Tour of Rio on a Clear Day!

The day started off with the driver picking us all up at 730 am. We loaded the car seat into the car and took off to see Cristo Redentor before the crowd invaded the area. The ride there went perfect while Belle ate breakfast and my mom and I kept her busy.

Enjoying the view

Belle taking Nate everywhere. 

The morning haze hanging over the sleeping city at 9am.

Sugar Loaf in the distance along with the city of Niteroi.

Finally a clear view!! I didn't know that there is a stone heart
emblem on his chest.

Family photo

What really happens when a family takes photos.

Belle enjoying the wind.

Look at her hair! We had to practically teat her away from the
place when we were leaving.

View from Ingreja Nossa Senhora da Gloria (Gloria Church)

Belle running around some more to make up for all the time in the
car seat! 

Entry way or the narthex.

Ceiling in the narthex. 

It was built to be a fortress too so check out the thickness of the wall...

Beautiful

They were preparing for a wedding and we got lucky enough
to see it when they were setting up the flowers.

Plaque on the outside.

Steps of Lapa made of tile. A guy from Argentina, Soreno, started
decorating the steps with tiles and it's now a popular
site to visit in Rio.

Family photo on the steps

With grandma too.

Belle walking the steps.

The view looking down isn't that great.

Cute kitties chillin on the steps. Sorry dad I know you hate them!

At the top.

After the steps we took a mini lunch break in hopes that Belle would take a nap. We went to Amarelinho in Cinlandia and got some grilled meats, rice, fries and a few beers. Belle had already eaten all her snacks (tons of grapes, goldfishes, mango smoothie, a banana, crackers and cheese bread.) so she stuck with a bottle. Our driver did give her a her first french fry but thank god she didn't like it! Despite being up for about 6 hours and pushing her around in the stroller she failed to fall asleep. Deciding we should head home to avert disaster we went back to the car. Within 5 min of riding in the car she was out like a light so we decided to continue touring around.

The next stop we made was at a church but I am not sure the name because we were being quite in the car so she would stay asleep. I guess I could have asked once we parked and got out to look around and take pictures but I failed. Don't worry. Belle stayed in the car with the AC going and Nate and the driver looking after her. 

The church

Just breath taking. 

The ceiling above the altar.

Side altar. Check out all the detail. The entire church was like this.
I couldn't use the flash so I had to rely on the sunlight coming through a
few of the windows.

The bells :)

Just a neat picture I think.

Because I had no flash I ended up leaving the shutter
open for 1 second to allow more natural light to enter.... I didn't have a
tripod so that's why it's a little shaky. 

View looking down to the altar. I just wish I had my good camera!

After we left the church we drove by the Sambadrome (where they hold Carnival) and another unimpressive church. Both places we declined to get out. Belle slept the entire time, 2 hours, and woke up as we were pulling into the neighborhood.

After we all fell into the house exhausted from a long day my mom watched Belle and I took a mini catnap. Thanks mom!

Later that evening we had a little party for Belle where she smash her very own cake and ran around in a pink tutu. I will have to post those photos on the actual date of her birthday so you have to what to see and see it :)

Hope you enjoyed a real post for once!

Tchau,

Sara