Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Peace bridge…

Since we were in Rio last year. the department of transportation constructed an elevator complex that takes riders from Ipanema up to a favela (slum) that sits precariously on the hill above this world famous neighborhood. Previously, residents walked up ramshackle stairways to makeshift homes that were subject to the whims of nature, particularly mudslides. IMG_9852 (1024x682)IMG_9870 (1024x683)The views are spectacular, even with cloudy weather. Next time we’re back, I’ll take the kids on a sunny day.IMG_9884 (683x1024)cantagalo mirante_9844 (1024x313) IMG_9856 (1024x683)IMG_9849 (1024x635) After stuffing ourselves on pasteis and beer all afternoon (the irony was not lost on me) at my favorite boteco, Belmonte, home of the world’s finest shrimp pastel and amazing empadas, Renato and I decided to go up to the observation deck in the elevator complex.IMG_9887 (1024x683) (2) IMG_9803 (1024x684) IMG_9805 (1024x683) Although the favela has been “pacified” (translating literally the term used in Portuguese) with police being stationed there to keep out the drug traffickers, I could still sense a bit of nervousness in the other tourist we saw there and ourselves. For now, there is a clear division in Brazil between the haves and have-nots, but change is in the air.IMG_9828 (1024x683)IMG_9830 (1024x683)The view is beautiful, but the most uplifting part of the experience is seeing concrete signs of social progress in Rio. On a barely related note, I loved the forest penthouse directly beside the elevator. There are a lot of these in Rio, but you don’t see them too often.IMG_9840 (1024x682) IMG_9841 (1024x682)

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