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What a beautiful, complicated harbor with bays, bridges, and abrupt granite mountain peaks!  Just like in the photos… 

The first morning we took a bus to the cog railway that goes up through Tijuca National Park (jungle) to the statue on Corcovado mountain of Christ the Redeemer with his arms wide. The railway doesn’t go all the way to the statue; you need either to take a lot of steps or an elevator & two escalators.  The railway staff took Chris from the bus to the top (including escalators) in a wheelchair!  Impressive statue and view of the surrounding area. 

A friend had suggested we visit the H. Stern jewelers since Brazil is famous for precious and semi-precious stones.  We didn’t find them, but our guide Paola had a friend at another reputable jeweler and our bus was going right by their shop at Copacabana.  She arranged for him to meet us and the bus dropped us off.  So we did some jewelry shopping, and they transported us back to the ship—probably the most independent thing we’ve done.

Later in the afternoon another bus and guide took us to Sugarloaf , the conical granite peak you ascend on two cable cars.  That was fun and another great view of the surrounding area.  We were there for sunset, which was pretty though I think the sunrise and sunsets we’ve seen from the ship were more impressive.  Of course, you always take a chance with weather.  Our cruise director said the first time she saw the Christ statue she could only see the feet due to fog. 

It was foggy in the morning but cleared and, despite forecasts to the contrary, we had two sunny and hot (90 degrees plus) days in Rio.

The second morning we went on a bus tour of the highlights of the city.  We had almost thought of cancelling—we were tired and had already taken two buses through the city—but we were glad we went.  Our guide was fantastic.  Originally from Italy, John was so interested in and knowledgeable about architecture, history, and culture that it was fascinating.

We sailed out after lunch and that was lovely too, but it’s amazing how tiring three consecutive days in port were!  We did get an extra hour of sleep because the clocks were turned back—presumably the beginning of many turning backs! — Cynthia

Paparazzi?… The morning we arrived in Rio was warm, and initially, cloudy; more significantly, we were met by a hovering helicopter.  The same or a similar machine followed closely over the rear deck of the World Café, so we ate al fresco while being observed.  Within a matter of minutes that helicopter was replaced sequentially by 4 others (of different shapes and colors),,, and subsequently by 3 others, which may or may not have been different than the earlier ones.  Anyway, for 30 min or so noisy sheep dogs nipped at our heels and herded us into harbor while we ate.  Why?

     A hint at the reason came with scrambling waiters and supervisory restaurant staff at some point in the paparazzi parade, hurriedly setting previously empty tables, which were then quickly filled with waving diners.  When asked, the Restaurant Director indicated Viking had hired local film crews to record Viking’s first arrival in Rio.  (A single helicopter followed our departure as well.)

     So, the next time you watch Masterpiece Theater or see another Viking promotional film clip, look for a Viking Ship sailing into or out of a large metropolitan port amidst small islands with conical mountains (one of which is likely Sugarloaf).  With such a fleeting, small scale view, however, you are unlikely to see a frowning, grey-haired diner on the rear deck. — Chris