Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (short layovers) 2017-2018

Several 24h layovers in Rio (2017-2018)

• I will share some ideas about what can be done in Rio, where I fell in love since first moment
• Despite some negative advices, I did not feel any fear in the streets, beaches or at touristic spots

Places visited:

• a) Sao Conrado (hanggliding)
• b) Christ the Redeemer - Favela Morro dos prazeres
• c) Sugarloaf mountain
• d) Selaron Steps (Rio Cathedral & Sambodromo nearby)
• e) Leblon, Ipanema & Copacabana
• f) Barra -  Lake Marapendi
• g) Pedra do Telegrafo - Prainha
• h) Maracana
  

a) Sao Conrado (hanggliding):

• We started Rio in the best way possible doing hanggliding over Sao Conrado, landing in Sao Conrado Beach
• Including video and photos the price exceeded €100 so it is not cheap but it was a nice experience

b) Christ the Redeemer - Favela Morro dos prazeres

• For most places visited in Rio we hired a driver among 6 of us
• On the way to Christ the Redeemer we had the chance to enjoy the views of the Favela Morro dos prazeres
  
• Before reaching the Christ there is a wonderful view point from where you can enjoy the Christ itself, Sugarloaf Mountain, Botafogo, Copacabana, Ipanema and Maracana
  
  
  
  
• Also we were able to appreciate several pygmy marmosets, a very small monkey native from Amazon rainforests

• Despite the amazing views, the Christ itself was personally disappointing, especially as one of the 7 wonders of modern world
• That day meant the completion of the 7 wonders for me so I could not miss it even if the day was too foggy
• Access to the Christ costs 40 Reais (approx €11)
  

c) Sugarloaf mountain:

• Access to Sugarloaf mountain requires taking 2 cable cars (total price 80 Reais or €22)
• The place offers magnificent views (second photo shows Red beach and Copacabana)
  
  
  
  

d) Selaron Steps:

• Started in 1990 by Jorge Selaron from Chile, it is decorated with ceramic from all the world
• As a curiosity, he was found dead in 2013 on those stairs
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• The driver made a quick stop at the original Rio Cathedral, built in the 1960s and 1970s, which has a weird conical shape
  
  
  
  
  

• And we had a quick look at the Sambodromo but it was closed due to a party the previous night
• Popular events and especially Carioca Carnival takes place there
  

e) Ipenama & Copacabana:

• Probably the two most popular beaches in Rio, but completely different experience comparing the two times I visited
• First time it was a bit rainy and foggy, regular working day, so the place was very quiet
• Second time was national holiday, awesome weather, the vibe was brilliant and the beaches were packed
• First two photos are Copacabana, while the last two are in Ipanema

• Also, just behind Ipanema, by the area of Leblon, there is street food markets, at least during weekends

f) Barra -  Lake Marapendi:

• Due to the location of my hotel I could enjoy views to Lake Marapendi and enjoy some moments in Praia da Reserva beach
  
  
  
  

g) Pedra do Telegrafo:

• We went to this area where you can take the typical photo hanging from the rock. However the views are worth it regardless of the rock, where apparently there is queue for even more than 1 hour in the afternoon
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• On the way back I stayed in Prainha, gorgeous beach for surfing
  

h) Maracana:

• How to leave Rio without visiting Maracana if you are a football fun!
• I was lucky to go visit the stadium when Flamingo and Santos where playing, so the visit was way better than I expected
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Of course we could not and we did not miss Brazilian rodizio (unlimited meat buffet) a few times
  
  
• I had an amazing time in Rio and I will always be happy to go back!
• Hope the info helps :)

Hanoi, Vietnam (short layover) 2017

35h in Hanoi (October 2017)

• I spent a day and a half in Hanoi and I will share some of the possibilities nearby
• Ideally I would have spent much more time in Halong Bay 
• In just a short time Vietnam offered some peculiarities such as local dresses or having a dog sitting peacefully in a scooter with its owner
  
  
  
  

Places visited:

• a) Downtown (West Lake, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, St Joseph Cathedral)
• b) Halong Bay
  

a) Downtown: 

• Main points of reference I visited were West Lake, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, St Joseph Cathedral
  

a1) West Lake

• Largest lake in Hanoi
• Very popular recreational area
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

a2) Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

• While the Mausoleum itself did not impress me, I highly recommend reading or listening about Ho Chi Minh (leadership in Vietnam War, first presidency of current Vietnam, etc)
• There is a museum as well which I did not have time to visit
  
  
  
  
  

a3) Temple of Literature

• It is a temple dedicated to the figure of Confucius
• Built in the 11th century, it hosted first national university in Vietnam
• It somehow resembled me to the Forbidden City in Beijing but in much smaller size
• Entrance fee was less than €2
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

a4) St Joseph Cathedral

• One of many sights in downtown Hanoi, next ti Old and French quarters
• Walking around the Old and the French quarters is recommended
  

b) Halong Bay:

• A group of colleagues organised a 1day tour to Halong Bay, one of the "wonders of nature" in the world
• The area is quite similar to El Nido in Philippines
• Pick up was around 4am and we came back around 4pm
• Even if we enjoyed and it was worth it, I would spend more time in this place
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• During the visit we had the opportunity of kayaking for a while

• And we visited the caves of Dong Thien Cung:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• I am glad to have known a little bit of Vietnam and I am looking forward to exploring the country properly
• Hope it helps :)