Rio de Janerio

We arrived in Rio on Saturday morning. Not really knowing quite what to expect, we got the local bus into town which was an experience in itself and was definitely a good way to get a taste for the city. Tower blocks dominate the skyline and the colonial history of the city is not initially apparent however the favelas are instantly obvious and really quite shocking to see so many.

Over the next few days i tried to find out what the city is about and in no time at all it became obvious- the beach. If they have a moments spare time then there is no question they head to the beach. They are very active people and you see them playing volleyball, playing football, running and surfing in droves. Any weekend you will find that the inhabitants flock down there to enjoy and show off. Any conversation with an inhabitant of Rio usually ends up being about he beach.

It really is a simply stunning setting- the city is split into different areas by the numerous mountains and boasts the largest urban jungle in the world. After exploring and enjoying this city i think it is much more about the landscape than the architecture, it is a city about contrasts, about rich and poor about natural and man-made beauty.

There is of course another major part to this city and this is the favelas but i will cover this in a separate post.