Temperature this afternoon was 90F when I was out walking around.
Historical/Background Info:
Rio is one of the most visited cities in the Southern Hemisphere due to its “Carnival” every February, its beaches, and the famous statue called “Christ the Redeemer”. This photo was taken as we sailed into Rio.
The city population of Rio is 6.5 million but the entire metro population is over 12 million. This makes it the 2nd largest city in Brazil, 6th largest city in the America’s, and world’s 35th largest city. If you include the metro population then it becomes the 18th largest city in the world. It was founded in 1565 by the Portuguese. It served as the capital of Brazil for nearly two centuries until 1960, when the capital was transferred to Brazilia.
Rio lies on the western shore of Guanabara Bay just 225 miles north of Sao Paulo. Riio has over 1000 slums, called favelas. Crime in Rio is a big problem even in tourist areas. The city is hosting the 2016 Summer Olympic from August 5th to 21st, so it is busy making final preparations and trying to make it safer. Odd thing is, it’s the summer Olympics but is technically winter in the Southern Hemisphere. It will certainly seem like summer though as the average temperature in August is 80F/26C.
What We Did Today:
We will actually be here for two days as this is the end of 3rd segment of this cruise. Again some folks will be leaving and more new passengers arriving. That all happens tomorrow however.
I was up at 6:00 am to go up and watch us sail into Rio. Not the best views as sky was overcast. We were tied up at pier by 7:30, a half hour early. We had ordered our breakfast for 8:00 today. Hit the fitness center earlier than normal since it was basically empty as people were going on tours today.
After workout and getting cleaned up I went off ship to check out the cruise ship terminal. There were a few shops, a sandwich place, and local people selling tours. I returned to the ship and worked on our end of segment cruise critique until La Veranda opened at noon for lunch.
After lunch I decided to walk around the area of Rio close by here. Just wanted to check things out and get a few photos for the blog. There were lots of people walking as it was their lunch time. Somehow I managed to get lost. I did not have a good detailed map with me but did have a general map of Rio given to me in terminal by the jewelry company, Amsterdam Sauer. Glad I had it at least. As you will see in last photo, I finally asked help from three police officers by their vehicle at a street corner. They did not speak English so it was not easy for them to set me straight. I was so grateful to them.
It was after 3:30 by the time I made it back to the ship. I was sweat wet and so my legs and feet were so tired. After a shower I now feel better. I'm finishing writing this while my photos are being synced to the web in Picasa. I will put the link for them at bottom of this.
We did not do any excursions today and have none planned for tomorrow either. Tomorrow I will put the photos of the excursion we did back in 2012. Tune in as they are good. Tomorrow is the end of this 3rd segment so many passengers will be disembarking and new ones coming aboard.
Tonight we will be dining with Susanne Peters again. I requested Chef Michael prepare good ole fried chicken for us tonight in Compass Rose. I also requested Rebecca's favorite salad, hearts of palm with green goddess dressing. No entertainment tonight as many passengers are going to "Samba Sounds and Glitter Show" at 8:45 somewhere in Rio. We have seen it previously so not going.
Her is the link to my photos taken during sail-in and this afternoon.
https://goo.gl/photos/Lr6xRN2E3P4Xzx3G7
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