I think Dennis must be termed a reluctant sightseer. I had to seriously bully him to put his computer down and get started this morning. If he could see something from his driving seat in Poki, he’d be happy.
Visit to Christ the Redeemer Statue
We seem to have become rather lazy. Rather than investigating public transport, we have taken to using taxis to get around Rio. We did try to get a bus yesterday, on the advice of the Tourist Office, but gave up after waiting 20 minutes with no bus. Taxis aren’t expensive and are the quickest way of getting anywhere. We headed off to Cosme Velho Street, to Corcovado Station, to take the train to the foot of Christ the Redeemer.
Yesterday our visit to Sugar Loaf Mountain was very pleasant. It was busy, but there were no real queues. This morning was another matter. When we arrived at the station it was heaving with people. We were directed to a ticket machine to purchase train tickets. We had to choose an entry time to visit the statue. 12.40 was the first time and it was only 11.00. What do we do until then we asked.
We soon found out. We were herded like sheep from one holding pen to another, where we waited for our turn to board a train. Much of the time we were standing out in the hot sun with no shade. The queuing system is infuriating. Some groups of people stream ahead. They must be pre-booked groups. Sometimes random couples get picked out. There were 4 trains operating, but it still took us an hour and a half to get to the top. The ride taking just 20 minutes.
Corcovado Train
The Corcovado train line was inaugurated in 1884, operated with a steam train and a rack system. In 1910 the railway was electrified and steam trains replaced by electric trains. It was the first electrified railway in the whole of South America. The route is 3,824 meters long.
In 1931 the foundation stone for the Christ the Redeemer monument was laid. All the material being taken to the site via the railroad track. On 12 October, 1931 the statue was officially inaugurated.
In the 1970’s the railroad closed for modernisation and reopened in 1979 with the arrival of new third generation Swiss made trains. In 2019 a fourth generation of trains was introduced, made by Swiss company, Stadler Rail Group, bringing in new technology and more comfort and safety for visitors.
The ride takes passengers through the beautiful Tijuca National Park to the foot of the statue, which represents Christ with open arms in the shape of a cross. The statue is 38 meters high, made of reinforced concrete and soapstone and weighing 1,145 tons. The monument receives approximately 2 million visitors a year. It felt like half of them were there today.
We discussed why yesterday’s visit should have been so different to today’s. I expected it to be a similar experience with people mainly visiting for the view and because it’s a famous tourist destination. Dennis thinks, being a Catholic country, most visitors are going for the religious experience, hence why it was so busy.
Once off the train we walked up the steps to the platform where the statue is located. There is a lift, but the queues were long. We need the exercise, so we’re happy to walk up. We admired the views all around and took all the necessary photos, before getting the lift back down to the station. The queue to go down, wasn’t as bad as coming up.
Returning to Poki for a late lunch (we still had supplies which needed eating), we then decided we would go back to the hotel for a rest. At about 17.00 we thought we should have a restock for the next few days. This would enable us to get away early tomorrow. We walked to the supermarket, which was literally just down the road.
We had thought it was just a tiny local mini-market. Once inside we discovered it was a large store with a great fruit and veg. department and butchers. We’re now ready to set off early tomorrow. We’re heading to Ouro Preto.
It was recommended we visit Ouro Preto by the young Brazilian doctor I saw at Brighton hospital after our Africa trip, when I had an insect bite that became infected. We had never heard of Ouro Preto, but I haven since read it is a “must see” old colonial city, so we are going to check it out.
Views: 15