Rio 2016 (Part-11)

We still have two days to kill before we fly to Iguazu. We decided to explore some the islands of Rio de Janeiro. There are several islands situated in and around the mainland Rio de Janeiro.

Our ride to Paqueta Island

We decided to pay a visit to the Paqueta Island in the next day [August 30, 2016]. We have searched through google and found out that the only way to go there is by taking a ferry.

Beautiful Paqueta Island

Boats and Ferries depart from Rio de Janeiro at the XV. The trip takes a little over one hour (70minutes) and offers breath-taking views of the Guanabara Bay, Fiscal Island, Rio/Niteroi Bridge, Sun Island, Jurubaibas, among others. The boats and ferries operate from 5:15 am to 11pm, and depart every 2 hours approximately. The tickets cost roughly 3 dollars [US $] per person [R $ 4.50 reais].

Amazing Paqueta Island

We were allowed to use our Rio card at the ferry as well so we just swiped in and board to the ferry. Life was really easy with the Rio card. Benefits of being a volunteer.

Peace

The Paqueta Island is a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, part of the Guanabara bay. The island is a historic neighborhood with many cultural sites. There are historical squares, monuments, churches, chapels, statues. The roads are still paved with rocks (bumpy roads). Paqueta Island is a little piece of Brazilian history that has been preserved and protected. The neighborhood is calm and non-violent, and it is considered a perfect place to visit with family and friends.

The Beauty 

Its population was formed by members of the nobility, the landowners and slaves. Paqueta became, at the end of the nineteenth century, a tourist attraction with the publication of the novel "Moreninha", which has attracted visitors since then to enjoy the island's bucolic attractions.

Experiencing life

It is hard to believe, but the island of Paquetá is an official district of Rio de Janeiro. It looks like perfect picture book with its green hills, colorful fishing boats and pink colonial buildings. No cars are allowed on the muddy roads, only an ambulance and a garbage truck. The approximately 3,000 inhabitants usually use their bicycles.

Isn't it amazing?

Living in Paqueta Island is like living in constant contact with nature. The Island comes with beautiful beaches, mountains, beautiful old buildings and amazing views to Atlantic Ocean. What else do you need to spend rest of your life [well at least few years].

Sunset! Beauty of the Island

The island hosts many events, such as the Feast of San Roque, a tribute to the patron saint of the island that happens throughout the week or the weekend near August 16 of every year. There is also the Feast of St. Peter, in honor of the patron saint of fishermen. The fishermen maintain the tradition of a maritime procession on June 29.

Amazing Photography by Razon Bhai

The only problem the Islanders have is the water pollution. The water is contaminated with plastic bags, bottles and other household and industrial objects.

Sunset! Beautiful Paqueta Island. 

However the island itself is not the reason for the water pollution in the bay, but rather the nearby metropolis of Rio. More than 50 rivers flow into Guanabara Bay, around nine million people live in its vicinity, more than half of them in poor conditions.

Sunset! Paqueta Island.

We spent around 3 hours at the island and visited one side to other. Three hours is certainly not enough to explore an Island like Paqueta. If you really wanna experience you need to stay at the Island for at least couple of days.

Fishing at Paqueta Island. Rio.

As we went there in the afternoon and we were lucky enough to experience the beautiful sunset in the other side of the Island. The view was spectacular.

At the Ferry. With Razon Bhai.

If I get the chance again then will certainly visit the Island again and will certainly stay few nights at the Island.

< To Be Continued >

Rio 2016 (Part-10)

Sugarloaf Mountain (Portuguese: Pão de Açúcar pronounced [ˈpɐ̃w̃ d͡ʒi aˈsukaʁ]) is a peak situated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at the mouth of Guanabara Bay on a peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. Rising 396 m (1,299 ft) above the harbor, its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of concentrated refined loaf sugar. It is known worldwide for its cableway and panoramic views of the city.

Sugarloaf

The name "Sugarloaf" was coined in the 16th century by the Portuguese during the heyday of sugar cane trade in Brazil. According to historian Vieira Fazenda, blocks of sugar were placed in conical molds made of clay to be transported on ships. The shape given by these molds was similar to the peak, hence the name. “WIKI”

On the cable car...

