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outstretched arms are a gesture of welcome to all. The Corcovado lies within the Tijuca National Park that extends into the middle of the city. Access is by road or cog railway, the latter being more exciting. This novel train winds its way through dense jungle which now and then opens out to give views of the city.

The final walk to the top is exhilarating and the pathway kiosks and cafes do a roaring trade with thirsty tourists. The enormous statue was raised to its magnificent position in 1931. The figure stands 30 m high and weighs 1,145 tons. The stunning city view takes in the Sugar Loaf across from Botafogo and southward to the Rodrigo Lagoon bordering on Leblon and Ipanema Beach. Westward is the mountainous jungle of Tijuca National Park which is the world's largest urban forest.

Our bus followed a winding road into the Tijuca forest to stop at Cascatinha where a small waterfall bursts out of the luxuriant jungle-clad cliffs. Our guide pointed out monkeys and parrots and named the unfamiliar plants and trees. The return journey was via the southern beach resorts of Sao Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema and home to Copacabana.

Copacabana is the most magnificent surf beach in the world! The broad sidewalks along Avenida Atlantica are paved in black and white stone mosaic of a traditional undulating pattern. Cafes and restaurants spread onto the sidewalks with gaily colored umbrellas and bustling waiters. The central walkway is lined with coconut palms and stalls selling curios and drinks. Buy yourself a Rio sarong (canga), butterfly collection, a dried piranha fish or amethyst geode ... and quench your thirst from a coconut or squished sugar cane. At weekends the Avenida becomes a one way street to cope with the increased pedestrian traffic.

Early morning on Copacabana you may see fishermen out netting the bay, coming from their settlement at the south end near Fort Copacabana; here is a little market where you can buy fish straight from the boat. Strolling back along the Avenida you will experience the fascinating spectacle of the Copacabana early morning constitutional .... it seems that the entire population of beach side hotels is out for a stroll or jog in the briefest of costumes, showing off their suntans and wrinkles. The wrinkly brigade from North America must winter over in Copacabana! Well dressed poodles get trotted too. No matter what your shape, size or color, you will not be conspicuous ... it's great!

At the end of Copacabana beyond the fishing boats

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