(Part 1 of a Series)

I left Argentina in the morning with teary eyes. I felt like singing “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina.” Up in the air on my way to Rio de Janeiro, I reflected on my amazing Buenos Aires experience. After three hours, a flight attendant told me that we are now landing Rio De Janiero. I am excited to see Nate Bunger – a friend who invited me to join his South American travels.

Me with Nate and new found friends in Rio de Janeiro

I met Nate four years ago in one of the seminars that I attended in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. A young entrepreneur, this gentleman is pursuing a similar path with me. Our first travel together was when we did our speaking tour “PROGRAM YOUR MIND FOR SUCCESS” once in Canada and the Philippines. Two weeks of speaking engagements, a visit in rural areas including the Baseco Smokey Mountains – a landfill inhabited by people who find a living in scavenging garbage, a Gawad Kalinga Village, and in Pader, Lian, Batangas – the place where I came from, more like the “Favela” Philippine version.

He is the 3rd foreigner friend from North America who has seen where I came from and is blown away by the fact that I came from such a poor barrio. He visited Philippines twice and up to this day still loves to set up a Philippine-based business. You can check his website www.freedomarchitect.com. It was a surprise when I saw him by the door of the hotel he recommended I should check in. And my South American expedition of a lifetime continues.

Rio de Janeiro which means “River of January” is the capital city of the State of Rio de Janeiro, the second largest city of Brazil and is the third largest metropolitan area in South America. It is said that it receives more international visitors than any other city in the Southern Hemisphere. Rio is nicknamed A Cidade Maravilhosa or “The Marvelous City.” (Wikipedia)

And indeed it is a marvelous one! As soon as I dropped off my luggage and changed into more comfortable clothing we set off to the famous Ipanema beach – a public beach located a few minutes away from the city.

Beautiful Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro

My heart was filled with awe and wonder that I am actually living my dream – beyond my wildest dreams, I had a peaceful power nap hugging the sand of Rio de Janiero. The sand was cool despite the heat of the sun, and the breeze simply comforting.

A power nap to ease off my jet-tired body.

Nate and I passed off the idea of swimming since this is my first day in Rio. Instead we busied ourselves taking great pictures of the beach, the sky, and the lovely people all enjoying the sun. We then head off to the Open Market near Ipanema to eat and experience the World Cup souvenir fever ourselves!

The FIFA World Cup is on at the Rio Open Market!

I always love seeing things from a bird’s eye view. And the SugarLoaf, a mountain peak at Guanabara Bay, is one sweet treat indeed. At 396 meters above sea level, this tourist spot was named so because it resembles a traditional refined sugar in Brazil. To get there, one must ride two cable cars at US$22. I am telling you it is worth it!

A trip to SugarLoaf treats you to this majestic view!

There are definitely more stories to tell. So stay tuned as I share the rest of this series!

Viva la vida!