ABOVE RIO, an aerial visit of Rio's Zona Sul

This is one of those cities which does not need an introduction. We have all heard of famed Rio de Janeiro for better and for worse. The only mention of these 3 words brings about a river of sound to our ears, complete with drums, bells and whistles. This is the city where Carnaval Samba style of music was invented less than a century ago. This precious gift of African origin was born in the poor neighbourhoods or "favelas" where it was developed by Brazilians of African ancestry who moved to Rio from Bahia State in the Northeast of the country. Rio is a city like no other. This is the only urban area I know to have the perfect combination of sea, mountains, tropical forest and neighbourhoods.

So sit back, sip on a caipirinha, play a little samba and let the magic start. Click on the pictures for a larger version to enjoy Rio !

The Heliport Morro da Urca

Botafogo neighbourhood

Rio Sul shopping center (at the bottom of the dark colored building)
 and Copacabana on the far left

Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado mountain, one of the latest World Wonders

Circling the Statue, in the background the City Center and
Zona Norte

Lagoa Freitas with Ipanema neighbourhood lining the sea front

Lagoa Freitas shores

Leblon and Gavea neighbourhoods

Dois Irmaos Peak and Favela Rocinha

Favela Rocinha

Sao Conrado and Fashion Mall Rio

Avenida Niemeyer

Favela Vidigal and Sheraton Rio

Ipanema Beach

Punta do Arpoador, The Harpoon's point between Ipanema and
Copacabana. On the hill side of Morro Cantagalo are the favelas
 of Pavao and Pavazinho.
  

The Copacabana Fort in the foreground and the Copacabana
neighbourhood.

The Leme area at the end of Copacabana,

Copacabana Beach and Avenida Atlantica

Sugarloaf Mountain or Pao de Acucar with the upscale neighbourhood of
Urca below. The city of Niteroi lays on the
other side of the Bay of Guanabara.

Christ on top Corcovado Mountain