Nicola Dare Smith
West Virginia University College of Law, 3L
Sunday, August 10, 2008

Christo Redentor and Pao de Acucar

The Christo Redentor overlooks Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is home to two of the world’s most famous sites: Pao de Acucar (Sugar Loaf Mountain) and Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer). Nestled between the two is Michael Jackson’s helipad, at Dona Marta. Apparently a great place to see miniature monkeys as well as a view of Sugar Loaf and Christ the Redeemer, the helipad was built for Mr. Jackson by the local city council, to spare him the trip up the mountain. If I were Michael Jackson I would appreciate a helipad over Rio too, especially because it is the most beautiful place I’ve ever been, and also because I too love monkeys.

Amazing views of Leblon and Ipanema from the vantage of Corcovado and the Christo Redentor statue

Cristo, or “Christ” as the locals call him, stands atop Corcovado hill. The hill was first named Mt. Pinnacle of Temptation, but I’d imagine the name was changed when they decided to put Christ up there. Now Corcovado, meaning “hunchback” is the name of the mountain burdened with the weight of Jesus. Thousands visit Christ every year, and the new chapel built beneath Christ’s feet is booked for weddings until 2018. Tourists stand, arms outstretched, mimicking the perpetual embrace Christ offers Rio. Of all things, white doves mingled with tourists around Christ’s feet. One guy perched himself on the railway surrounding Christ, and he stretched out his arms and leaned back with only the clouds to catch his fall. Indeed the Christ is so high that clouds obscure bits of the nearly 360 degree view of Rio. The cityscape spans from the Favelas West of Leblon Beach to Sugar Loaf Mountain in the East. From atop Cordocova one can witness the convergence of civilization and nature. With one glance you can see skyscrapers, homes, the giant Sao Joao Batista Cemetery, the manmade canal leading to the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, the shores and mountains surrounding the city, and finally the Atlantic Ocean.

At the ‘Michael Jackson helipad’ the study abroad group pauses for a picture with Corcovado in the background

While the Christ looks out over Rio, Sugar Loaf looks back at the city from the ocean. I think the “loaf” looks like and egg that has risen halfway out of the water. My friend Allison thinks it looks like the Grinch’s mountain. Really the mountain gets its name from the cone-like shape Brazilian sugar was packed in to be shipped to Europe.

Sugar Loaf Mountain situated between the beautiful beaches of Rio de Janeiro

We rode to the top of the loaf in a 60 person pod, hanging from lines leading up the mountain. The view from the top is indescribable – it beats every view I’ve ever seen, even the mountains of my own home. I think the reason again is the convergence of humans and nature. Every element of the natural world can be seen, as well as every aspect of human living. The harmony between land and human is apparent all over, in the stone Christ built atop Corcovado, in the wires and pods leading up Sugar Loaf, and in the sparkling lights of buildings along the shores. It was difficult to put down the camera and enjoy the experience, because I had a feeling the camera wouldn’t capture it all, and looking back, it didn’t.

Thrilling view of Rio de Janeiro at sunset from the top of Sugar Loaf