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Rio’s Gavea Rock

Filed under: Brazil General/ Rio de Janeiro - November 27th, 2004

One of my favorite attractions in Rio de Janeiro is Gavea Rock. This rock towers 2,830 ft (862m) high and is located between Sao Conrado and Barra da Tijuca. It’s very popular with hikers and climbers since the view from the top of this rock is fantastic, not to mention the climb presents a tantalizing challenge.

Personally I’m fascinated by the history of Gavea Rock. Some say this rock has a face carved into it - like a South American Sphinx. While others speculate this is merely a natural phenomenon and it just happens to look like a face. Face or not, no one can dispute the unexplained inscriptions carved into the sides of Gavea Rock. It’s believed these mysterious inscriptions where made by the ancient Phoencians. Some archaeologists suggest the Phonecians used Gavea Rock as burial tomb for one of their kings.

In this photo I found you can see Gavea Rock towering over the city of Rio de Janiero.

Upon Arrival

Filed under: Brazil General - November 27th, 2004

Before my first International trip I had always wondered what I would see and feel being in a different country. Here is some information about the first things you are going to see and experience when you land in Brazil.

The first thing that you should be ready for is the humidity of the air. Brazil has 9 months of hot “summer” weather during the year. If you are going to Brazil and you are coming from a cooler country be ready to feel the difference when you land. This sensation will soon pass, your body will become adapt to this environment quite quickly.

Another thing you have to be aware of is the culture shock. The language and the people in Brazil are very different. People in Brazil speak portuguese, which is similar to spanish. Although English and Portuguese are 2 very different languages, there are many places that offer you servies in english. Restaurants, shopping malls, fast food stores and tourists centers always have information available in english. Also, the people in Brazil are very friendly and helpful. Almost everyone can understand a little bit of english if you speak slowly, so you dont need to be worried about asking a Brazilian for some help.

If you start to miss hearing english just go to a movie theather. Most movies shown in Brazil are from North America, so you will feel like you are back home for a couple hours. The only thing is that sometimes the movie theathers turn the sound down because Brazilians just read the subtitles.

Brazil is an amazing country, and although you will go through the cutlture shock, humidity change, and you will definately miss hearing english, it is all worth it in the end. Brazil is a beautiful country full of exotic and amazing things. But, you will only understand once you experience it!