Oh, Rio. The city that has it all- beaches, mountains and a New York City vibe. I booked 7 nights at El Misti Hostel Ipanema, a hostel just blocks from the beach. The hostel was really cool but I regretted booking a 4-bed coed room because I got stuck with 3 guys who were dirty AF. I wasn’t in the mood for these shenanigans on the last leg of my trip. It happens and often on these long trips it’s best to switch it up. I upgraded to a private room for the remainder of the time.
I spent the next day exploring the city, taking random streets and seeing the beauty Rio has to offer. In the late afternoon I made my way to Sugarloaf Mountain. My goal was to be there before and after sunset (NO RAGRATS.) Getting to Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) requires two cable car rides with the first stop being on Morro da Urca and the second to Sugarloaf.
The views were stellar! A friend recommended I have dinner at Marius Degustare which was just a short Uber ride from the mountain. The table for two gave me optimal space for unlimited plates. Trust me, you’ll need the space at Marius. They continuously brought me servings of exquisite seafood, sides and yummy desserts. Despite turning away the last few offerings, I left full.
I decided to walk home along the boardwalk neighboring Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. Google maps offline estimated it would take over an hour but I didn’t mind. I wanted to see as much as possible. The beaches were crowded with people enjoying drinks, playing volleyball, working out, etc. As I neared Ipanema, two men jumped from behind a garbage can trying to steal my backpack and phone. My dumbass was being touristy, using my phone for walking directions and texting. They kept saying, “Gimme that phone. Gimme that bag.” We fought for a minute until they realized I was not going to kindly hand over my belongings. Fortunately, no fists were thrown. Just a lot of tossing, turning and resisting. They eventually pushed me to the ground and I quickly got up and took off. There were so many people around and yet no one tried to help me.
I was frightened and my adrenaline was pumping so I flagged down a taxi to take me home. My knees were scuffed and I had a small abrasion on my left thumb. After cleaning up I realized my cut would be the outline of a dick and balls. GREAT! Probably in remembrance of those two dick bags.
The next day I had breakfast at the Gringo Cafe before making my way to Christ the Redeemer, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, situated high among the Corcovado mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park. Standing at 615 feet tall, you cant miss the gigantic statue of Jesus Christ overlooking Rio. Every time I look at these photos I think they’re fake. These are non-filtered photos and the views alone prove its deserving position on the new seven wonders list.
Unfortunately, the event from the night before had me scared to venture anywhere at dark. I stayed in at night, reading “Cutting for Stone” and catching up on sleep. I spent the next few mornings at Kraft Cafe because their breakfast was the bomb! I’m sad to report that they are no longer in business.
The rain kept me away from the beach most days. When I finally made it there, I set up shop, continued to read my book and eventually went to doze off for a short nap. Of course as soon as I closed my eyes, a huge wave blasted through and swept away my belongings! I scrambled to grab my book, my towel, my sunglasses, etc. EVERYTHING WAS SOAKED and when I went to head home, I discovered that the ocean was successful in the robbery of my sandals. I had to walk home barefoot. Rio hates me.
The next morning I left for a disastrous day trip to Buzio. The charter bus broke down on the way there and we had to wait two hours for a replacement. I was also the only American on the bus so the guide would make his announcements in Portuguese and then whisper everything to me in English. Once we arrived in Buzio he pretty much said good luck and see you in a few hours. I thought I was paying for a tour of the town but a majority of the guests (and the guide) booked an additional boat ride which meant I was left to explore alone. I walked along the beach and found a spot to chill on the rocks. It was dark when we returned to Rio. Christ the Redeemer was shining bright above the city.
Buzio 
Christ the Redeemer overlooking Rio
I spent my last day on Ipanema beach, soaking in the sun before my flight back to Austin. Rio is absolutely stunning and I’m really looking forward to returning. Next time, I won’t go solo.
Traveling is ALWAYS an amazing opportunity even when it doesn’t go as planned. You really appreciate the good times when you discover there can be bad ones too.