People had been hyping Rio De Janeiro up to me for months, telling me I would fall in love with the colorful, cosmopolitan city instantly. They were not wrong.
After performing in Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, Sao Paulo and Limeira, the final stop on our Radnor & Lee Brazilian concert tour was Rio. We arrived on Sunday morning, and the first thing that we noticed on the way into town was how densely populated the city is.
And there seems to be no separation between poorer neighborhoods, favelas, and the more affluent neighborhoods, between historic buildings and severe modern architecture. It is a collage-like experience.
As soon as we had dropped our stuff at the hotel, I had one of our local promoters, Felipe, take me out to explore the area Flamingo Beach
Strolling through Flamingo Park, we stumbled upon this awesome modern play structure. I loved the concrete slides, the blue sand, the geometric structures and the vibrant colors. Felipe told me that this is structure is known as a place to come and practice Parkour.
After checking out the beach we went off to meet our crew who were invited to have lunch at “the other” Felipe, our sound guys, house. This gorgeous house also served as an art gallery, and place to entertain clients.
We sat for a delicious traditional Brazilian meal of feijoada, black beans, rice and trimmings such as orange slices, followed by pudim and passionfruit pudding. It is such a delight on tour to have a homemade meal, especially one with the degree of authenticity.
Eager to see as much of Rio as possible within our short time frame, another one of our promoters Marcello and his girlfriend took me out to see the lagoon where kids were fishing for minnows (….insert Steemit joke here…)
The Feira Hippy (Hippy Markets)
where locals were cooking traditional authentic Bahian food is the Acaraje, a croquette made from a mix of black-eyed peas, manioc paste, coconut and prawns.
and where I bought my wife some of these gorgeous handmade coasters made of designs with different types of beans…
These markets were so full of life and electricity. A really inspiring atmosphere of diverse people mingling and enjoying being in their city. I loved the civic pride of people from Rio, always asking “What do you think of Rio???” They know what they’ve got :)
Next stop was Ipanema Beach. The city and the sand meet right on the boardwalk, decorated with a famous wave tile pattern that slightly differs from the pattern at the Copacabana Beach, the next beach down.
Rio is famous for its beaches and they don’t disappoint. There is a very egalitarian feeling - the beach is for everyone. All walks of life, all socio-economic segments of the city. Everyone is on the beach. Drinking from coconuts, eating shrimp, sunbathing and swimming.
After soundcheck we had dinner at a new restaurant called Xian, designed in such a way as to take full advantage of an incredible panoramic view.
Even the restrooms have a great view, so you can relieve yourself while watching planes take off and land from the small local airport.
The show that night was at Teatro Odisseia. It was a fantastic crowd who sang along to every word of our songs and brought that electric Rio energy to the room.
It has been amazing to watch this crowd, many of them “How I Met Your Mother” fans there for Josh, get into the music and become Radnor & Lee fans. It doesnt happen every day that an actor can actually win people over when they start making music, and Ive been so proud of Josh’s journey and the integrity and passion with which he has attacked this new chapter.
I skipped going out after the show as I wanted to be fresh and awake the next morning for our trip up to Corvacado to see one of the wonders of the world - the Christ the Redeemer statue.
After an hour or so drive, winding up the giant mountain, eating Biscoito Globo, a traditional Brazilian snack, we reached the top, and in the scorching heat, climbed the several flights of stairs to have our turn at taking selfies in front of the famous deity.
It was really quite an awe-inspiring sight. To consider the logistics of mounting this monument between 1922 and 1931, or even now, kind of boggles the mind.
Our last outing before our flight to Buenos Aires Argentina was for a swim at the Praia Vermelhabeach, tucked away right next to the famous natural landmark 1300 ft tall Sugarloaf Mountain.
Josh and I took a refreshing swim and marveled that two friends getting together to write some songs on his couch a couple of years ago could lead to an adventure like this. You truly cant imagine where journeys will take you when you begin them - so just start them!
Thank you Brazil for the awesome experience. This was a really life-changing tour for us. We saw our potential to connect in a big way with a room full of beautiful human beings. We built faith in the music that we make together. And we really fell in love with your culture.
Obrigado!
