Copacabana & Mosaic Streets

On our way to Sugar Loaf Mountain, our bus swung by the most famous beach in Rio de Janeiro: Copacabana.

Even the wavy black and white mosaic pattern that makes up the sidewalk running alongside it is iconic.

This style of pavement reminds me of Portugal, so I assume it’s due to the Portuguese influence here. (I forgot to ask!)

Along the way to the beach, I saw a lot of street art as well as ugly graffiti. In many cities around the world, people spare statues and churches from spray paint, but not in Rio.

There’s very little shade, as you can see. I found it interesting how they wet the sand so it’s cool enough to walk on.

A statue by the beach commemorates Princess Elizabeth, the king’s sister who signed “the golden law,” banning slavery in the late 1800s.

Some folks spent the day at Copacabana, but a drive by was good enough for us.Read more