The must sees in Rio

There are places you visit where no matter how many times you visit there are sights you still have to see.  In Rio, Christ the Redeemer, Ipanema, Copacabana and Sugarloaf are those sights.

Christ the Redeemer statue is symbolic to Rio.  It's the one structure that is recognized as the city's image and is now one of the wonders of the word.  Arms stretched wide to welcome visitors and embrace is residents.  It's perched a top of Corcovado mountain (so called because of it's resemblance of a hump).  Christ the Redeemer stands at 30 meters and offers excellent views of the city all around.  You first take a train up through the forest to the platform.  You then walk up the steps or take an escalator to the base of the statue.  What was spectacular about this trip was Bonnie.  Bonnie overcame her fear of statues and after five visits to Christ the Redeemer she was finally able to go to the base of the statue without fear! You go Bonnie.  There's nothing to fear but fear itself!

just a little history... Vincintian Pedro Maria Boss visited Corcovado and was so impressed of it's position wanted to have a religious figure constructed in honor of Princess Isabel.  This did not happen overnight and after much convincing, engineering, constructing and bidding and more than 60 years Christ the Redeemer was constructed.  It was on October 12, 1931 that Christ the Redeemer was inaugurated.  It was designed by Carlos Oswald and sculpted by Paul Landowskitura.

Ipanema, the second most famous beach and area in Rio is the more chic of the beaches.  It is said that this is where the most beautiful people live and hang out.  There are fewer hotels here but has some of the best jazz bars and places to enjoy live Bosa Nova.  It's the place where beautiful music has been created.  Bonnie and I walked along the beach and a rogue wave hit us. LOL  It was only knee high but it wasn't expected and caught us off guard.  After that experience I just had to get a fresh coconut from one of the beach stands.  They cut the top off of a coconut, put a straw in and you drink away.  This was so refreshing.  I hope Bonnie and I fit in with the beautiful people of Ipanema.

Copacabana is the most famous of the two and is the oldest.  Most of the hotels in Rio line Copacabana and Avenue Atlantica.  On Sundays one side of the Avenue is closed to vehicular traffic and the people hit the street walking, cycling, protesting, roller blading and just enjoying the open avenue.  Copacabana is distinctive because of its wave pattern on the sidewalk.  As you can see our photographer, Howard Little, was infatuated with the ladies of Copacabana or at least their backsides.  After all, Brazil is known for it's beautiful ladies and their bums.  We'll give him a pass on this one.  When you go to Copacabana sit at one of the stands, have a beer or caipirinha and order "fango de passinrinho" This is fried chicken cut into bit sized pieces with the bone in and seasoned with herbs and garlic.  The local squeeze lime juice over them. Finger lickin good! While you're sitting do some people watching.  There are lots of sights to see.  You will however, be visited by sales people and musicians.  But it's all part of the experience.



Ja'Vonne & Bonnie on cable car

Sugarloaf, the twin peaks is another vantage point in Rio.  To get to the highest peak you'll take two cable cars, one to the first peak and then another to the second peak.  I think it's best visited in the afternoon just before sunset.  Watching the sun set over Rio is breathtaking.  It's like watching the city come to it's second life.  As the sun sets and nature dims its lights the city's lights come on and a whole different Rio emerges.  Take it all in with the national drink, a caipirinha!

Tu do bem (a catch all phrase that basically means everything is fine)

Ja'Vonne
Photos by Gene Harley & Howard Little/Video Twist Productions

Blame it on Rio

Many things can happen in Rio and sometimes it's just because of the feeling and atmosphere of the city.  The people are so full of life.  Cariocas, as people from Rio are called, see enjoying life is a high priority.  I must say that I'm a bit jealous that I don't see this approach to life on this scale in the US.

Today, we visited Rocinha, a favella located near Copacabana.  I'm told that the term Favella is not a favorable term because of its negative connotation, so from here on out it's the Rocinha community.  From a distance it looks like stacks of dwellings that are just part of the landscape but up close this is a bustling community with hard working people.  My take away is, we have to learn to see people and communities with economic challenges as they are and not with judgement of ethics or standards.  Through the winding roads up a steep hill are people, businesses and a society busy working hard for the same life as anyone being ignored and/or maybe judged as their community is looked upon from a distance.

