I fell in love with Rio long before we ever met!
Let me explain. I grew up on telenovelas (soap operas). Every night I was glued to the TV watching beautiful love stories from Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela. It was awesome! But then there came a time when I tired of the usual poor girl who falls in love with rich guy, and is then antagonized by his horrible family, until one day true love prevails… somehow. I took a break from the melodrama to focus on other things (Roswell, Buffy, and Charmed). Until one day, a magical thing happened: I watched my first Brazilian soap!
Arcos da Lapa
These soaps weren’t like anything I was accustomed to. The usual melodrama was there… but then there was also history, culture, public interest themes, and lots of Brazil! Their transition shots always seemed to showcase a beautiful part of the city, and I fell in love! It was at the top of my travel bucket list ever since.
The Famous Copacabana Sidewalk
Unfortunately, it’s been tough times trying to plan a trip to Brazil. I always seem to get pulled in a different direction. But two years ago, when I was being pulled to Argentina (don’t get me wrong, I wanted to go to Argentina too), I made sure to plan a detour to Rio, even if it was just for four days! And it was just as amazing as I always imagined!
As usual I studied the map meticulously, making sure to know exactly where my favorite characters lived so that I could see the sights they frequented. Every time we walked or drove past one of those neighborhoods, excited I’d tell my mom “look, that’s where Duda lives!” hahahaha!
Favela – Santa Marta
I crammed a million things into my long Brazilian weekend: Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf, Beaches, and a Favela tour! The favela was the highlight of my visit… nope not the tour, it was my nighttime rendezvous that did it! While on our Favela tour, our guide let us know that he plays at the samba school of this very Favela, and that we were welcomed to come and watch them practice. That night they were going to rehearse and vote on the songs they would use for their school during the Carnival. He didn’t have to tell me twice! I was in! My travel companions not so much. They were terrified. But I was determined.
I dragged my two travel companions all the way to the Santa Marta Samba School… in the middle of the night. Our guide had said that although Favelas are known to be the most dangerous areas of Brazil, this particular favela had been rid of the drug lords and criminals. I held on to that thought very tightly, as I ventured into what could be the lion’s den.
It was amazing! We watched as cariocas convened into one building in the middle of a favela to dance the night away. There were people from all walks of life and all social classes. Maybe a fight broke out that night, and maybe a month later the news reported the assassination of a samba school vice president. But nothing could come close to ruining the energy and happiness that filled the school that night. It was a true immersion into Brazilian culture. An experience I will treasure forever.
Four days weren’t enough. I still hope to one day check out the scene in Lapa, watch the Carnival, and visit Sao Paolo. Brazil still holds a spot in my bucket list. I still watch the soaps and dream of the day when I get to visit the neighborhoods of my favorite characters!
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I really enjoyed reading this post 🙂 I can really relate to it as I too loved Brazil before I went there too. I learnt about Brazil in Geography class when I was 14 and I just couldn’t get it out of my head, I was so in love! When I went, 7 years later, It was all I dreamt of and more, such a special country! 😀
It truly is! Thanks for commenting!
Oh Rio has been on my bucket list for a long time and your post makes me wanna go pretty soon!! Thanks for sharing this, loved reading it! Happy travels 😀
You should definitely visit!
This post makes me really want to visit Rio. Gorgeous pictures!
I adore your back story to this – Brazil seems like everything you think it will be! (Does that make any sense?)
It is!
Really wanted to go to Rio ever since my sister went last year. All the photos looked amazing and colourful. Top of my list now x
Oh and I would have been straight in with you to watch your guide perform at the favela! What a great opportunity! I was thinking of going to Brazil in February, but just like you, it seems like I keep on being “dragged” elsewhere. Someday though…!
Yes! The favela was the best part! I hope you get “dragged” to Brazil some day! 😉
Super post, I’m glad it felt like such a personal visit…and much like a return to city you already know so well!
Very brave going to the Favela at night, I think I’ve watched too many crime movies to risk doing that….although in saying that, if there was an awesome samba school inviting me, I probably would 🙂
I know! I was very aware of how dangerous it could be, but then I felt my trip would not be complete without it! 🙂 thanks for stopping by!
I would have loved to go to Samba School, although I am pretty terrible on my feet haha!
Oh the people were so inviting and nice! They probably would have showed you how or even celebrated your different style!
I love the colours of Brazil and Rio. It looks absolutely stunning. Definitely on the top of my list of places to go!
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I’ve never been to Rio, but it’s always struck me as a place so full of life and vibrancy, almost like it has a heartbeat! Awesome post!!
Haha nice story=)
I also grew up with telenovelas)))
Favela looks colorful,just awesome!!I would love to see it myself