Day 1 – the 19th of february 2003
Nice flight with BA from London – San Paulo (stopover) – Rio. They have those built in TV screens so U can pick between 5/6 films at any one time. (5666 miles from London – San Paulo). Took the 5.40pm flight from Dublin to London Heathrow. Arrived 7.00pm to T1. This airport is far too big, but got from T1 to T4 (international departures) in 20 minutes. My flight did not go until 20.50.
Arrived in Rio about 3 hours – ago – arrived local time 8.00am after 1 hr stopover in San Paulo and hostel/hotel at 9.00am. Avoided the touts and grabbed a passing yellow taxi. (26 R from Airport – to Cobba). Walked down to the beach area around 10.00am as I never sleep after early arrivals cos of potential jet lag. Adapt to the country time ASAP.. I am still hearing all the warnings about petty theft in my mind along this area, so I was over careful on Day 1, which is a pity. Everyone was a potential thief.
In the afternoon, I calmed down and walked around to get my bearings. I started to enjoy the city/people without holding onto my wallet and bag with purpose. Still, beacuse I am not a beach person, I don´t think I shall be setting foot – not too clean for swimming in case. Very unusual to see evrone from 8 to 80 walking around in Speddos and bikinis. Very surreal. Still, cobba is only a small part of Rio – Went into cento in the afternoon for something to eat. A business area.
Day 2 – the 20th of February
Got up at 8.30. Felt a bit more confident and took the bus (518) to the Cog Train in order to get to the Christ the Redemmer Statue.
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Rio de Janeiro
Taken on the 20th of February 2003
The Beach not thailand but rio. To tell you the truth, I am not a beach person and to my shame didnt set up on sand while in Rio. Not a body fanatic nor a beach bum.
Click on the picture to see it in its original size
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Rio de Janeiro
Taken on the 20th of February 2003
Christ the Redeemer – Cristo Redentor. Fantastic, Christ arms outstretched overlokking the city. Some views from up here.
Click on the picture to see it in its original size
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Rio de Janeiro
Taken on the 20th of February 2003
Christ the Redeemer – Cristo Redentor. Fantastic, I met some Irish lads here as I am my Cork GAA Jersey on. I am still getting used to the heat.
Click on the picture to see it in its original size
Just thought I should have taken a stitch panoramic shot of the statue. Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer and Cog train). Cog trains run daily from 8.30 – 6pm, every 30 minutes Station: Rua Cosme Velho, 513, Cosme Velho, Tel: (21) 2558 1329, Website:
Ticket price: 24 reals each (return). Met a Tom Ryan and his friend from Ireland who are also taking a year out in S. America. I was wearing a Cork GAA jersey, so I was easy to pick out. Good luck with your travel lads. We might cross paths again.