The first leg of the trip is from Avenida Pasteur in Praia Vermelha, the Red Beach District, which takes you to the top of Urca Mountain. The one kilometer ride gives you the first aerial view of Copacabana, the Christ statue, Niteroi Bridge and Guanabara Bay. There are some gift shops, restaurants and a small theater with informational videos. Don’t forget to carry your camera to record some of the most spectacular views of the region. There a number of trials through the thick vegetation and natural observation posts put up at different heights.

Sugarloaf

The second cable car takes you from Urca to the top of Sugarloaf with an amazing 360-degree view of the region. You can sit down and enjoy the view from one of the fast-food shops around the area. Alternatively, you can follow a trail around the top of the hill. Be there at sunset and you will be treated to the most spectacular scenery on the planet. Undoubtedly, the overlooks on Sugarloaf provide some jaw-dropping views of the ocean and the city as well. Those sensitive to heights better beware.

Sugarloaf

“Sugarloaf” is a must go/visit not only for tourist but also for travelers. There are two ways you can climb. You can take a cable car or you can hike. You don’t have to pay anything if you hike however if you wanna take a cable car you need to pay.

View from the cable car

We wanted to see the sunset from the top of the mountain so we decided to go there after lunch. Shakib was available so he decided to join us.

View from the top 

This is where Razan Bhai got upset again. We decided to go by cable car and adult ticket costs R$71.00 & Student/under age ticket costs only R$35.00. I paid the student price and Shakib paid the same as we used student ID card. However Razon Bhai had to pay the full price. He was so upset.

Take two paths cable car to peak, it is amazing. If you really want to spend time for watching sunset, remember to bring jacket as strong wind there. Generally, two and half hours is enough much there for sight-seeing and shopping at shops there.

Sugarloaf

Cable cars run every 20 minutes. The first cable car up departs at 8:10am and the last cable car up departs at 8pm. The last car down departs from the summit at 8:40pm. The box office where you exchange your voucher is open between 8am and 7:50pm.

View from the top

Although Razon Bhai was upset due to paying full price however after seeing the view from the cable car he calm himself down. The view was spectacular and hard to describe.

Sugarfie...

We went to the first mountain and stayed there for half an hour and enjoyed the view. We then took another car to the second mountain. View from Second Mountain was even more jaw-dropping. Someone said million dollar view however I think it’s a billion dollar view.

We stayed at the second mountain about an hour. Shakib decided to leave as he has some other plans. I and Razon Bhai decided to hike on our way back however after hiking about 20 minutes we became so tired. Weather was so hot and humid.

On top of the Mountain

Million dollar view

We came back to the first mountain and stayed there for couple of hours to observe the sunset however we had to leave just before the sunset as we were so tired.

The view

A day well spent. Slowly all places in Rio are being ticket off from my list. We were happy to see the progress.

< To Be Continued >

Rio 2016 (Part-9)

Niterói is a municipality of the state of Rio de Janeiro in the southeast region of Brazil. It lies across Guanabara Bay facing the city of Rio de Janeiro and forms part of the Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan Area. It was the state capital, as marked by its golden mural crown, from 1834 to 1894 and again from 1903 to 1975. It has an estimated population of 487,327 inhabitants (2010) and an area of 129.375 km (80.39 mi), making it the second most populous city in the state. It has the highest Human Development Index of the state. The city has the nicknames of Nikity, Nicki City and the Smile City [Cidade Sorriso)].

Our ride to Niterói

Studies by the Getulio Vargas Foundation in June 2011 classified Niterói as the richest city of Brazil, with 55.7% of the population included in class A. Considering the classes A and B, Niterói also appears in the first place, with 85.9% of the population in these classes. “WIKI”

Ferry 

Júlia [my colleague] informed us in the other day that she is from Niterói. She also told us that it’s a beautiful island and a must go attraction for everyone. So we decided to pay a visit to this beautiful city. Next day [on 28^th August 2016] I and Razon Bhai took a ferry from the central ferry station of Rio named “Porto Maravilha”.

On Board selfie...

