Rio de Janeiro: the Future, the Past, the Night

It was the first time that I traveled to Rio de Janeiro and spent so little time in Rio. Between Salvador and Foz de Iguaçú, Kobe and I spent 3 days in Rio with my aunt for Christmas. My cousin from Belo Horizonte, Silvia, also flew in to spend some time with us. In that short time, we managed to see some of Rio's futuristic side, some of old-time Rio, and some of the bustling nightlife.

En route to Niterói, the city on the other side of the Guanabara bay. An enormous bridge (over 14km long!) connects the two cities.



Niterói boasts one of the most spectacular buildings by Oscar Nieyemer, a 106-year-old (no kidding) Brazilian architect famous for his futuristic style.

This is the Museum for Contemporary Art.

Beside the Nieyemer museum, one of Niterói's biggest assets is its view of Rio's skyline.

An some pristine beaches as well - slightly less crowded than Rio's beaches.

The Sugarloaf Mountain (o Pão de Açúcar) is an oddly shaped rock at marks the entrance of the Guanabara bay. A highly recommended spot for sunsets.

Rio is an excellent city for live Latin music. One of the coolest places in the city, what am I saying, on the South American continent, is Rio Scenarium in the Lapa district.

This live music venue and bar is located in an old townhouse and decorated like an antique shop.

Rio also has a few older quarters, which remind the visitor of the 19th century splendour of the former capital.

Santa Teresa district, a part of Rio that has hung on to the atmosphere of bygone times.

Escadaria Selarón in Lapa. A Chilean-born artist has decorated these steps with tiles from all over the world.

And finally, o Largo do Boticário, a beautiful somewhat hidden square in Cosme Velho, another of Rio's old neighbourhoods.

Rio has so many faces... I can only say: go and discover for yourself!