Rio de Janeiro..Mas Que Nada

Mas Que Nada - till now I can hear that Brazilian song in my ears. It was always my dream to travel to Rio De Janeiro, so when it finally came true, I couldn't believe my happiness. I don't know why but directly I felt like at home, maybe because of Brazilian soap operas that I watched in my childhood.. The vibe and energy of the city is crazy - like carnival that you live everyday, but at the same time very laid back. I loved to spend hours sitting on my beach chair on Copacabana, sipping fresh coconut and admiring the Atlantic Ocean.

Apart from long beach hours on Ipanema and Leblon, we went around the city. We got a private tour that was the best decision ever. Our guide did impossible - he took us to Christ Redentor when there were no tourists ( only because there were elections in the country in the morning). We were so lucky to get pictures with Christ Redentor without crowds of people on the back. The views from there are just breathtaking, I have never seen such a wild and amazing natural beauty. Sugar Loaf was also a great experience as we took a cabin going up. So many boho places to see on Rio- Selaron stairs, markets, Lapa, Sambadrome..Bohemian style somehow connects with luxury of past colonial times and poverty of favelas, where life is so hectic and bubbling all the time

We even dared to visit one of the favelas. As we stayed in Sheraton Leblon next to us there was a very safe favela ( as per our concierge). So just one day we decided to go. Local guys took us by their motorbikes up to the mountains. There were quite a nice bar and even motel for the tourists. Nothing dangerous like they show in the movies.We had our caipirinha with honestly the best view on Copacabana beach.

Green picturesque mountains, huge waves of Atlantic ocean on Copacabana, Leblon and Ipanema beaches just take your breath away.

I felt like I have been there before. Rio was so laid back. In this city you can be whoever you want either glamorous star of soap opera or just a simple hippie from Lapa. Brazilians seemed so happy and so enjoying the life- these tanned people are spending all day on the white sandy beaches by playing volleyball, dancing capoeira and sunbathing.

And you want to be one of them smiling, relaxed ,joyful, taking it all from the life.

If you ask me, would I come back to Rio? - my answer will be - YES!