.

Salvador da Bahia, also known as Salvador, is a city on the northeast coast of Brazil. It is known as Brazil’s capital of happiness due to its easygoing population, outdoor parties and street carnival. I found myself happier indeed as my South American trip continued here.

I previously stayed in hotels by myself, but this time I found myself in the company of fellow lady travelers as room mates. It was wonderful to meet new friends.

The first night we went to town and encountered drummers moving around the streets with people following and dancing with them too. I, of course wanted to be counted, danced to the beat of the drums. The crowd got bigger – it was like an awesome mob party!

Known for its music, cuisine, and architecture, 80% of Salvador’s population has Black African ancestry, making it the center of Afro-Brazilian culture. Among its famous Afro-Brazilian artist is Gilberto Gil who won a Grammy award for Best World Music Album – and I was blessed to be able to watch one of his concerts in his hometown!

Read the rest of this entry »

Part 2 of Jhet’s Rio de Janeiro Adventure Guide

I was welcomed with two good omens that jump started my tour to the wonderful city of Rio de Janeiro.

At the airport, I prepared to pay 80-100 pesos, equivalent to US$ 40-50 for a cab to bring me to the hotel I was booked to stay. A local gentleman approached me and explained that my hotel is just nearby. He showed me the address and endorsed me to the driver of the airport’s big blue bus – that sure saved me some money! Upon my arrival, I showed the address to another local who went the extra mile and carried my luggages for free. I am so glad! Can you even imagine me carrying two suitcases and a backpack uphill? This wonderful man doesn’t speak English and I don’t speak Portuguese and yet we connected and understood each other.

Rio is definitely a place you should include in your travel list. Again, allow me to give you tips on what to do in this spectacular city:

1. Spread your arms at the Christo Redentor park – Amaze yourself with the largest art deco statue of the world, the Christ the Redeemer statue towering at 130 feet atop Corcovado mountains. Five of us, a Filipino-Canadian, German, Swedish, American and Australian, boarded a cab to save on time  going up. Be ready to negotiate with the drivers though. Some drivers can bid for higher fares. Click here to read my video blog on Christo Redentor.
   

   Brace yourself for the majestic view of Rio de Janeiro!

2. Dine at Lapa – Lapa is known to be the center of Rio itself famous for its historical monuments and nightlife. Here you will find landmarks such as the 18th century aqueduct Arcos da Lapa and the Passeio Publico. Apart from the view, I specially enjoyed the mouthwatering Brazilian food. Do not forget to order Brazil’s national dish Feijoada, a healthy and tasty stew of beans with red meat. Taste the Brazilian barbecue meat, sausages, and chicken wings. They are just as finger licking good!
   

   The Arcos de Lapa - Pose to take a shot on this famous Rio landmark!

3. Sweeten your stay with a tour in Sugarloaf – No I did not taste sugar but I definitely enjoyed visiting the mountainous peak that is called SugarLoaf. Our first attempt failed when we lined up in the cable car for over an hour and changed our mind because it was already getting dark. It is best to pick a sunny day. When I went up with a German fellow good enough to be my son, it was still cloudy and just as we were landing on the top, the sun broke and we got a glimpse of the spectacular view.
   

   Why SugarLoaf? Because it looks like the traditional sugar product of Brazil!

   Read the rest of this entry »

(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

Read the rest of this entry »