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From the waterfalls to one of the most famous beaches in the world.... Ipanema (yes, where the girl comes from in the famous Astrid Gilberto song). Rio really does revolve around the beaches - lots of beautiful people tanning and parading across Leblon, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. Ipanema is regarded as one of the safest and we really enjoyed walking around its many restaurants and bars from our sea-view hotel. The beach itself is beautiful and busy with hawkers selling everything from swimsuits to cosmetics and every drink you can think of. We enjoy fresh coconut milk straight from the fruit. It's a tough life....
Jesus watches over the city from the highest peak and, having spotted him on the way into town from the airport, we were keen to visit this impressive statue ourselves.
Already the ride up the peak on the antique tram is spectacular and we are very lucky to catch a momentary break in the clouds to enjoy a 360 degree view of Rio.
This view finally convinces us to also ascend the sugarloaf via it's two -slightly scary- cable cars.
Another breathtaking view of this immense city of extreme contrasts!
Having observed the city from on high we later explored some more areas on foot.... That evening we head to Lapa, Rio's party district and home to its most famous nightspot, Rio Scenarium. Part restaurant, part bar, part nightclub filled with countless antiques and curiosities across three huge floors. We spot a homeopathy cabinet, fridge doors, motorbikes and strange dolls... But as memorable is the high quality live music which attracts not just tourists but also ( to our positive surprise ) huge numbers of locals. We leave before 1am and it feels like it is just getting going...
After three days on Ipanema we decide to see a different part of the City and head to Santa Teresa, the old colonial heart of the city set inland on the hillside away from the sea.
We enjoy strolling around this bohemian, laid back area with it's cobble stones and local bars with live music.
In the following days we also visit the old coffee-house of Rio, called 'Confeitaria Colombo'
before we start packing again to head north, up the coast of Brasil.
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