We arrived at Rocinha with Alvaro Filho, owner of Forest Tour Rio.  Forest Tour Rio tours are done by Jeep, which in my opinion is the best way to see any part of Rio. You get to soak up the sights and sounds of the city.  Maybe this is why dogs put their heads out of the car window.  It's like taking in the cities through all of your senses.

Once in Rocinha we first met Mary, a local woman and artist who creates jewelry and crafts with recycled materials and paints her daily environment on canvas.  We then took a walk through a part of the community and here is where you're entrenched in the sights, sounds and smells.  Through narrow streets and alleys are shops for fruits, vegetables and meats.  It's obvious that we are visitors as we try to stay out of every ones way but never managing to do so. We are amazed how everyone is navigating the environment without fail in such close quarters.  Guys are pushing carts, delivering goods to the shops, carrying large parts of beef on their shoulders.  Ladies are shopping and people were moving about their normal day of work and life.  There was something going on at every turn and we were amazed at it all.

Later we met with Carlinhos, the owner of a house that he is extremely proud of and for good reason.  He probably has one of the best spots in Rio.  He operates his business called Terrace Tourist which is basically a tour of his home on his terrace.  We are told by our guide that, here you build your own home.  After three years if the government or no one else makes a claim it's yours and all you do from this point is pay utilities and taxes.  His place is three stories, I think.  After climbing so many steps I lost count.  On his terrace there is a view looking over the community below, a piece of Copacabana, the side of the mountain, the Tijuca Forest and from his kitchen window a view of Christ the Redeemer.  He's bursting with pride as he shows pictures of celebrities who have visited his Terrace along with photos of his young self, his daughter and grandson.  Thank you Carlinhos for your beaming smile and exuberant personality.



Ja'Vonne on Cycle Taxi

Each time I visit a place a see how a community turns a need into a business venture.  Here, because of the steep climb from the bottom of the mountain and where the Rocinha begins to the top, the narrow and busy roads and the need to get there, motorcycles are used as taxis.  This seems to be the main mode of transportation except for small trucks and vans that operate for businesses.  I decided to take one just to get the feel of the ride and soak up more of the community.  For the cost of 2 reals or $1 each way I went on a 5 minute ride from the top to the bottom and back to the top again with my driver Chiago, I think that's how he spells it. These taxis zip up and down the winding roads and rarely do you see one without a passenger.  We go down down down hugging the curves of the road, squeezing between traffic, passing other motorcycle taxis and being mindful of people dodging in and out of traffic.  I don't know which way to look because there's so much activity all around me. I wish I had a hat cam so I could share the experience with you because it's hard to truly explain.
The experience of visiting Rocinha will always be a part of me.

I'll tell you about food and the nightlife next but right now I'm getting ready for hang gliding. Woo Hoo!

Later!
Ja'Vonne
Photos by Gene Harley & Howard Little/Video Twist Productions

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Ja'Vonne with a caipirinha

Bonnie getting Reals

We're here!  We arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil today.  So excited because it's been at least 7 years since our last visit and we have been anxiously anticipating our return.  Rio is such a magnetic city.  It's so full of life that as soon as you leave you'll want to return.

What I immediately noticed is that it's a familiar place.  Not much has changed.  Of course, they're getting ready for some big events that are coming their way.  The Catholic gathering in 2013, World cup in 2014 and The Olympics in 2016.  There's highway expansion going on, areas inside of and just outside of Rio that are being built and renovated.  The area is buzzing with excitement and anticipation of these events and for good reason.

Flying in you fly over the Christ the Redeemer statue, that iconic figure that is symbolic to Rio, Sugar Loaf, the twin peak mountain with excellent views and the city itself and massive population.

