My First Brazilian Visit

The allure of Brazil is reflected in Rio's stunning landscapes and its many world-class attractions.

I’ve had the good fortune to travel to Brazil on a number of occasions, but the excitement surrounding my first trip to Rio de Janeiro was special indeed. The country has always had a special allure. Renowned for its vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and rich biodiversity, Brazil is home to the Amazon rainforest, the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, and its world-famous Carnival,  particularly prominent in Rio renowned for its music, dance, and parades. The South American nation contains nearly 60% of the Amazon rainforest, the world's largest tropical rainforest, and a biodiversity hotspot. Samba, the national dance and music form, is a powerful expression of Brazilian culture, deeply influenced by African drumming traditions and finally, Brazilian cuisine is a blend of indigenous, European, and African influences, featuring dishes like Feijoada ( a black bean stew) and various tasty regional specialties. While the above is not meant to be all inclusive by any means suffice it to say that I was eagerly looking forward to that first business trip.

Flying Business Class on a Varig 747 was special thanks to their reputation for luxury and service.

When my initial reservations were made, I was scheduled to fly from New York’s JFK Airport to Rio de Janeiro on Pan American World Airways, However, a colleague responsible for our international operations encouraged me to switch carriers to Varig and I had no regrets. Once a household name in South American aviation circles, it was the largest Boeing 747 operator in the region and connected Brazil to destinations as far away as Tokyo and Hong Kong. Varig was actually once acknowledged as the largest private airline in the world outside of the United States. Although they ceased operations in 2006, Varig was known for its excellence and quality, with a focus on world-class cuisine and a commitment to providing an enjoyable experience for passengers. I flew Business Class on the route to Rio de Janeiro's Galeão International Airport (GIG) and can attest their Business Class offered spacious seats, fine champagnes and high-quality meals served with both courtesy and warmth. 

Mountains rising right off Copacabana Beach is an enduring memory of my first visit to Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil boasts a long coastline with numerous beautiful beaches, and those in Rio are no exception. I was thrilled to be staying at the Copacabana Palace on the world-famous beach of the same name. Now  a Belmond Hotel, the Copacabana is renowned for its luxurious amenities, iconic beachfront location, and rich history. It's considered one of the most deluxe hotels in Brazil, offering Michelin-starred dining, as well as its half-Olympic sized pool. Its most famous feature though is its prime location directly on Copacabana Beach, which afforded me prime access to those famous sands and that vibrant atmosphere. The hotel has a long history and has been a meeting place for celebrities and world leaders, contributing to its glamorous atmosphere. Designed by French architect Joseph Gire, the hotel's architecture reflects a touch of Belle Époque elegance, complemented by modern enhancements. 

The Imperial Palace is a beautiful neoclassical building telling the Brazilian Empire history story.

Our business in Brazil was based in Petrópolis, a city to the north of Rio de Janeiro is known as a mountain retreat for Rio residents. The drive up from the city was a bit harrowing though, marked by ascending mountains with steep terrain and incredible scenery, including watching several monkeys enjoying their breakfast bananas. Petrópolis is often referred to as the “Imperial City" due to its historical significance as the summer retreat for the Brazilian imperial family.  Once business was concluded, my colleagues took me on a tour of the Imperial Museum, which is housed in the former summer residence of Emperor D. Pedro II. It offered me a glimpse into the lives of the Brazilian imperial family as the museum showcases a vast collection of objects, documents, and artworks from the Brazilian Empire period (1822-1889). The most notable of these include the famous gold "Lei Aurea" pen encrusted with diamonds and rubies that was used to abolish slavery in1888 and the Imperial Crown of Brazil. I came to understand why this is one of the most popular museums in the country, drawing over 300,000 visitors every year. 

The Finger of God is a dramatic rock formation resembling a divine hand extending to the sky.

After the next day’s business in Petrópolis, we too a drive through the nearby national park before my return to the city. The area’s high annual rainfall levels assists the Serra dos Urges National Park in supporting lush forests as well as a diverse and rich variety of vegetation. This park is also special thanks to its diverse and unique natural landscapes offering stunning views, including jagged rock formations and sparkling waterfalls, all of which help to make it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The famous Dedo de Deus (Finger of God) rock formation is one of the park’s most striking features and has become its very symbol.

The very heart of soccer in Brazil is the Maracanã Stadium in Rio, the largest in the entire country.

Another highlight of my first visit was taking in an evening football match at the famous Maracanã Stadium, known for hosting historic matches like the World Cup. Rio’s passion for the game (soccer to us) makes every match a memorable event and this one was no exception. The atmosphere was vibrant, with passionate fans, loud chants, and energetic celebrations. I got caught up in the intensity of Brazilian football watching the fans waving banners, setting off flares and fireworks and chanting to samba drums. This match took place between Flamengo, one of Rio’s major football clubs, and Fortaleza who hailed from State of Ceará, The inhabitants of Rio are known as Cariocas and the Cariocas were ecstatic that night when Flamengo, known for its massive fan base and considered the team of "the people, sealed the game at two to nothing. Being on hand for that raucous evening is a memory I won’t soon forget.

Many view Christ the Redeemer as an iconic symbol of Christian faith, love and redemption.

Before catching my evening flight home, I took some time to visit the renowned statue named Christ the Redeemer. While I mentioned the statue in a previous post of October 23, 2021 titled Captivating Rio de Janeiro, there was a palpable excitement about my seeing it for the first time. This large Art Deco sculpture of Jesus Christ is a global symbol of Christianity and a Brazilian cultural icon as well as being one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. At nearly 100 feet tall, the statue is the largest Art Deco sculpture in the world. Its design features smooth curves and a streamlined aesthetic, characteristic of the style so popular in the 1920s and 1930s. It's a beloved landmark in Rio de Janeiro and a symbol of Brazil's national identity. Located atop Corcovado Mountain, the statue affords panoramic and enchanting views of the city.

On my way back to New York later in the comfort of Varig Business Class, I considered myself quite lucky to have so many cherished memories of what was to become the first of many wonderful South American visits. 

Until next time…safe travels.