Day 2 in Rio de Janeiro

The top attraction here is Corcovado Mountain where their iconic landmark sits at the top of the mountain. We traveled by bus and took a Swiss manufactured cogwheel train to climb the mountain as far as 670metres then we climbed the steps to the top. It’s certainly an amazing landmark.
All around the city they have regenerated forest from seed brought in from tropical countries. Prior to this the land was growing coffee.
The statue is made with reinforced iron and concrete then covered with a mosaic of soapstone.
After admiring the amazing views we returned by train and bused to the Samba arena where they hold their festival every year for a week leading up to Easter. They start at 9pm when the day is cooler and finish at 6am. The town basically shuts down for the week. They love to dance and party with a combination of all the ethnic groups that live here.

There huge Cathedral that was only built in the 70s with a similar design to the Inca temples......pyramid shape. Not much to look at from the outside but very impressive on the inside and seats 20,000 people. Simplistic, not ostentatious and peaceful with beautiful stain glass windows from floor to ceiling.

Another view over Rio de Janeiro through the haze due to the humidity.......tropical winter weather.

Our visit to the Samba school and arena. Later that evening we were taken to a little theatre where the professional Samba dancers performed. It had a very strong African influence. Great dancers. 

We had a great meal out prior to the show. Amazing smorgasbord then the meat just kept arriving at the table cut off a big skewer.