Nov. 22, 2011 - Rio de Janeiro

We disembarked from our cruise ship, the Veendam and got cleared by Brasilian customs and immigration early in the morning. It was a clear day and we were scheduled to go on a bus tour of the Corcovado and Rio Highlights. First we went to the Corcovado where we caught a tram for a 15 minute ride to the top of the Corcovado Mountain to see the 125 foot concrete and soapstone statue of Christ the Redeemer. The top of the Corcovado is at an elevation of of 2400 feet and has a simply unsurpassed view of the city beaches, buildings, bridges and of course the harbour. We took lots of pictures to show you when we get back. On the tour of downtown Rio, we saw Falmengo park, the Municipal Theatre, the Natural Library, and Rio´s moderncathedral that can hold 25,000 people. From downtown we followed the beach road to our hotel passing the beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon to our hotel, the Royal Tulip.
We have a great room on the 12 floor overlooking the beach and hills in the background. We just love it here.

The cog electric tram that climbs to the top of Corcovado Mountain.

The 125 foot statue of Christ the Redeemer on top of Corcovado Mountain

View of Sugar Loaf Mountain and the harbor entrance from the top of Corcovado Mountain

View of downtown Rio from Corcovado Mountain.

View of Lagoa Lake and the race track from Corcovado Mountain.

Dorothy and Con in front of statue of Christ the Redeemer.

Rio’s modern 25,000 seat Cathedral with a church monument in front.

The cross at the ceiling of Rio’s modern cathedral.

Rio’s Copacabana Beach

View from our Royal Tulip balcony at Sao Conrado Beach and the golf course.