If you ever go to Rio, go during Carnaval season, when its winter in America and summer in Brazil, and heres what you have to do!
Start your day of early like I did and go to Corcovado Mountain where Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) stands.
To get to the top of the mountain, take the Corcovado train, its a bit expensive, but theres a surprise that awaits.
Brazilian musicians enter half-way up the mountain playing Samba (Pagode)! What can i say? When they came on the train i declared my undying love for Brazil. It made the cost of the train all worth it. To hear the rich and unique sound of the banjo, rebolo, cuica, pandeiro and ganza playing together, not on a CD in cold Hartford, but live going up a mountain in Rio. It was one of the highlights of the day!
( Check out the sounds of these instruments here http://www.melsamba.com/sounds.htm )
When you meet Christ, it will be a wonderful experience. His arms are always out stretched, therefore you are always welcome. What a Magnificent structure!
After viewing the city from the mountain top, and resting at Christ's feet, head back down the mountain and on over to Lapa. Its time for another adventure, another ride!
Go to Santa Teresa, by tram, and stay for most of the day exploring the streets, taking pictures, admiring the architecture, eating at any of the restaurants there. Also make time to shop! The best store for "Arte Popular e artesanatos" (brasilian art and souveneirs), is La Vereda -Artes e Semelhantes. It carry high quality peices you'll find selling in Ipanema, and Copacabana, but for way less. A Wonderful store. (I which they had a website!)
Next and final stop for the day the Sambadrome. Heres a good tip! If you stop by early in the morning you'll be able to find out the times when the samba schools are going to practice there the same day and attend for free.
For free you can sit in the stands like i did, actually you wont want to sit, you'll be dancing and singing along with the brazilians surrounding you (there are song cards provided for people to sing along).
After doing all this, i cant imagine doing one more thing for the day. Between the sun, walking, and if you were adventurous enough and took the jets they call buses in Rio, you will be beat. Beat but satisfied for spending well filled day experiencing life and culture in Rio de Janeiro!
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