Nuts about Brazil!
I was very fortunate to spend a week there, splitting the time between Rio and the glitzy resort of Buzios. We flew there with TAP Portugal and with only 2 hours time difference, it really was easy to adapt on arrival. The minute we land, we are made very welcome and whisked off to our hotel for caipirinhas – Brazil’s national cocktail that’s made with cachaca, sugar and lime – not for the faint hearted!
However, the highlight of the trip for me was the excursion to Corcovado Mountain and to the statue of Christ the Redeemer. We take the tram up the mountain to this iconic sight high above the city - the steep but short ride through the Tijuca National Park to the sound of samba drums and cheering passengers gradually brings you to the top of the mountain and Jesus's feet and to the most spectacular 360-degree views of Rio. We were lucky to have clear blue skies, so visibility was great. It is crowded as tourists try to get their photos of one of the 7 modern wonders of the world, but at the rear there is a small chapel for those wanting a few moments contemplation. What makes this even more remarkable is that it was built in the 1920’s over 9 years before modern technology.
Sugarloaf Mountain is Rio’s other iconic attraction. You take the glass-panelled cable car to the 1st peak and move on the higher peak. From the top, you have views to Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, but it was a overcast the day we went, so save the trip for a better clearer day to get the full benefit of this attraction. I wouldn't’t worry if you don’t have a head for heights, the cable car is large enough to avoid standing around the edge and seeing the sheer drop beneath your feet!
Along the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, people walk, jog, cycle, & skate along the promenade and it’s fascinating to just stop and watch. Get rid of the pre-conception that Rio’s beaches are filled with hunky men and gorgeous girls in dental floss bikinis, here you see all ages, sizes and shapes and no one bats an eyelid!
Rio is a capital that likes to party and to experience the nightlife, we head to the famous Rio Scenarium bar and nightclub. It's popular and the queue is literally a mile long and it feels good to skip it and walk in! Inside, the venue is a labyrinth of several rooms over 3 floors. It used to be an antiques show and is decorated with curious collections and nick-nacks. As the caipirinhas start to flow, the live band has everyone on their feet and dancing to the samba beat.
After a few busy days in Rio, we head to the Brazilian version of St Tropez – Buzios. Buzios became famous in the 60’s when it was visited by Brigitte Bardot and there's a bronze version of the actress on the main street. We stay at the Breezes Buzios, a new 5 star all-inclusive resort with an amazing undeveloped beach and a lazy river pool. This hotel is slightly outside the town and personally, I would have preferred to stay in the town. There’s very much a European feel to the resort with loads of shops, bars and restaurants on your doorstep and the hotels are small and intimate, if you want the peace and quiet.
No trip to Brazil would be complete without a visit to a Havaianas shop! I couldn't believe the choice for something as simple as a flip-flop! Rows and rows of colourful footwear that come in all sizes, styles and you can even customise your own! You will not be able to resist!
Brazil is a very diverse destination and well worth a visit, with a wide range of activities to choose from, and with a great choice of properties to suit all budgets, you are spoilt for choice. Any footie fans out there will not be disappointed when Brazil hosts the 2014 World Cup, and will love the extraordinary passion Brazilians have for the game – it will be an experience of a lifetime and one big party!