Christ The Redeemer

The Catholic Church knew exactly what it was doing when it donated Christo Redentor to Rio.

Even committed atheists like yours truly are forced to keep a lower profile in His ginormous, Art Deco presence.  His outstretched arms measure nearly as long as his 100 foot height.  Welcome turistas!

We took a cog train up and down Mount Corvocado on a picture-perfect morning.

The guidebook suggested staying on the right hand side of the car for the best views going up.  Antonio told us to sit on the left.  It was the last time I listened to him.

Although it was fairly early on a weekday morning in off season, a crowd of selfie pilgrims were already snapping away.

We quickly joined the throng with the unmistakable Sugar Loaf behind us.

Rio's unique topography (blue ocean, green mountains, white sand) is best viewed from above.  The perspective shrunk our 20 kilometer bike ride to inches below.

We picked out the Jardim Botanica at the bottom right of the heart-shaped lagoon.

As soon as I saw the vast cemetery, browner than the surrounding city, I knew I had to go.

Cosme Velho recreation.