The ferry station was not far from our hill top apartment. To get to Niterói, we took the Rio-Charitas catamaran ferry from Praça XV in Centro to the far side of Guanabara Bay, near the outcrop known as Morro de Pico. From here one can walk around to the markets and a shopping mall, and find buses or taxis to the next destination. The return ferry leaves from the center and arrives back at Praça XV in around 15 minutes.

At Niterói

If bus travel is preferred, or, if Praça XV is inconvenient for the final destination, then you can take a bus over the Rio-Niterói bridge, from which, on a clear day, the views are spectacular. The more modern, air conditioned ‘1001’ buses (761D, 751D and 741D) make stops all over Rio and cost R$5. However, during rain storms or rush hour, the bridge can become extremely congested, making the ferry the best option. On our way back we wanted to take the bus however we could not find the bus stop.

Niterói...

However ferry is much cheaper than bus and it costs around R$2.8. However we used Rio card given by Rio 2016 Organizing Committee. It was free and we were allowed to use in almost all forms of public transports. Life was much easier with Rio Card.

Niterói from the ferry...

Also it was very hot and tiring. We walked from one side to other side of the city. Tried some local street foods on our way back to the ferry station. As it was very hot we were not brave enough to go to the other part of the city where the Oscar Niemeyer designed Museum of Contemporary Art is located. This is one of Niterói’s most famous sights. We decided to visit Niterói with Júlia again however did not get the time unfortunately. 

Niterói

Along the coast, Niterói is blessed with endless, often empty beaches. Cleaner and less crowded than Copacabana or Ipanema, Niterói’s shores attract a loyal number of families, students and sports enthusiasts. As well as surfing and stand-up paddle boarding, extreme water sports such as wakesurfing, wakeboarding and skimboarding are increasingly popular. However unfortunately we did not get the chance to experience any of these. Hopefully next time…

Colombia House...

As our dream of using a bus for our return faded we used the same route. Took another ferry to return to mainland of Rio.

Our ride home...

However from the ferry station we took a VLT [Light rail system built for 2016 summer Olympic Games.

< To Be Continued >

Rio 2016 (Part-8)

And we still had few more days before we fly to Iguazu. However we had to complete some formalities like collecting uniforms and attending venue specific training. So the next day we decided to collect our Paralympic uniforms and do some shopping i.e. eggs, noodles and breads. That’s right we ate homemade egg burgers or noodles most of the nights at our apartment during our time at Rio as did not want to waste our valuable time cooking.

Summary of 26th August 2016

Our venue specific training was scheduled on 26^th & 27^th August 2016 in the morning. As mentioned earlier I was part of Event Management Team and my training was scheduled for both Olympic Stadium famous Maracanã Stadium. I was so excited as I heard so many stories about Maracanã.

Ipanema

Our venue specific training finished just after lunch and decided to go fishing at famous Ipanema Beach. Razon Bhai was part of International Relation Team and he also finished after lunch. I invited him to join me in my fishing adventure. He agreed and we decided to meet at Central Station.

London 2012 in Rio

 Weather in Rio is mostly warm and an average sunshine hour in August is around 7 so we had plenty of time to enjoy. Fishing by the coastline was not easy for me as I never had that experience before. We borrowed someone else’s equipment and tried fishing for about half an hour. Well taking pictures was our first priority. We had a good time at the beach.

Fishing at Ipanema

Next day was our final day of training. Training for this kind of international events are similar except the cultural integration part where they generally show the do’s and don’ts. Our training finished just after lunch and Bruno & Júlia invited us to join them. They wanted to go to Ipanema again. Ipanema is a place where you can go every day.

Beautiful Ipnema..

On our way to Ipanema we decided to taste some traditional foods and juice from exotic fruits of Brazil. Rio sucos is known as Juice Bar. As the weather is generally hot in Rio you will find a juice bar at every single street of Rio and the prices are not that expensive. With 2 to 7 Brazilian reais (Real) you will get about 250 ml to 500 ml pure and fresh juice.

The website Toda Brazil lists 146 fruits grown in Brazil. The count runs to 14 before you're even out of the A's: abacate (avocado), abacaxi (pineapple), abiu, abricó, açaí, acerola, akee, ameixa, amêndoa, amora, anonáceas, araçá, atemoya, avelã.

We. At Ipanema...

