Saturday, February 2, 2013

Christ The Redeemer, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil: Vistas To Die For

"Jeeezaz Chriiist!", the hubby muttered.

I couldn't think of any thing more apt to say.

It was day 242 of our round-the-world trip. We watched Jesus grew bigger and bigger as our bus hurtled its way to the tram station on Rua Cosme Velho. In the spirit of Brazil's Carnival, a bunch of passengers aboard were either donning hideous wigs or hair accessories adorned with feathers. The air smelt of alcohol. It was an unnerving festive sight.
 
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The Christ of my dreams.
 
Hurriedly, we hopped off the bus when we realized that more than half of the passenger population were alighting. As we stepped on the sidewalk, we were immediately swallowed by a wild river of tourists that flowed toward Cosme Velho's station and eventually ended up in a sea of cosplayers and drunks. It was the ticket counter's queue.
 
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View offered by the Corcovado tram.

"Jeeezaz Chriiist!", was also the hubby's reaction when he learned that the next available trip was in an hour and a half's time. Since we came all the way from Rio De Janeiro's business district via public transport filled with rowdy crowds, we resolved to waiting. And time was easily passed chugging Brazilian fave Skol at a nearby drinking joint.

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Fight for your spot.

Our late afternoon foray to the tram was accompanied by a debate about buying a pair of Havaianas for little Luna. We rode in silence through Tijuca Forest until views unraveled through the window. At which point, some passengers rose from their seats to capture the stellar vistas with their larger-than-life SLRs. I did the same. Hubby fumbled in his pocket for the videocam, cautious not to wake a napping Luna draped on his shoulder.

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Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. Behind it, Ipanema.
 
Upon disembarking, we were with faced two options. A 220-step stairs versus an elevator+escalator combo. Though backbreaking - and not exactly a beeline, we chose the arduous ascent because it showcased more views. And to the hubby's vexation, because it passes by more souvenir shops.

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Pão de Açúcar or Sugarloaf Mountain.

The task of snapping shots without being photobombed required patience and skill. Every scenic nook and cranny had someone either posing in it or taking photo from it. Christ The Redeemer, the largest art deco statue in the world, is clearly not the sole attraction atop Corcovado mountain but also the bird's-eye view of Rio De Janeiro.

I got a love-hate relationship with the city, and I have to say, the "love" part includes its amazing topography.

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The lowdown. What you don't see on postcards. 
 
We climbed the last set of stairs. Luna awoke and gaped at the massive crowd. From the foot of the pedestal, Christ The Redeemer looked even more imposing with surprisingly soft features brought about by its soapstone mosaic outer layer. A remarkable work of engineering and art constructed in the 1920s. For me, without question, it deserves to be one of the "Wonders Of The World".

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Rear view at sunset.

"Jeeezaz Chriiist!"

This time, his expression bore a tone of astonishment. And again, I couldn't think of anything more apt to say.


Trip's Nitty Gritty:

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Can't remember where I stumbled upon this info, but I kept it for future reference.
 

1. How to get to Christ The Redeemer by subway and bus: Take the metro from any subway station in Rio De Janeiro to Largo Do Machado Station. Fare's about US$1.50. Bus stop is just outside the exit. Take bus #584 to Corcovado Train Station. Trip takes 15-20 minutes.


If you're coming from Copacabana or Ipanema, you could take bus #583.

2. Corcovado tram runs from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Leaves every half hour and a one-way trip lasts about 20 minutes. If you wish to visit at sundown, come earlier to purchase tickets. Rides are sometimes fully booked because of big tour groups. Cost for round-trip is about US$40+. Ticket must be used on the same day of purchase. Free admission for kids under 6.

No can of olive oil was used during our trip.


Round-The-World 2011-2012, Brazil Leg:

Rio Carnival 2012: Party Tickets For Two And A Half
Cabo Frio, Brazil Holidays: That Thong-Tho-Thong
Brazil Tourist Visa Application In Lima, Peru

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19 comments:

ian l www.brownmantrips.com said...
February 2, 2013 at 4:00 PM

wow... 1920's papala naitayo yan... I agree that should be included sa list.... this is one of the places that I hope I could go to during my lifetime. =)

Gay Emami said...
February 2, 2013 at 4:05 PM

Was surprised too when I found out about it. I hope you could go!

Gabe Mitra said...
February 2, 2013 at 5:45 PM

Wow, laki ni Jesus!

Gay Emami said...
February 2, 2013 at 5:48 PM

Haha!

Rache SP said...
February 2, 2013 at 5:56 PM

Beautiful photos and i love how you told the story :)



Cheers to Pinay Travel Junkie!

Gay Emami said...
February 2, 2013 at 7:53 PM

Thanks, love!

loladaisydukes said...
February 3, 2013 at 8:40 AM

Looking forward for my hike on July! Thank you so much for this <3

Gay Emami said...
February 3, 2013 at 9:32 AM

Oh wow! So excited for you!

Riz Baldivia said...
February 3, 2013 at 12:54 PM

Jeeeezazzzz Christ!!! Talo talo na pla sa spot! Ang kulet ng story na to Gay!

Gay Emami said...
February 3, 2013 at 1:33 PM

Worth the cashish :)

Marco TheSoulExplorer said...
February 3, 2013 at 4:15 PM

Huge Jesus Christ! The place is beautiful!

Bulen Bulen said...
February 3, 2013 at 8:59 PM

Whenever I see the resurrected Christ, I think about the cartoon movie: Rio. :-)
Amazing South America! Have a nice Sunday!

kulengkleng said...
February 3, 2013 at 9:03 PM

Whenever I see the resurrected Christ, I think about the cartoon movie: Rio. :-)
Amazing South America! Have a nice Sunday!

Gay Emami said...
February 4, 2013 at 7:36 AM

Haven't seen the whole movie :( Have a great Sunday!

Edmaration said...
February 5, 2013 at 7:28 AM

I am thinking more of the huge crowd 'coz I watched in NatGeo on how the gov't puts a remedy to aid the commuting public in Rio. Btw, I don't care. Hahaha! Seeing this makes all the effort of worth! :)

flip said...
February 5, 2013 at 5:21 PM

wow! ang ganda ng view!

Dennis *** said...
February 13, 2013 at 12:26 AM

Rio's been calling me for ages...need to apply for Pinoy passport na!

ian | going places said...
February 13, 2013 at 3:26 AM

No doubt the most popular landmark of Rio... a lot of scenic views on the top. I mean gorgeous views of Rio! I think I will enjoy taking snaps of photo too. This is paradise for travel photos! Great share, Gay!

Jessica Parker said...
February 24, 2013 at 9:53 PM

Rio De Janeiro no doubt is place having scenic views and a tropical atmosphere attracting a huge amount of tourism from all over the world. The environment of Rio seems like being a place of heavens on this mother earth. Resort Rentals

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