For those of you not acquainted with one of Rio's symbols, when the monument isn't wrapped in scaffolding it appears like this:
Even with Cristo all wrapped up, Heaven might be in Brasil. There are certainly enough angels in this large country to at least feel like heaven. We met so many of them....
Kind strangers helped us find our way, deciphered menus, taught us about fútbol, but our favorite angels were
found on a hiking trail. Our timing was such that we were on the trail with a large group of 9 year kids on a school field trip. At first we attempted to avoid them; we wanted a quiet experience, you understand. But they wouldn't leave us alone, in fact, we ended up being more of a sight than the natural wonders that were near the trail. They wanted to see our light eyes, look at our binoculars, laugh at our Portuguese attempts, and hold our hands. They were genuinely curious about us. Many hugged us, many shook our hands; they all tried to say goodbye in English. Look closely and you'll see either Steve or Amy surrounded by a bunch of Brazilian angels.
Brazilians love to have a good time, even their paddle boats are dressed to party...
Cheap beer is everywhere, even in a busy downtown business area....
Some Brazilians may be poor, but they are far from dumb. Their communities, called Favelas, have the best views!
Rio's mosaic tile sidewalks are some of the most beautiful we've seen.....
Fútbol is an obsession. Passion for it seems to be in the DNA; loved by all ages.
The party atmosphere and the beaches are impressionable, but, by far, it's the scenic beauty and the friendliness of the people that will linger in our memories. Obrigada Rio!
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Obrigado - the only Portuguese I remember from my trip...Say, Amy, could you send one of those beach go'ers up this way! You know the one I mean! :)
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