We waisted no time and headed to a BBQ lunch or Churrascia.  We went to Churrascaria Palace just down the street and around the corner from our hotel (Windsor Excelsior).  Oh boy, what a feast.  Caipirinhas made table side with muddled limes, sugar and cachaca (a cane alcohol).  This is the national cocktail and you have to be careful because it is tasty but can be lethal.  A salad bar, which we, sad to say, passed by.  A sushi bar that we looked at but did not partake.  and the main feature, grilled and slow cooked meats brought to your table on large swords and carved on to your plate.  This is what we feasted on.  Lamb, steaks, pork loins, sausages, chicken, shrimp, ribs and so on and so on. 
We definitely called uncle.

Howard Little leading the Samba line

After a bit of a rest and with full bellies we went to Plataforma, a Brazilian show that showcases Brazilian culture throughout the countries history through song and dance.  it's sort of a variety folk show.  You can dine at the restaurant or just go to the show.  The show has been around for many years and is still a favorite and a must see.  Just like the other sites of Brazil it has become synonymous with Rio.  The announcer has been their for years and does a run down of visiting countries in the audience and then selects a few to come on stage and sing their national song.  This too is part of what makes Plataforma fun and exciting.  I can only imagine what this would be like during the Olympics.

After a long day we're settling down for a long winters nap at our hotel, The Windsor Excelsior.  A four star hotel on Copacabana. Excellent location and views.

Well, I'm beat and must know lay down to sleep to prepare for tomorrows journey to Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer), a tour of Ipanema and a visit to a Samba school.

I also have to say thank you to our wonderful guide Giordana.  She has been excellent, friendly and knowledgeable.

Until tomorrow.
Ja'Vonne
Photosby Howard Little/Video Twist Productions

STAYCATIONS

We wanted to do this topic because so many of us approach it all wrong. We take time off from work and use that time to run errands, do chores or worst yet, we do nothing at all.  So let's first define STAYCATION.

STAYCATION: When you stay home or near home with a traditional vacation environment.

Creating that vacation environment may be the most important element of a STAYCATION because it helps you keep your goals in sight.

PLANNING A STAYCATION:

• Set goals and make plans just as you would if you were going away.
• Set a budget for the things you plan or want to do.
• Check out what's happening in your area during the time of your STAYCATION.
• Make reservations and purchase tickets ahead of time.
• Take care of those tempting chores and errands before your time off.
• Have a plan for connecting with work and how much or when you will be accessible.
• No matter how tempting it is DO NOT do chores! If you were not able to to take care of this before hand, hire a cleaning company.  This is an item you can include  in your budget.
• Checkout some of those Flashcation sites we talked about a few weeks earlier that offer local deals.  This is also a great way to budget because the products and services are prepaid.
• What STAYCATION would be complete without capturing memories.  Get out the camera and video cameras.

THINGS TO DO

• A refreshing start could be a morning walk.  This could be in your neighborhood, a nearby park or you can travel to different parks or nature trails.
• Eat at that restaurant you've always wanted to.
• A Spacation is a great companion to a STAYCATION. You could go for a treatment, a day of treatments at a day spa or to a spa destination for a couple days and the works.
• Learn something new.  Take a class.  This could be anything from a cooking class to kickboxing.
• Do something you've never done before.  Something adventurous like sky diving, race car driving or a physical challenge.
• Take this time to get outdoors.  You can have a picnic or go on a picnic, go bike riding.  If you don;t own a bike a lot of cities rent them.  Go to the botanical gardens.

STAYCATION FOR THE FAMILY:

• Have a meeting with everyone before hand to see what's on every ones wish list.  It's very important to include everyone.
• You could give each person a day to plan activities.
• You can also give each person a day to themselves.

OUT OF TOWN GUESTS: Sometimes your STAYCATION involves having out of town guests

• Set up their room or space.  if you're not prepared your guests may think they are putting you out.
• Create a welcome basket for them: include items like snacks, magazines, bottles of water, a bottle of wine, toiletries, etc.
• Lay out their towels and wash cloths and put in their room or the space you've created for them.  Guests hate to ask for something they need so having those things you know they'll need from you will make them that much more comfortable.
• When I travel I take the slippers that are provided from the hotel and give them to my out of town guests.  I also, make a clean robe available for them.
• Pick up the local newspaper and magazines so they can see what's happening in your city during their stay.
• Plan some time or outings with them. Maybe there is a play in town or go to the movies or schedule a segway tour.
• Give them some free time on their own.  you don't have to spend all of their time with them.
• On the day or days you've planned give them an agenda (keep it fun).  You can print it on fancy paper, roll it up and present it in their basket.

