I want to go to Rio de Janeiro

by Tiffany Sheldina Yarde (Barbados)

A leap into the unknown Brazil

“If I have to sleep in the airport I will!” I was determined to follow my dreams. The trip from Barbados to São Paulo and onto Rio de Janeiro was taking too long, just to arrive with my mum. I have finally arrived in Rio de Janeiro, the place known for its beautiful beaches, annual carnival, some poverty and football fanatics. Brazil speaks Spanish right? Wrong, everything was in Portuguese and I didn’t even know ‘good morning’. In the taxi to my destination, there were emotions of fright and excitement which one was gaining first place, who knows. My eyes were like a toddler’s when he sees the Christmas tree full of gifts. Many huge buildings stood before me, this was a significant change in the appearance of the surroundings to what I am used to living on an island. These buildings are overlooked by the famous statue, “Christ, the Redeemer,” where I visited. Do you know this statue that stands tall in the midst of the clouds of the South Side of Rio de Janeiro. It is a cultural icon created by French Sculptor, Paul Landowiski. Arriving at our hotel, I felt my belly rumble. My mom insisted that we settle in before we started our food hunt. We came across this beach-like restaurant and ventured in. Our wakeup call started when the waiter welcomed us in Portuguese and my mom and I stared at each other in shock both realizing how bad this idea was. “English, English?” our anxious selves asked. Nothing, so here came our moment of survival where we pointed at another customer’s plate, the food in which we wished to be served. The adventure continues, we go to the “centro” which is the center town of Rio de Janeiro. All we saw were roads with no end and each road had a theme. One road sold only party ornaments, another home décor, another office supplies and the list goes on. We tried to go from one end to another but each store captivated us. The main street really shifted our focus which bought a new kind of pleasure. It is a pity that the people don’t appreciate the history of the landscape of this street. It was also difficult to pursue and analyse these buildings of “Avenida Rio Branco.” Do you know this place? This is the principal historic mark of urban reform in Rio de Janeiro with a great architectural value that copies a famous road in Paris. Its buildings proclaim power, royalty and history, no wonder it’s architecture was recently considered one of the best of the world. I visited many other areas, especially a known Favela (Scanty Town). At that time, this was unknown to me so I walked with no caution at all, taking pictures with my phone. This is not advised when entering a favela. Do you know why? Well weeks later, I found my answer from some huge police operations in that same favela with many shooting and soldiers. A favela is a type of slum where many low and middle class income people live with unregularized lot, lack of urban utilities and government neglect. The favela I entered had many criminal activities at that time and I didn’t know. The next days were an incredible journey of shopping malls, beaches, historical sites and many charming neighbourhoods that never cease to enchant me. A bread shop near you with freshly baked bread each morning, Its graffiti everywhere which may annoy some but might be artistic to others and its many churches, some laden with gold as a part of its interior. Overall the journey points Rio de Janeiro as a symbolic nation. It is characterized as a welcoming society. The people warmed my heart which made my trip to Rio de Janeiro self- fulfilling. Their culture and personality provoke in me many memories especially their many hugs and kisses and the fact you should not refuse anything they offer you. I treasure these special moments that linger in my heart. Amidst the violence you might find in specifically local points, Rio is ideal because it has a mixture of many cultures. You are guaranteed to feel at home.