When you go to the ticket window at the famous Christ the Redeemer ( O Cristo Redentor) in Rio, they show you a live stream of the statue so that you won’t be disappointed when you can’t see it or the views below.  I went on one of those days.

I spent much more time in the Santa Teresa neighborhood. By taking the metro to Lapa, I was able to climb the famous Escadaria Selaron to reach this delightful neighborhood. Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón used over 2000 colorful tiles on the 250 steps.  He worked on this project from 1990 until 2013 when he died rather mysteriously on this very staircase.  I identified with him when I discovered he was born the same year as me and was a world traveler.  And while he was an artist I do have an affinity for street art….and you can’t get more “street” than this.

While the area is charming it does lack the convenience and perhaps safety offered by the more famous beach communities, although Airbnb is making a presence here.

Due to the weather the views from Santa Teresa were better than from Corcovado.