Rio de Janeiro II - Rio, I Fell In Love

Having seen the Rio Harbour from above, we went to a boat party in the harbour the following day that the hostel organised. To good music, drinks, food and a good crowd, we traveled through the harbour towards the Sugarloaf Mountain, anchored there, jumped into the water for a swim and just had a good time. The way back, though, was quite 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.

The next day, I obviously felt exhausted. But life in Rio never stands still. I started the day slowly by heading to the beach in the morning for some much needed rest and recharge.

However, a few days before, we had learned that that day a DJ was playing on top of the Sugarloaf mountain and since a few of us hadn't checked that out yet, we decided to go up there. We were a touch late given the long queue, so we bought priority tickets (best decision ever) and headed up there quickly with the 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 yet. 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. It was an absolutely perfect day.

Then it was time to take it slow for once. In other words, not doing anything the following day, except hanging out on the beach, watching people (people in Rio are beautiful, it's incredible), trying all sorts of things the beach vendors were selling and soaking up the sun, atmosphere and views from Ipanema Beach. It was also the first day in probably a week or so that I didn't have a drink, haha. Sounding like an alcoholic.

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 to avoid giving anything away to the other teams, 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 will be back for Carnaval, but just for that and no sight-seeing per se then). I stayed for just around a week here, but 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 one day to stay another week or so and do completely different things.

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 (from what I experienced), 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. I will be back. Obrigado Brasil!Read more