Looking back to Rio on the bike …

One of the best days I spent in Rio was one of the last of my holiday. My son-in-law took me for a ride on his new motorbike. His previous bike, on which they had the accident on was stolen a few weeks back, and now replaced. I am a pedal cyclist and car driver, never before ventured on a motor bike, but often dreamed that one day I would have the opportunity. Never did I expect this to happen in Rio de Janeiro, it was like a lifetime’s dream come true.

It was beautiful morning and we  swerved in and out of the pedestrians down the hill of Babilonia into the streets of Rio; now swerving cars, buses and taxis, all vying position with a toot of the horn. That’s how they do it, with eyes this way and that, a toot and they move … a mighty chess game.  It changed my view as pedestrian … I will be more careful. It is a shame that cities have become so dangerous for pedestrians; as a driver I do see that pedestrians do not anticipate the speed of oncoming cars and take untold risks.

However, I drift from my wonderful experience that took me to the motor mechanic where the bike is serviced and cared for and nearby by is the house where the notorious train robber, Ronnie Biggs lived, not a tourist attraction of course but it did make me smile.

So back on my journey, up another hill over one of Rio’s three tunnels. Very near the coast it has a beautiful view of the beaches north and south and inland to the city. It was a lovely setting, with cafe and picnic area and to my delight lots of healthy cats sunning themselves in the trees.