If Sao Paulo is the heart, Rio de Janeiro is the soul of Brazil. And it was my time to feel it. Sunny, laid back and very friendly, Rio has an unforgettable vibe of its own. And with the Fifa World Cup getting nearer, it is hard to get away from the sport that has come to epitomise Brazil as a nation and as a philosophy football. And few places in this vast and sprawling country epitomise it better than the famous, notorious, call it what you will, Copacabana Beach along with the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Hill. In fact, if one was to put together a collage of Brazil, these two images along with that of the nation’s most famous footballing son, Pele would make it instantly recognisable anywhere in the world.
My stay in Sao Paulo was in elite Jardin, right next to Avenida Paulista one of the most important streets in the city. A lazy walk shows one exactly why. Lined with stately high-rise buildings that house local and international banks, multinational companies and consulates, white collared Sao Paulo thrives here. Several subway stations provide easy access, so make sure you don’t miss a stroll here. It was a morning walk that brought me to the Parque Tenent Esqueira Campos. It felt like I had walked right into the Amazon forest, though just a few minutes away from the city’s business centre. Designed by French landscape architect Paul Villon and Englishman Barry Parker, the park first opened in 1892. Several unique sculptures dot the paths. A unique walk-bridge in the park stretches over and across the road below it. It made me think about how nature and man-made structures exist in perfect harmony.
In Rio, I drove through the picturesque Santa Teresa neighbourhood. Alive with colourful graffiti, almost every building façade and shop front is a delight to gaze upon. Tram tracks run through the cobble-stoned streets here, and you may even get to board a cute yellow tram, the last of its kind in Rio. Rio’s sun-kissed beaches were calling and I made my way to Arcoverde, from where I could walk down the entire stretch of amazing beaches like Leblon and Ipanema and Copacabana.
I stopped en route several times to soak in the sun and surf. Handsome young men played football, women sunbathed, vendors came selling a riot of colourful bikinis and scarfs. Do take note of the gyms built on the road, just like bus stands. Here everyone is welcome to get fit and look great. I ended my beach stroll at Fort Copacabana with the locally brewed beer called Chopps — it is refreshing and highly recommended. And as I took one, I raised a toast to this beautiful, welcoming Brazil a country like no other.
Towering Christ
No trip to Rio is complete without visiting Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Hill. I could hardly take my eyes off its towering height and saintly expression. But I did take a few minutes out from clicking pictures, step away from the milling crowds to observe how blue the sky was and how fast the clouds move, just above Christ’s head. Watch out, for it makes your own head spin. I spent my last evening in Rio, walking through the famous Lapa area, looking at the Arcs, a remnant of the waterways of times long gone.
The colours and creativity of the Lapa steps are truly stunning. As the sun sets, people revel in the numerous pubs and street side cafés, where the music makes one feel light.
Feel the pulse of Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo, the administrative heart of Brazil, has 14 football stadiums as proof of its passion. I visited the Estádio Municipal Paulo Machado de Carvalho, also known as Estadio de Pacaembu. I was warmly welcomed in by Pele. The larger than life holographic display of the legendary footballer is so real, it leaves one open mouthed. Floor to ceiling vertical screens showcased pictures of unforgettable football stars. Radio booths allowed me to listen to the most important goals played out between 1934 and 2006. The excited voices of famous football commentators like Leonidas D'Silva and Sergio Barriq made it as exciting in the now, as it was then.
Yet another section showcased Futbol Feminino women stars of football. Woohoo, girl power. And finally a stunning tribute to the most important people in football its fans. A projection film of cheering fans in stadiums, played out across the underground pillars and beams, the very ones on which the stadium benches above stand proud. The applause and chants of a million football lovers will ring in my ears for days to come.
