Cristo da Redemtor

We finally got some clear sky on our last day in Rio.  So we decided instead of swimming on the beach we´ll go up to Christ the Redeemer.  This new member of the seven Wonders of the World is up in the mountain and can be seen from many parts of the city.  We took the bus as told by the website but it took us 1.5 hours... apparently there is another bus that goes through the tunnel and takes only 15 minute but too bad we didn´t know and wasted 3 hours of travel time on a bus that´s shakier than a roller coaster.

The tram ride up is like the peak tram in HK.  Lonely Planet suggested to sit on the right side (facing up) and you´ll know why once you are half way through.  We took lots of pictures with Christ and the birdview of the city (again remind me of HK).

Shopped in Ipanema and found this shoes store that my friend recommended called Melissa.  I was as happy as a baby when i found it... since their shoes are really comfy... decided to buy 3 pairs since they cost less than half of their cost in NYC.

Just outside the mall there~s a handroll place that sells some pretty cool fusion handrolls... surprisingly good!!

When we went home Gabe was there so we headed out to the beach to catch some waves before the sun set.  It was a wonderful way to end our stay in Rio.

Note that at the airport arrival there are radio taxis that will say they are the cheapest in town... we got ripped off by listening to them... costed us R$72 to get to ipanema... our trip back cost R$40 after we genorously tipped the driver.  And remember that taxis charge a different rate at night (left bottom corner will show `2´).