Highlights of Rio: Christ The Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain and More!

Rio de Janeiro is a city that few people warned me about. It's either you'd love it or hate it! My heart played tug-of-war the moment Ed and I stepped out of Galeão International Airport. The city exudes a certain relaxed vibe that made me feel at ease despite those horror travel stories.

Our journey from the airport to our accommodation in Copacabana was a breeze. Uber is well-organized. Outside the arrival area, there are signboards leading to the "Uber terminal" and there's a staff assisting passengers to their respective rides.

In less than 30 minutes, we have already checked-in at B&B Hotels RJ Copacabana Forte where we booked a 2-night stay. We originally planned to spend 4 nights in Rio but decided to book only the first half just in case we need to cut our holiday short... which eventually happened.

So, having only one day and a half, Ed and I focused on the highlights and the must-dos in the city they fondly call Cidade Maravilhosa.

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Helicopter Ride over Rio de Janeiro

Ed and I would always settle for budget and mid-range activities whenever we travel. However, during our trip to Brazil, we decided to see Rio de Janeiro in a ritzy way. We felt that if a hot air balloon ride is a must in Cappadocia, flying above Cidade Maravilhosa should be another travel experience that we need to splurge on.

To see Rio from above, we had two options: hang glide or helicopter ride.

My husband, as adventurous as he is, has dreamt about having a birds-eye of the city on a hang glide. But since he couldn't convince me to do it and also don't have the heart to leave me behind, he compromised with a less-thrilling but equally rewarding Heli Ride. 

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India: Taj Mahal - The Symbol of Eternal Love

The weather was unpredictable when we arrived in Agra. Rain clouds loomed over some areas, but we managed to explore Agra Fort without a drop of rain. The weather app reminded me of my history as a travel jinx when it indicated a huge percentage of rainfall in the afternoon. When things like this happen, I usually just shrug and laugh at myself and my misadventures. But on that day, being a jinx was plainly tragic! 

We were scheduled to visit an extraordinary monument, a Wonder of the World, India's crown jewel: the Taj Mahal. I longed to see it gloriously dazzling under the sun. I planned to sit in one of the benches just like Princess Diana. I wanted to celebrate love and walk with my husband hand in hand at the sprawling garden. 

Rain is the natural phenomenon that I never needed on that day!   

The Majestic Taj Mahal

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