Foz do Iguaçu [Part – 01]

All packed and we are ready to fly to Iguaçu tomorrow. We booked a flight from RIO galeão - Tom Jobim International Airport with Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A [in short GOL Airlines].

On our way to Iguazu

We were too excited and decided to go to the airport early and since we wanted to use the public transport system while travelling to the airport we left our apartment around 11 AM although the flight was scheduled to depart at 16.55. It was a domestic flight.

Our ride to Iguazu

We booked a triple size room [room for three] for two nights through booking.com and we had to pay R$ 130 and R$ 10 for City Tax per stay [total R$ 140 which is equivalent to US$ 36 and BDT 3,050].

We are on our way....

The name of our hotel was Pousada Recanto and it was a family run boutique style hotel and the buffet breakfast was included for two. Since we will be staying outside for most of the time we were not so concern about the quality of our hotel.

Just landed at Iguazu International Airport

Anyway we took the flight from Tom Jobim International Airport and it took around 2 hours to reach Iguazu International Airport. We landed around 19.00 at the airport and decided to take a bus from the airport. Since English is not their main language it took a while for us to find the appropriate bus.

At Iguazu International Airport

Luckily there was an Asian volunteer who took the same flight to Iguazu [who visited Iguazu before] and he helped us find a bus. We took the bus from the airport however we had no idea about where to get off. We asked several other passengers about the hotel however most of them had no idea since most of the passengers are tourist like us.

Home for next two nights

There was a passenger in the bus who greatly helped us find our hotel. He was a bus driver by profession and knows every part of the city. 

Dinner

Anyway we reached our hotel by 20.30 and checked in. Since we had our lunch early we decided to take our dinner. Our hotel owner informed us that there is a nearby shopping mall where we can find some restaurants.

Large Pastel for me

We went to the restaurant and ordered some foods. I love Pastel so I ordered two large size pastels. Foods at Iguazu were a bit expensive especially fast foods.

In front our hotel

Anyway since we will have to cover a lot of areas tomorrow and new to the city we decided to go back to our hotel and make a detail plan. On our way to our room we asked the hotel owner about our plan for tomorrow. He gave us a clear idea about the route we should take.

At RIO galeão - Tom Jobim International Airport 

We were instructed to go the dining area for the buffet breakfast in the morning and the owner showed us the dining room.

Iguazu from above

We decided to go to bed early as we wanted to cover two large areas. One is the falls itself and the other one is a bird’s park which is known as Parque Das Aves not too far away from the Iguazu Water Falls.

Bird's Eye View of Iguazu

< To Be Continued >

Rio 2016 [Part-12]

And it’s another big break. It’s been nearly a year. A lot happened in the last few months. Had few amazing family trips to Sylhet, had some solo and group trips to different parts of the countries and had an amazing trip to Nepal. Will try and continue this time.

Our Ride to Governador Island 

Since we still have one more day before we fly to Iguazu we decided to visit another island near Mainland Rio. Moreover we really liked Paqueta Island and decided to cover as many islands as possible and decided to visit Governador Island in the next day [31 August 2016].

At the Ferry Station 

We had two options however we have decided to use the Ferry again since we loved it and also the station was not far away from our hilltop apartment. We took a ferry from the same ferry station from where we took a ferry for Paqueta Island.

From the Ferry

Boats and Ferries depart from Rio de Janeiro at the XV. The trip takes around one hour 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 per person.

Beautiful Governador Island

Although we have just used our Rio Card provided by the Organizing Committee of Rio 2016 Olympic Games & Paralympic Games.

Governador Island

However before our journey to Governador Island we have decided to pay a visit to Japan House which was located near the ferry station. Since Tokyo will the next Summer Olympic Games [Tokyo 2020] they have set us several Japan Houses in and around Rio.

At the Japan House

At these houses Japan tried to show the culture, heritages and attractive areas of the country. Main idea was to promote Japan. This is how upcoming host countries of Olympic try to showcase their countries since a large local and international crows gather in one place.

At the Japan House. Food & Japan. 

Japan is one of my favorite countries and I always admired the people of Japan not for World Wars but for their humble behaviors. Hosted a Japanese couple in my house while I was in London and loved them.

At Governador Island

My desire to visit Japan and especially volunteer in Tokyo 2020 doubled after visiting Japan House. Anyway we board the ferry around 3 PM on 31 August 2016 and reached Governador Island by 4 PM.

Beautiful Governador Island

Governador Island, also spelled Governours Island, Portuguese Ilha do Governador, island, the largest island which is around 12 square miles [31 square km] in Guanabara Bay, southeastern Brazil. Linked to the mainland and Rio de Janeiro by bridge, it is the site of a naval air station and shipyards. The main campus of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro is located on a smaller island between Governador Island and the mainland. The international airport of Galeão, opened there in 1977, is about 10 miles (16 km) from Rio de Janeiro’s centre.

Beautiful Governador Island

Rio de Janeiro's main airport, Galeão - Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport, and the Galeão Air Force Base are located on Governador Island and occupy about a third of it, in the western and northwestern parts. A small sea inlet that once existed on the northwestern shore was landfilled to build the airport's runway 10/28, thereby increasing the island's area.

Evening at Governador Island

Ferry station is located on other side of the Island which is predominantly a residential part. Just like Paqueta Island this is another beautiful Island of Rio. We spent around two and half hours at the island. We experienced our first Brazilian Rain while we were at the island.   

Razon Bhai at Governador Island

Just like other islands of Rio people from Governador Island suffer from high pollution from Guanabara Bay. Although surrounded by beaches, many of them have become inappropriate for usage even though the bay has been cleaned up in for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Checking-in at Governador Island

The island is home to only one professional football club, A.A. Portuguesa. Its home is Estádio Luso Brasileiro, which in recent years has been expanded so it can be used professionally by Botafogo, as Estádio Olímpico João Havelange, its normal home, is being used for Olympic purposes.

Evening view of Governador Island

Since we will be flying to Iguazu we were excited and decided to go back to our apartment as we needed to spend some time packing. We took 19.00 ferry and came back to mainland Rio.

This is how it looks at night!!! 

Stay tuned since we will be exploring one of New Seven Wonders of Nature. Foz do Iguazu.

< To Be Continued >

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 >