IF YOU ARE A GUEST:

• Be a good guest!
• Don't expect your hosts to do everything for you.
• Give you host space and see what they have planned for you.  if you've made some plans let them know in advance so they'll know when you're available and when you're not.
• Arrive and depart at a respectable time.  Avoid rush hour or something that is before the sun comes up.
• Ask which airport is the closest to them.
• Bring a gift.  It doesn't have to be expensive.
• Do something nice for them during your stay.  One night out to dinner, out for breakfast or get up early and get fruit, pastries, etc. or prepare breakfast for them.
• CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF!
• Respect their time and space.

To get the most out of your STAYCATION:

• Plan
• Treat it like a traditional vacation
• Unplug

Ja'Vonne Harley
Co-Host, The Traveling Eye

SpaaaaaaaaCations!

This week on The Traveling Eye Show we're talking about SpaCations.

What is a SpaCation? Well, consider it more of a lifestyle.  It's going to a Spa Destination or Resort where the focus or goal can be anything from R&R, Weight Loss, Fitness, Diet and/or beauty and everything inbetween.  You can customize for your goals, needs and personal level.

We consulted Destination Spa Group on some key points to planning and selecting a Spa Destionation and they sent us one of their members The Heartland Spa and Fitness Resort's executive director, Sherry Gossett.

In planning you'll first want to ask yourself what is your focus and goal.  What do you want to accomplish or get out of the Spa Vacation.  Destination Spa Group has a great survey on their website to ask you those very questions and once the form is completed a Spa Advisor will contact you with recommendations.

In selecting a spa destination you'll look for places that offer the services you desire to meet your goals, that fit your budget and where you want to go.  You can travel the world or stay at home.

Consider the budget to range from $200 - over $1000 per day and that some are all-inclusive or at least you can get packages and plans that include a great deal.

You'll want to know the Spa Etiquette:  Understand that this is not the same across the board.  It can vary by spa and country.  You can always ask the spa you're visiting and I alwys recommend to over dress and watch what the locals do.  it's a lot easier to take off than to put on, especially fo you didn't bring your robe with you to the area.  Of course, common areas are usually modest and you wouldn't bare it all unless it is an separate area for men vs women and even then all rules are not the same.

I searched the internet and used some of my own experiences to see what's Trending now and while there is a long list and a matter of opinion, this is what I've come up with.

There is a focus on the feet.  From reflexology to acupressure.  I'm told that the feet hold key the rest of the body's health and this is why attention is being paid on the feet.
Cold and & Ice Therapy.  Now, the cold plunge pool has been around for some time but it's being used more and new treatments using cold and ice are being introduced to spas, like mixing hot and cold stones and it's being used in facials as well since cold closes the pores.  I actually, run an icecube over my face after I have cleansed it.
Vibrations, music, light and colors:  They're looking at all of the senses and taping into the body's own vibration.  I recently started meditating with OmHarmonics.  It's music that's been designed specifcally to help you meditate.  I find this is great for me because I've tried silent meditation and it doesn't work for me.
Signature Treatments: Just about every spa has a Signature Treatment and it usually involves a product that is indigenous to the area like a grape seed scrub in Napa Valley or a Soy or Honey treatment at The Heartland Spa and Fitness Resort.
Family SpaCations:  Spa's are now catering to the entire family including the children and there are treatments and spa's designed just for children.

I love Conde Nast Travelers Hot List of 35 New Spas for 2012.  Here is the web link www.cntraveler.com/hot-list/2012/spas

Until we meet again...

Ja'Vonne Harley,
Co-Host, The Traveling Eye

FLASHCATIONS

While Spire, a limited time luxury hotel deal site coined the term "Flashcation", the concept has been around for some time and derives from "Flash Sales".  It is defined by Spire as a trip that is booked spontaneously when a traveler finds an outrageously good deal.  The concept has resurfaced many times in different forms and given different names.  I used to work for an airline consolidator and we used to have "fill up fares". These airfares were only available 30 days or less prior to departure, only if airlines had an excess of seats and were available while inventory lasted. Post 9/11 numerous flash sale deals were available.  Some sites have come and gone.

