I’m in Johannesburg visiting my family for a while… Some much needed ‘down time’. I know it sounds boring but one of my favourite things to do while here is simply relaxing on the massive leather couch in front of the tellie and doing absolutely, well, NOTHING… Bliss.
The other day whilst channel surfing I stumbled on a movie I’d been wanting to watch ever since it was released but never got around to it – RIO {I’m a huge fan of animated films!}.
I know it sounds silly, but watching this movie {accompanied by all the EUFA 2012 matches reminding me of how awesome the FIFA 2010 World Cup was} has awakened in me a very strong desire to visit Rio, Brazil. I’m totally hypnotized by the unique landscape of Rio de Janeiro {translation: ‘River of January’ – how exquisite?}, it’s so surreal – quite similar to Cape Town actually with it’s majestic ocean & mountain views. As a little girl I remember wishing I was born with Brazilian features – permanently brown sun-kissed skin, long dark flowing hair and intense hazel-brown eyes {we always wish to be things we aren’t, no?}. I’m just so drawn to the Brazilian culture & lifestyle – all the festivals & carnivals, the ‘happy’ party music, the beautiful people, the sun-worshipping beach lizards, I’m even drawn to the poverty-stricken slums and would love to experience them.
Some interesting facts about Rio de Janeiro:
– Rio De Janeiro is the third largest city in South America and the capital city of the state of Rio De Janeiro in Brazi and its population is over six million residents.
– This city produces many manufactured goods which include chemicals, pharmaceuticals, furniture, clothing and petroleum products, however tourism is this cities prime economic activity spurred by its beautiful location, temperate climate and a culture that spans over five hundred years of history.
– Rio de Janeiro is also home to more than fifty museums. Museums that are a must see in the city are the Modern Art Museum and the National Museum of Fine Arts.
– Rio is also known for one of the biggest libraries in all of Latin America, The National Library.
– Rio boasts it’s very own forest: Tijuca Forest. This is considered to be one of the largest forests in an urban area in the entire world. Inside the forest are hundreds of different animal and botanical species, many of which are endangered. The forest also contains the Cascatinha Waterfall.
SO – as a personal goal/dream/wish, I’ve decided I want to try and make a trip out there for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. How amazing would that be?!
Here’s my collection of Rio/Brazil inspiration:
{Images found on Google & Pinterest}.
Anyone reading this been to Brazil/Rio? Please feel free to share your experience :)
To read more interesting facts about Rio see this article or read what Wiki has to say here.
karmajustfar 