We had booked a 4 hour tour of the highlights of Rio and Sugar Loaf and were on our way by 8:30.
The first stop was at the lift to ascend Sugar Loaf – essentially, a two stage ski lift. We arrived at around 9, to join a massive queue, where we remained for an hour, in a temperature of more than 30º and little shade. I was about to give up and catch a taxi to a beach but was prevailed upon to stick it out. We eventually got to the top, avoiding other oldies, with their walking sticks, zimmers and other paraphernalia.
It was now approaching 11 and we were told that we could spend only 20 minutes taking photographs and enjoying the view.
It was spectacular and I would not have missed it but would probably not try it again, other than by helicopter.
Drove through Rio, on the way to our final stop at the Cathedral. The old part the city, close to the port, is a bit run down and covered with graffiti but the buildings were still interesting and divided by narrow streets. We were told that many of the buildings had been used for storing and trading in the goods from the port but were made obsolete by the switch to containers.
The business district was quiet and our guide said it was due to the government having “embraced” working from home – wonder how long that will last?
The cathedral was spectacular. It was consecrated in 1999 and replaced the old one, which was demolished in 1922 – the Town Council wanted to create more land for development and flattened a hill, unfortunately, the Cathedral stood at the top of it.
Returned to the ship a bit worn out in 33º temperature.
