March 12, 2025

RIO DE JANIERO - Day 5 - Cinelandia Square, Selaron Stairs & Ipanema Beach

Our happy little group together for another day touring with Lucas on the bus. First stop, Cinelandia Square ( where it turns out Callie and I had walked on Thursday, when we went to clinic).  This square was created for theaters back in the day, today only one remains, but there are several historical buildings lining it.

Next we headed to the Selaron Stairs or Lapa Steps in the Lapa Neighborhood. These world famous steps are the work of Chilean born artist Jorge Selaron who claimed it as "my tribute to the Brazilian people". Jorge worked on the 215 steps from 1990 till his death (a mysterious suicide) in 2013, installing ceramic tiles from over 60 different countries  around the world, totaling over 2000 tiles. In the beginning Seleron used scrap tiles from waste throughout Rio. In later years tiles were donated by visitors from all over the world. Of over 2000+ tiles 300 odd ones were hand painted by Selaron depicting a pregnant African woman, who he only commented on that it was a personal problem from his past. Below photos from web, Selaron below painting on right in 2nd photo.

Our last stop was famous Ipanema Beach. Infamy came from song "the girl from Ipanema Beach" covered by so many, including Frank Sinatra. The young 17 year old, Helo Pinheiro, ( shown in last photo at 17 and 80 years)  had no idea she was inspiration for song, until many years later. We walked to cafe she used to walk by everyday, on her way to beach. The waiters were super friendly and we had some beverages, before walking to grocery store and then back to beach.

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PORT DEARAU, FIJI - Naidiri Village

By Patricia Patrick • December 4, 2025
Today we went to see the coastal Naidiri Village that has recently won the Top Prize in global restoration, for their ocean reef project. The reef restoration was borne out of necessity to solve their dwindling food/ main protein source for the village, of fish. It was started by 2 of the villages rugby players and today is run by the local teenagers (mostly boys) in the village. It was great seeing how empowered and proud they were of their amazing efforts.

LAUTOKA, FIJI

By Patricia Patrick • December 1, 2025
The port agent offered several trips to areas around Lautoka . We chose the trip to Serenity Island Resort which included van and boat transfers and lunch. It was a really nice day enjoying the sun, reef, pool, turtles and amenities!

RIVER TUBING DOWN THE NAVUA, SUVA, FIJI

By Patricia Patrick • December 1, 2025
I organized a group tour for a fun day experience. We had a great day despite the rain that decided to join in. We started with a 45 minute van ride out through the city, into the countryside. Then we got in long boats and went up river to a waterfall, some swam or cheered on the guides to cliff dive. Then back in the boats to visit Sabata Village where 50 family members live as a community existing totally off the land, along the river. Next was a quick boat ride to our BBQ lunch spot. After lunch we got to tube down the river, through light rapids, for just about an hour. We ganged our tubes together with the guide - we had a chain of 14 in my group and the guides totally blew us away singing hymns for a good chunk of the journey. It was truly moving in that place with the rain drizzling and all of us linked together. Loved it!