Rio De Janeiro (Brazil Part 1)

Maracana Soccer Stadium

Christ The Redeemer (Cristo Redentor)

Favela’s (considered the ghetto of Rio)

Sugar Loaf Mountain (Pao De Acucar)

The first salad I saw in days.  Brazilians don’t eat to many of those 🙂 Check out that humidity hair?! #nailedit

Botanical Gardens of Rio

Arpoador Beach

Rio was beautiful! Full of tourist sites mixed with the local culture of Brazil.  The stark contrast of the favela’s and the well kept tourist sites was so different than anything I’ve ever seen. Driving through those I almost felt unsafe and experienced a small piece of culture shock.  It reminded me to count my blessings for the environment I grew up in.  We experienced Rio like real americans complete with Chloe’s purse being stolen, major sunburns, and local (not so great) food.  Thankfully Carson and Seth speak fluent Portuguese or we really would’ve stuck out like sore thumbs.  We rented a car shortly after arriving and driving in Rio was an experience in itself.  Although it was crazy and slightly dangerous I am so glad we did.  We saw most of the city and had the freedom to explore as we pleased.  We spent our last day at Arpoador Beach before we headed cross country to visit where Carson and Seth served their LDS missions. Stay tuned for Part 2!

xoxo

Jessie Ann