Christ or Sugar Loaf

The following day's weather was a repeat of the former as the rain continued to
fall and grey clouds persisted in the sky. Unfortunately this was our
last sightseeing day in Rio so we had to see the view from atop one or both of the
iconic mountains. A quick glance from our street showed us Christ the
Redeemer was just visible through the clouds so a taxi was promptly
hailed and we were on our way! 20 minutes and 20 Real later we
disembarked at the base of Christo Redentor only to be told the tram
to take us up the mountain wasn't running as the heavy rain in the
night had caused a tree to fall across the line. So the only way up
was via two taxi rides and a walk. Also we could see Christ and the

mountain he topped was in thick cloud.
These events made the disappointing decision for us and there would be no Christo on this
trip and the news was broken to the disappointed children.

Sadly we climbed back into a taxi and headed for Sugar Loaf mountain
which we were advised was lower than Corcavado (where Christ sits) so
may not be in cloud. Very soon we found ourselves in a
vertigo-inducing cable car making our first climb up the mountain.

A quick pit stop in the middle was filled with a drink whilst we awaited
the cessation of the rain, then we boarded a second cable car to the
summit of Pao de Açucar. As if by magic (but probably due to Ibby's
lucky stone - she tells me), the clouds cleared and the sun came out
revealing an amazing view of Rio. Even Christ popped his head out of
the clouds from his mountain some miles away. At last things were
going our way!

Back down the mountain we followed a walk around a little explored
area of town in the foothills, viewed more Portuguese architecture and
even experienced our first cafe in a backstreet with no tourists in sight - or English speakers! A tasty and cheap meal of beef stroganoff, black beans, rice and fries was consumed
surrounded by Cariocas- a great experience!

Our tour continued along the seafront then through a coastal forest path where we
witnessed capuccian monkeys in their natural habitat. Also we were
joined by a plethora of Brazilian joggers getting their daily exercise
or stretching out their limbs (I cannot tell you how often you will
see Brazilians stretching out their legs wherever you go!).

Tired and hungry, we took our last taxi of the day back to Ipenema and
after a quick pack up of our things we were back out on the bustling
nighttime streets in search of noodles. This had to be my favourite
day so far!