I always brought the mixed (mixed with different types of fruits) one. Unlike Taipei, Taiwan you can eat and drink at every public transportation systems in Rio. So we always brought at least a drink whenever I was in the Metro.

Porção de Pastel

A day well spent…..

Coxinha

< To Be Continued >

Rio 2016 (Part-7)

Rio de Janeiro is a huge seaside city in Brazil, famed for its Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, 38m Christ the Redeemer statue atop Mount Corcovado and for Sugarloaf Mountain, a granite peak with cable cars to its summit. The city is also known for its sprawling favelas (shanty towns). Its raucous Carnaval festival, featuring parade floats, flamboyant costumes and samba dancers, is considered the world’s largest. The city is about 1,255 km² and founded in March 1565. This is how Google described Rio. 

Near Boulevard Olímpico

I would like to add few things here. People of Rio de Janeiro are called “Cariocas”. Although Carioca means anything related to the City of Rio de Janeiro. Most of the people of Rio are amazingly nice. They love partying, listening music with Bar-B-Que and alcohol.

Museum of Tomorrow

Although to some outsiders Rio is one of the most dangerous cities in the world and it has some bad reputation. Especially the slums are very dangerous. I happened to live very close to a slum and saw people (even very young age) carrying guns. Surprisingly I was not scared and fortunately never had to experience anything bad.

Fort Copacabana

There are so many places that you can visit while you are in Rio. Although most tourists know few places. People who consider themselves travelers, they always try and go beyond what others do.

Pizza Hut, Rio with WhatsApp Group. Cutest daughter of Paula

Before moving to Rio we formed a WatsApp Group and we (members of that group who were available) decided to catch-up near Ipanema Beach. We decided to meet at Pizza Hut on 24^th August 2016 in the evening. Razan Bhai was not a member of that group however I invited him to join us and he agreed.

Fort Copacabana

As the catch up party was scheduled in the evening we decided to utilize the whole day but we did not wanna go too far. Fort Copacabana was on my long list of places that I wanted to visit. We decided to pay a visit to the fort as it was closed to the Pizza Restaurant.

Fort Copacabana

Fort Copacabana (Portuguese: Forte de Copacabana, IPA: is a military base at the south end of the beach that defines the district of Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro. The base is open to the public and contains the Museu Histórico do Exército (Army Historical Museum) and a coastal defense fort that is the actual Fort Copacabana. This is such a fascinating place where you can spend the whole day.

Fort Copacabana

 The fort is built on a headland that originally contained a small chapel holding a replica of the Virgen de Copacabana, the patron saint of Bolivia. In 1908 the Brazilian army started to build a modern coastal defense fort on the headland to protect both the beach of Copacabana and the entrance to the harbor of Rio de Janeiro. The fort, completed in 1914, consists of two armoured cupolas, one holding a pair of 305 mm (12 in) Krupp cannons, and the other a pair of 190 mm (7 1⁄2 in) Krupp cannons. - “WIKI”

Fort Copacabana

The hours for the Museum are 10 am to 6 pm and the fort are 10 am to 8 pm, Tuesday to Sunday and holidays. Admission for adults is R$6 per adult; there are discounts and free tours for the elderly and children. I paid half as I used student card however Razan Bhai had to pay the full price and he was not happy about that. At the entrance to the base there is a guard in the uniform that was current when the fort was opened in 1914.

Pizza Hut, Rio with WhatsApp Group

We sent almost the entire day at the Fort. Pizza Hut was about 15 minutes walking distance from the Fort. My lovely friend from Turkey Pelin knocked me on WhatsApp. She said he is on her way and should arrive at the restaurant by 6 PM. Me and Razan Bhai decided to go and join them.

Pizza Hut, Rio with WhatsApp Group

We were super excited as we were about to meet with people from different countries with whom we chatted years in WhatsApp. By 7PM almost everyone came in and the non-stop eating and conversation begun. We were about 20 people and stayed there till around 10 PM. This is where I met Lu (the admin of the Group) from Brazil, Pelin from Turkey, Sharan from India, Matheus from Rio, Paula from Rio with he mother and 2 beautiful daughters, Laurent from France, Anne from France, Michelly from Rio and some other lovely people. A day well spent.  

< To Be Continued >