere in Brazil besides Açaí is caipirinhas, the national drink of Brazil. Similar to a mojito but is made with cachaca, a hard sugarcane liquor. People down here love it but I didn’t love it as much. They are strong! P.s 

Rio has been an amazing experience!! We are headed to the island of Ilha Grande next but we missed our connection so waiting 3 additional hours.