RIO… as colorful as the sunsets that are applauded each evening as the golden globe slips under the ocean’s horizon on Ipanema Beach. What a culture that celebrates life and living. From the bossa nova beat to the gorgeous beach bodies, everything in Rio de Janerio was bright, light, and fun.
We spent the afternoons laying on the beach, watching a world of men and women go by who are so comfortable in their skin no matter what the color, shape or size…I was inspired to love my body a little more and let go of all the details. The people of Rio just enjoy life and enjoy being. Men would walk by selling shrimp and lime, corn, watermelon slices, bikinis, and a variety of fresh fruit drinks. We walked along the beach, kicking back soccer balls with the locals and drinking fresh coconut juice cut open for you moments before. One of the people we met in Rio de Janeiro said he walks to Ipanema Beach every evening to watch the sunset, an experience I would recommend over anything else; it was an urban paradise.
For me, the coolest thing about this city is Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer, visible from almost anywhere, standing tall watching over his people. It felt safe, the way you feel with your father, to be under his watch, your life witnessed. He watched us try Cipriani‘s on the rooftop of our hotel, explore the art museums, glide up the mount of Sugarloaf, dance at the Copa-Copacabana and play with pieces of Carnival. When we paid Jesus Cristos a visit, to see what he sees, we found a view that can only be described as heaven. White buildings rolling up and down lush forested hills until they run in to the beaches smiling out at the ocean. On the horizon islands dance endlessly between the seamless boundary of ocean and sky.
I felt like RIO gave me a gift, the gift of life.
Staying cool in the heat & humidity in a MAIYET dress, Tibi mules and local beer
From at top the mountain looking down in a white mesh and leather Tibi dress & Stuart Weitzman sandals
I love trying regional cocktails and in Brazil we had our fair share of Caipirinhas which our travel campion Gaby has broken down for us so we can make them back at home!
Where we ate: Maua Restaurant at MAR Museum // Volta // Mira! // Alloro // Aprazivel
Where we drank: Tom do Leblon
Where we slept (as well as Prince Harry…): Windsor Atlantica
Rio tour was organized with Brazil Nuts & all our Brazil travel through Tam Airlines
let’s go back immediately! I’m having South America withdrawals!
It is no wonder women keep healthy in order to fit in those Brazilian Bikinis…I’d be on the beach all day too…thanks for sharing!
Your photos and words have me craving warm beaches on this cold, winter day… Now I’m convinced I’ll have to visit Rio at least once to experience all that life, those sunsets, and those heavenly views from Corcovado.
YES! All of it. I am dreaming of going back too, the culture of life and beauty and history is so inspiring!
I love the swimwear! So fresh.
ciprianis or caipirinhas?
😉
as always thank you for sharing. magical pictures. a place on my bucket list to visit.
As a carioca girl, I can say that you got the best of Rio!!! Few tourists have the chance of experience Rio like you did!! : )
So glad to hear it!!
so beautiful pictures from Rio de Janeiro…. really!!! i love it so much…. thanks for share it s here…. grateful….
Oh, please take me there!!
OK! as long as I can go with! 😉
That library is amazing! Reminds me of the one in Beauty and the Beast <3
EXACTLY. Dreamy right?? I can’t believe something like from the movie actually exists!
Stunning photos! Rio is definitely on my bucket list
Wow, that sky! Thanks for sharing wonderful photos of Rio – the beach, the food, Corcovado… Even the library, which I would love to see in person someday; it looks amazing.
Those are the highlights! I could just repeat that over and over… endless beauty.
This trip seems like it was just perfection (especially as I’m quite the fan of a caipirinha)! I hope to experience such natural beauty and culture in Brazil, myself.
I think Argentina needs to be next on your South American travels!!
Ann you came to Rio! Oh my I love Rio, I’m not from there but every new year’s eve I’m at Copacabana watching the most beautiful fireworks show, you should see that live. I’m actually from the other side, the Amazon Forest, north of Brazil haha just be careful with the caipirinhas, they are realy strong!. Love your work and those pics are making me miss Rio even more, because they show perfectly the beauty of my country, it’s amazing isn’t it? This new year’s eve I’ll be there.