The tram (Bonde) to Sta. Teresa.
After three days at Ipanema, PA/PR Gromit decided that we should move to the historic center of Rio.
We've truly enjoyed the beach life. Ipanema with its chilled out atmosphere, the more happening Copacabana, and the surf break of Arpoador. I've fallen in love with Arpoador, it really has consistent waves and it's also where the favela kids swim so you get a chance to interact with the whole spectrum of Rio natives. Further down is Leblon but it has more to do with shopping. And anywhere in the world, shopping centres all look same so it was very boring to HRO Karl Willem, PA/PR Gromit and The Nashman.
Besides, Sta. Teresa is only 20 minutes from the beach. It's Rio's equivalent to Montmarte because it's Art Central but it's more edgy. It's on the hills completely surrounded by a favela.
When HRO Karl Willem, PA/PR Gromit, and The Nashman arrived, there was a photo shoot going on in the living room which also serves as an art gallery. We could have stayed to watch but decided to let the naked models work unhindered by our charismatic presence. (Baka di sila maka-concentrate while we were there..)
So we went up to see the iconic Cristo statue on top of Corcovado. I didn't really want to go knowing it's a tourist trap. I'm glad I did, because even if you completely ignore the 35m tall concrete representation of God's boy, the views from the top at sunset are beautiful! (This will be discussed in detail later.)
I also saw the bus to Cidade de Deus. Too bad I didn't get to catch it!
Madami akong mga pa-feeling na acquaintances sa Manille na nagpayong "Naku, hwag kang pupunta sa favela.." or "Hindi safe sa Rio.." etcetera at kung ano pang ka-eklatan. Being a sheltered posh Baguio boy from da hood, hindi ko naman maintindihan ang mga taga-baba eh kung tutuusin marami rin namang slums sa Manila.
Lapa. Slowly being regenerated. The hip night clubs are here.
Niemeyer's Masterpiece - the Cathedral.
Petrobras building. Brasil is self-sufficient and is not a member of OPEC.
Reminded me of Dainty Lunch. Kaya naman medyo may tears in my eye....
Brasil is VW Combi land.....
Detail of Tiradentes monument.
Mga pa-art pictures ng mga torista sa Cristo statue.
Corcovado is within the Tijuca Forest Reserve. This is the largest urban forest in the world and allegedly reduces Rio's temperature by 9 degrees! So yung mga nagpuputol-putol ng pine tree sa Malcom Square or saan mang siyudad sa Pilipinas, Putang-ina ninyo! Hindi nyo alam ang importance ng mga puno!