For daily stories, videos, music, thoughts and dreams follow @benleemusic
Most of these photos were taken by me, the ones that I am in were taken by Diego Padhila. He is a great photographer and is waiting for his Steemit profile to be approved so get ready to enjoy his work!!!!
Lindas fotos do Rio de Janeiro
Love the #tinyplanet photography.
@exploreadelaide and I each bought one of these cameras. (That's me at 2 oclock)
For anyone looking to get involved, I recommend the xiaomi mi sphere.
(Under AU$300 on gearbest)
So, you guys touring again soon or taking a break for a bit?
Yeah this belonged to our friend Diego but I loved it
Now in Argentina for one show them home to see the fam and plan the next move
Rio is amazing! By the way, do you know the history of Feijoada? =)
I do not. Enlighten us!
For centuries in the period of slavery, the "Senhores de Engenho" (I do not know exactly how to say it in English, but I believe it is "Lords of the Mills") gave the remains of their banquets to their slaves. Then they mixed the remnants of pig ears, tails, tongue, muzzle, trotters and head with black beans. That way, they did not have to spend anything to feed their slaves. Currently the ingredients used are better selected, but it is incredible to think that this delicious dish was created from remains, right?
Ps: Sorry if there are any mistakes. I'm still learning English and I had to write some difficult words here. Hah
Nice blog buddy :-) I'm enjoying reading about your south American adventure!
Thanks mate! Ever been here?
No, never to South America. I’d love to check out some of the Aztec ruins
Yo Ben!
Is Josh on Steemit? WTF! Can't believe you two are mates! CRAYYYYYY.
How did you guys meet? My favourite photos are of you an Josh on stage and the picture of you two taking a selfie next to the monument. Looking as though you've been pals since school. You two must have a great connection.
Keep up the terrific work and I'm sure your wife will LOVE the coasters. They looked spectacular!
Cheers,
Nick
Josh and I met when HIMYM used one of my songs in the show. I called the creator Carter Bays to thank him and he invited me down to set. That was in 2005.
The land of my people and the food! I’m glad you enjoy it and hope you’ll visit Florida to get a taste of Brazil away from home. So many natives live here now
I heard RIO is beautiful
It is
Where in Florida has the best Brazilian food?
Great share. Really inspiring to see you two be so interested in your fans too. I haven't been back to Rio in 20 years, I have saudades. You captured the essence so beautifully for those who haven't been. Thanks for sharing
The fans literally created the opportunity for us. They were so vocal on FB that a promoter invited us to tour Brazil.
You really captured the trip! Thanks! Dance floors, markets, foodies, + the bathroom au natural! Nice breakthrough for you on lots of levels. Big thumbs up.
Thank you so much! It was a special place. Cant wait to take my family back there.
Love this post Ben. I'm glad you've enjoyed Brazil. It is one of my favourite countries, for sure. That picture of you two with the coconuts at the end.
They contain endless liquid! It just kept going and going.
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Looks like a fun time Ben!
It ruled. Greetings from Buenos Aires today!
nice music
Cheers
Glad I found this. Enjoyable read, great pics, and stoked for you guys to have found this success. Following...
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing Brazil with us.
Its now on my bucket list. Great food (don't know what Biscoito Globo but I want it!), stunning colours, gorgeous beaches, friendly vibrant vibes ~ What more could you want?
Have a safe trip to your next stop!
You'll love it!
Heya, just swinging by to let you know you're being featured in our Daily Travel Digest!
Amazing post you got going on Rio there and congrats on finishing the tour! My best friend is quite a big HIMYM fan, I'm so showing this to her, haha!
nice travel!! please see my last video for open mic https://steemit.com/openmic/@palmimusic/steemit-open-mic-week-69-vive-en-mi--coalo-zamorano-cover
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Thank you for the beautiful show's and by the good attitude, generous and open to us. The respect you have shown for always posting a positive and purposeful vision of our country. With a great regard for our culture and people, is and was very inspiring. You have entered the list of artists that I will recommend in the future whenever I can. I hope you can visit us more often. And I wish you much success and happiness on your journey !! Thanks again!!
The shows in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro were amazing! Thanks for all the affection with me!! Come back soon to Brazil!
Congratulations,