Sightseeing with Gillian

I have heard it said that when you are hung-over, get up and do something. Exercise is usually the best, but if you can’t do that at least get up. Gillian (Robinson, the mother on Ciao Bella that came 2nd in the 2011 Cape to Rio yacht race) and I have been talking about going sightseeing in Rio for a couple of days. Since I needed a partner in crime (and a walk to get rid of the hanger) and she was keen, I dragged her away from her family and we set off. Oh yes, with me a tour guide :)

We had two main objectives: The new cathedral, Catedral de Sao Sebastiao, (that looks more like an Inca Pyramid) and the tram up to Santa Teresa. I am always keen to take public transport in cities as it is cheap and you (sometimes) get a free tour of the city (obviously with no commentary). So the plan was to get a bus to Central, then walk South to the cathedral and take the tram.

As with every well thought out plan…you need to be flexible & improvise. We didn’t make it to Central, but got dropped off close to the Uruguaiana Metro (underground) station in Sarra. Since it was Sunday, the place was buzzing, even though this is a market for the locals. A couple of things bought, we were intrigued by the life in the little streets.

We finally teared ourselves away from the market and continued to the cathedral. This place is impressive! It was designed to attract the new generation, so the older style was mixed with modern. I think it was done quite well. There are 4 stained glass windows that stretch the height of the building which can seat 25 000 people! And no columns! Behind the pulpit is an area that is reserved for personal prayer, a quiet place if you will. Both of us spent some time there.

A short walk to the tram station and we were surprised to see three other people from RCYC planning to do the same thing. We all started talking which helped pass the time, as there are not many trams. At 60c per ride, you can’t really expect them to expand. This ride is one of the highlights of Rio, to me. It start going over the aqueduct in Lapa (the scene of the previous night’s party) then up through the old city into the mountains on which Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) is build. The streets are cobbled and lined with small shops & bars. The atmosphere is relaxed, with the only drawback being the prices of the bars. Obviously aimed at tourists. R$5.50 for a beer, which can be purchased for R$3.00 in town (R$4.00 for a Quart equivalent).

Wanting to take in some more of the city, we decided to walk back. But on the way, mention of the Sala Cecilia Meireles altered our course. I had been there, but was curious to see what it looked like in daylight. Quite a walk later we got there, with some disappointed faces. At least I was happy to be back.

A bus ride home ended off a great day. By this time my hangover had subsided :)

The market in Sarra; What seemed to be the main street in Sarra

 
Cathedral from the outside; Inside looking up; From the benches

The tram

Crammed in just like in Africa, except no chickens :)

Views from the tram: The street coming up; View of Rio’s CBD; Me where we disembarcked

The explorers: Mike & his wife; Gillian & I, All of us (Mariette in the middle)

 
2010 Soccer world cup art; Looking at Guanabara bay from Santa Teresa; A view as we walked down

Locals doing their thing at a roadside bar

Sala Cecilia Meireles stairs: Me; Looking up; Locals chillin'