March 12, 2025

RIO DE JANEIRO - Day 4 - Friday 3/7/25

We had signed up for city tours back in December when we thought we would only have 2 days in this port. So today, we were part of a  group of 60, spread over 3 buses,with separate guides. Our guide was Lucas and our first destination was the train station to go up to the Christ the Redeemer Statue. We had express tickets which allowed us quicker pathways through the crowds to board the train and take the 20 minute ride up the mountain. The view from the top is amazing! You're in the clouds which swish in and out constantly.

Below is detailed history of how the statue came to be. It is covered in a mosaic tiles, therefore making it the largest art deco installation in the world. It was built in 5 years 1926 to 1931, therefore dominating the skyline for 90+ years. It was made from reinforced concrete and has a hollow core which you can go up inside and see his Heart. 

By Pat Patrick July 14, 2026
I really enjoyed my first trip to Thailand! On our final morning here we went to try breakfast at this spot, down the road, we had been hearing rave reviews on, King Of Bread . The hype was correct, the breakfast was delicious and they had some unique choices. I had eggs benedict on a croissant, in lieu of the standard english muffin and Bosco had it on Milk Bread, which was equally tasty.
By Pat Patrick July 14, 2026
We love having authentic experiences with locals to really get a chance to see how they live and thrive in the Ports we visit. So when I found a cooking class, by a local woman offered in her home, we were excited to book. Um ( our teacher) picked us and brought us back to our hotel along with the family of 4 from Sydney, Australia, that had also signed up for this afternoon class. Um's house, which has a lovely open air kitchen, garden and dining area, was about a 30 minute drive and turned out to be on the beach, right next to the Grandparent Rocks.
By Pat Patrick July 14, 2026
The nightlife scene doesn't really get going till after 11pm and goes till 5 am in the Chaweng section of Koh Samui . We made our way over to the club district, and one of the hot spots called the ArkBar a little past 10pm to have some dinner, while watching the beach fire shows.