Hello from sunny Rio de Janeiro! It's been a couple of weeks since I've posted because I've been travelling around Brazil taking in the sights, sounds and experiences. So with that in mind, I thought I'd make this week's 5-Bullet Friday all about the city I've spent a large amount of my trip in - Rio!
After a 40-minute uphill hike, 354 meters high into the mountains of Pedra Branca State Park is Pedra do Telégrafo. It's essentially a big stone that's attracted a lot of attention due to visitors hanging from it for photo opportunities (simply searching the hashtag #pedradotelegrafo will show you why). While the trail can be a little tough in the heat, it's well worth the effort once you get to the top. Just make sure to bring plenty of water!
In an incredibly designed modern building at Rio de Janeiro’s harbour, the Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow) is a science museum aimed at exploring, imagining and conceiving all possibilities for constructing the world's future. The area that got me thinking the most was Anthropocene, which is the centrepiece of the main exhibition experience. It addresses the idea that human activity has become a geological force in itself and showcases how we are transforming the composition of our atmosphere, changing our climate and altering biodiversity. Six totems, each ten meters tall and three meters wide (somewhat reminiscent of Stonehenge) serve as the screen for a dramatic film that showcases the extent of mankind's impact on the Earth.
Hocus Pocus is one of the best breweries (and my personal favourite) in Brazil, and their DNA bar in Rio is not to be missed for craft beer lovers. Located in the Botafogo district of the city, the bar boasts their full range of beers as well as small batch specials and tasty food. Their bottle/can art is also incredible. Check out their Instagram below. Saude!
Etnias, the world's biggest street art mural by Eduardo Kobra, stretches 30,000 square ft along Rio's Olympic Boulevard. Painted in the run-up to Rio 2016 Olympics, the mural celebrates indigenous ethnicities from across the world. It's truly stunning up close. Swipe/click below to see some of the highlights.
While it's not the style of music I generally listen to, this is the most popular song in Brazil at the moment - and once it get's into your head you'll be humming it for your entire trip. The video might be a little NSFW, so viewer beware.