So much about Rio de Janeiro is spectacular –the monolithic granite mountains that leap from the sea, the jungle that surrounds them (and the shantytowns that climb their sides) and, of course, the long beaches lined with rows of sleek modernist buildings on the land side and a wide band of exuberant human activity at the water’s edge.
I’ve been to Rio twice now. The first time, I stayed in a hotel on the beach in Ipanema and experienced mainly the Rio of superlatives. On this second trip, we were lucky enough to stay with friends in their gracious apartment, located on a quiet square a few blocks from the iconic Copacabana beach. They introduced us to another side of Rio, a city full of more subtle charms, starting with its laidback and genuinely friendly people.
Here are a few photos of Rio’s everyday beauty.
The weekly farmers' market on the sidewalk outside our friends' apartment.
Beautiful tropical produce.
And abundant fresh fish.
Luxuriant vegetation, and not just in the rambling Botanical Gardens
But on the streets as well (with orchids growing in the trees).
Great midcentury modernist details, seemingly around every corner.
Like deeply textured tile to catch the light . . .
Terraces to catch the views and the breeze . . .
And color to catch the eye.
And children everywhere --the parks, the cafes, the beaches.
I can’t wait to show it all to Julia –on our next trip down.
