Rio de Janeiro II - Rio, I Fell In Love

Next, we went to a boat party in the harbour. To good music, drinks, food and a good crowd, we sailed towards Sugarloaf Mountain, anchored there, jumped into the water for a swim and just had a good time. The way back was stunning, as the sun was slowly setting, dipping the sky behind the Jesus statue into a warm golden light.

Once back at the hostel, a few of us decided that we had not had enough of partying. So we changed, had dinner and went to Bosque Bar, which is one of the most famous clubs in Rio. I had a fantastic time there - even if it was expensive. But with the right crowd and people, it was a perfect end to the day.

A few days before, we had learned that that day a DJ was playing on top of the Sugarloaf mountain. So we decided to go up there the following afternoon. We were a touch late given the long queue, so we bought priority tickets and headed up there by cable car. Once we arrived, I was stunned. The setting was absolutely beautiful. The colour of the sky, the view of the harbour behind, the people, the DJ, the helipad, the helicopter taking off towards Christ The Redeemer, the music. Dancing to the DJ's tune and having an amazing time, it was in this moment when I fell in love with Rio. It just felt like the perfect place at the perfect time.

Even once the DJ finished, we weren't done. After all, there was a sunset to be watched. So we took a second cable car to the 'actual' Sugarloaf mountain and watched the sun paint the sky over Rio in magical colours. It truly was a stunning sight that I will never forget in my life.

Then it was time to take it slow for once, hang out on the beach, watch people (people in Rio are beautiful, it's incredible), try all sorts of things the beach vendors were selling and soaking up the sun, atmosphere and views from Ipanema Beach.

In the evening, Mara, who I met in the hostel and I, were checking out a test run for the famous Carnaval show in the Sambadrome. Even though the main props and costumes were not shown, the atmosphere was fantastic with loud music playing, some creative and very colourful costumes on display, women showcasing their Samba moves and people in the stadium making noise for their respective teams. It really was a teaser for carnaval.

Yeah, that was Rio and Brazil for me for the time-being. I could've easily stayed longer. There is so much to do, see and experience in the city that I already knew I would come back.

The DJ at the Sugarloaf Mountain during sunset will definitely be on the list again, though. The city just exudes a vibe that is difficult to explain. There is an incredible love for life here, Brazilians are super friendly, the people here are beautiful, the setting by the ocean while at the same time being surrounded by mountains, the energy during the day and night. Ah, I just love this place, the atmosphere and its people. What a city, what a country. Obrigado Brasil!Read more