Rio de Janeiro: from Leme to Leblon

 


First day in Rio, I started with visiting the fort of Leme and its beach, then walked along Copacabana to Ipanema and Leblon, from where you could see the beach and favela of Vidigal. After that I went a little inland to the lake, then back to the beach and the popular sunset point of Pedra do Arpoador, finishing in Copacaba Fort. Next morning I went back to Pedra do Arpoador as you can see Ipanema, Leblon and Vidigal better with the rising sun shining on them. It looks like there is a strong Jewish community in South Rio as there are several synagogues here, even a menorah at the metro station of Leme. There is a strong police presence everywhere, at metro stations, along the beaches and especially at the entrances of favelas. On the first day I went in one of the so called "pacified favelas" to check out a hostel there, but I didn't feel comfortable and didn't stay long. Probably it is an experience to stay in such a place, but I'm not that keen on this kind of adventure anymore - I did see quite a few slums in my life, but now I prefer to stay in a more peaceful area. 





































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