Rio De Janeiro

It's amazing what a difference 24 hours makes. At 11 AM Tuesday I was in the midst of the seniors in Hebron working. Just 24 hours later I was in a wild cab careening down the streets of Rio at high speeds- missing others by millimeters, brakes squealing, horns blaring. It was like being in the middle of a live action version of the car chase video games.
The driver seemed delighted that he had caused Bert´s heart to palpitate as he rode shotgun. He kept patting him on the back saying something in ?Portugese. No idea what. I have been in Portugal and thought it not too different from Spanish. Not in Brazil. It is really hard to follow and really few people have much English.
We are at the Premier Copacabana Hotel, a moderate 15 story with a spectacular rooftop pool area that overlooks Copacabana and in turn is looked down on by the Christ the Redeemer statue.
We flew Tam Air- lots of delays, somewhat surly staff but we did get here. They are no Thai Air- that´s for sure. At least we don´t have to fly back with them.
Rio seems beautifully situated with the ocean on one side backing up into myriad mountains. Climbing up the sides of these are the favelas- neighborhoods which are really shantytowns. There is presently an outbreak of dengue fever so we cover up. It is also a dangerous city due to the widespread poverty. I wear no jewelry and am very conscious at all times of my surroundings. It is a little nerve wracking but we are only here for a few days and overall the city in so beautiful and unique.

Wed April 3
Up early at breakfast we met a German couple, Hans and Sylvia who will also be on the ship. They, as most others, are taking a formal tour. We, as usual, strike out on our own. We used the Metro and bus to get to Corcovado. This is the site of the massive Cristo Redemptor statue- now one of the 7 wonders of the world. For about 36 Reals or $20 we took a cog railroad to the top of the hill passing through the Tijuca Rainforest. We were among the first there. Unbelievable views! 2329 feet up in the air. The art deco Christ was 98 feet higher. We could see all of Rio- the mts.,bays, beaches. Incredible!
From there we were back on the metro to the Metropolitan Cathedral. The most bizarre church. It looks like a concrete honey-combed beehive with 4 huge stained glass windows culminating in a clear window cross at the top. We were able to attend Mass. These people really get into it- alternately clapping and raising thier hands high- not to mention the kiss of peace.
A short walk took us to Lapa- a favela- and the Sedlaron Escalaria. This is a formerly concrete set of stairs taken over 20 years ago by the artist Sedlaron. He has covered all the walls and step risers with tiles from all over the world. The result is a wild melange of color and shapes. Truly fascinating. Sedlaron himself was working laying some tile today and he took time out for a picture. He lives in a tiny room, wears a red hat and shorts and nothing else. Born in Chile in 1947, he sports a grey ponytail and a warm personality. His present assistant, Angela, is a 20 something beauty from Mexico City who translated for us. He drew a quick sketch for us as a souvenir. A very interesting experience.
We ended our tour at Sugar Loaf. We were fortunate to be befriended by a young businessman who directed us thru the Metro and bus ride telling us of his years in Austin, Tx and what it was like to live in Rio. I survived the cable car to Sugar Loaf. The car flew high over the harbor- 1300 feet. If you know how much I hate heights, you would be very impressed. The payoff was the view from the top. Indescribable. Rio has to be the most beautifully situated city in the world. At the top we got drinks and then listened as the couples near us discussed theirimpemding cruise tomorrow. These 12 people were 4 Dutch and 8 Asian. So we will have a veritable UN on board.
Tonight we ate takeout empanadas on the hotel roof with a warm breeze and soft raindrops. Bert finished his day with a sauna. As I write this in the hotel, the lady next to me is also on the cruise and we are making plans for tomorrow.Please excuse the poor writing. The keyboard is missing many letters.