Our show addressed Flashcations.

• What are the pro's and cons of a flash sale

• The pro is that it is a great deal.
• The cons are
• You have to act quickly, it could be gone in a flash!
• While rules and restrictions vary by company your purchase is usually non-refundable.
• The deals are usually available during low or shoulder season

What you need to know:

• Check the sites terms and conditions before you make any purchases.
• Is it a flash sale offered by the vendor or a third party?
• Is it a book now or do you get a voucher for later booking?
• If the flash sale is hotel only check the airfare to the destination.  Know what the air fare is and if the airline offers a deal including the same or similar hotel.  This way you can make an educated comparison.

Here are some companies that offer Flashcations: List from Savvysugar and Thinstock


Groupon Getaways
Groupon partnered up with Expedia to launch a travel deals vector that features new deals every Tuesday. The deals stay live for seven days or until they run out. The site offers a good mix of national and international travel deals.


Jetsetter
A luxury travel site that offers deals up to 50 percent off only the most luxurious and exotic hotels around the globe. Each sale lasts about five to seven days. You can pay 10 percent of the trip price to "hold" a trip for three days to decide whether to book it. If you decide not to purchase, the 10 percent becomes Jetsetter credit that never expires.

Read on for more sites.
Living Social Escapes
Living Social, Groupon's main competitor, offers different travel packages every week to various locations in the US and around the world. The majority of the picks seem to be US cities.


SniqueAway
SniqueAway, which was launched by TripAdvisor, offers up to 50 percent off all hotels and only features hotels that have at least a four out of five rating on TripAdvisor. If you missed a good deal, you can just click "like" on it and vote to bring it back. You can even vote for new hotels as well. Sales go up on the website a few times a week and they last for a week or until they sell out.

Trip Alertz
Trip Alertz is a part flash sale, part group-buying site, and as more people buy in, the cheaper the deal will become.


Vacationist
This site is more luxury-focused and has the thumbs up from the travel experts of Travel + Leisure magazine, who select the offers. You can save up to 60 percent.

Mancations

For the month of July we are exploring different types of Cations.  I know someone started this trend and it can be a bit annoying but for a lack of anything else to call them we are jumping on the band wagon.

We kick off July with Mancations!  Those bro-getaways just for the guys.  What we found is that guys like to travel with a purpose.  That purpose can be an activity or event like sports or music.  Here is what we found and thought guys would like.

Wisconsin is a great state for the guys.  Why?

• Milwaukee is the home to the Harley David Museum.
• We love The Iron Horse Hotel, which offers packages that include motorcycle rentals and museum tickets.  It's rustic, cool and chic.
• Wisconsin is know for it's beer and brats.  You can follow a beer trail.
• Whether or not you're a Greenbay Packers fan, Lambeau Field is a great stadium and the tours there are fantastic.
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin is great for fishing and outdoors adventures. We love Wolf Pack Adventures  and The Blue Harbor Resort and Spa)

Indianapolis is all about the sports.

• The Colts
• Indianapolis Motor Raceway (you can do a driving experience there)
• NCAA Hall of Champions (A fun place to visit)

Kentucky, that's right Kentucky.

• Kentucky Derby
• Bourbon Trail
• Muhammed Ali Center

The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama

Australia for the wanderluster

• The outback for that rugged guy
• Great Barrier Reef for the water lovers,scuba divers
• Melbourne and the wine region for the foodie

South Africa

• Safari, what more can I say about the Big Five and the adventure of it.
• The Capetown Jazz Festival April 2 - 3, 2013
• Shark Dives near Capetown

Brazil.....beautiful women...need I say more.  OK, I will

• Carnival
• Beaches
• Did I say beautiful women?

OK, now I want to do this myself...Drive a Tank in Minnesota
Learn to drive a military tank www.driveatank.com





Tune in next week when we will tell you about Flashcations

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page" St.Augustine
Ja'Vonne Harley, Co-Host, The Traveling eye