Author: Sarah Clapper

Post-Trip Entry

Today marks exactly 2 weeks since we embarked on our journey to Rio. At this time, we would have been sitting in the Atlanta airport filled with excitement as we waited to board the plane to leave for Rio. It’s hard to believe that was two weeks ago, and now I’m sitting here looking at the snow falling outside of my window, wishing that I was instead laying on the beach in Ipanema.

The trip was absolutely incredible and I truly hope that someday I will be able to return to Rio de Janeiro. I’ve been to many beaches in the United States, but nothing compares to laying on the beach while admiring the beautiful, mountainous landscapes just beyond the shore. The views from Sugarloaf Mountain were by far some of the most breath-taking views I have ever experienced. I loved having the opportunity to explore the city each day surrounded by a group of people that were just as interested in the architecture and landscape as I was. Being part of a study abroad group while traveling is something I had never experienced before. It was a totally different experience than traveling with friends and family. It was also always interesting to come back to hotel and see what other people thought of the sites we visited by reading the blog entries. I especially always enjoyed viewing other people’s sketches. I was amazed by all of the sketching talent in our group, everyone’s sketches were so beautiful and amazing!

Overall, the trip was amazing and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn about the culture of Rio and meet so many wonderful people. I will forever cherish the memories made in Rio de Janeiro and I can’t wait to go back someday!

 

Comparison of Rio to second day back in Columbus!

Comparison of Rio to second day back in Columbus!

Built and Natural Mountains

I think the most unique feature of Rio de Janeiro is the relationship between the built and natural mountains. Where the natural mountains are the morros, and the built mountains are the collection of skyscrapers. The morros are on a very monumental scale and the built environment seems to replicate and connect to the scale of the mountains. The skyscrapers mimic the height of the morros and the density of the buildings relate to the density of the trees found on the morros. I find the relationship between the built and natural environment an overall theme that should be considered in all designs. Personally, I think the best designs emerge when the architect and landscape architect work in unison on the overall design. Consistent relationships that enhance and build off of one another is something that I think is displayed well in the Ministry of Health and Education Building. The relationship of the trees chosen to compliment and enhance the height of the building results in an overall consistent design. The conditions surrounding the building are just as important as the building itself. If there is one thing that Rio has taught me, it is that the built and natural conditions should always work together to create a masterful work of art. Photo

It’s the Little Things

Rio de Janeiro is a wonderful city, it’s breathtakingly beautiful, vibrant, energized, robust, and exploring the identity of the city has been a wonderful experience. However, what I love about this city lies in the small details, the elements often overlooked.

An example of a building facade dominated by window air conditioners.

An example of a building facade dictated by window air conditioners.

 

Rio is a very unique city, and it’s unlike any place that I have ever visited. Around every corner there seems to be a new experience, and the city continuously keeps you on your toes. I’ve experienced a new kind of rain while in Rio – it’s the kind of rain that one typically doesn’t use an umbrella for, and that would be the air conditioning rain. While walking along the sidewalks you will without a doubt experience the dripping window air conditioning vents. In order to save money, buildings do not install central air conditioning, thus leading to the result of facades completely dominated by protruding small rectangular boxes also known as air conditioners.

 

Everywhere you walk in Rio, you will find textured floor strips, whether it’s in the metro, along the sidewalk, or even in some cases, in buildings, the design of the city caters to the needs of people, especially for the blind. This small attention to detail is what makes Rio so unique, and so interesting.

There are many other examples of the small, yet impactful details. When analyzing a city, it is so important to always remember to never overlook the small elements that combine to create the whole.

Markets, Markets, Everywhere!

Before arriving in Rio de Janeiro, we learned about the markets in class. However, I never expected there to be so many markets! It seems that everywhere you look, there is a market. It’s absolutely wonderful!

I’ve always valued hand crafted items and one-of-a-kind treasures. I love all of the artwork that I have seen in the markets. Each painting has it’s own unique character and I love the texture of the paints used. There are so many skilled artists here in Rio, and their work is exquisite. I have had the opportunity to visit two markets so far, once on Saturday night along Copacabana Beach beach, and we all went to the Hippie Fair Sunday afternoon. I loved experiencing the markets at different times of the day because they feel like two different experiences. During the day at the Hippie Fair, it was bright and sunny, somewhere close to 90 degrees and there were so many different sounds and smells. You could hear musical instruments being played at some of the tables overlaid with the sound of cars honking, people’s conversations, and the sound of a street musician. The whole market seemed to be buzzing and there was a very high energy surrounding the entire market. The sun was incredibly hot, and it was nice to walk under the vendor’s tents to escape the heat of the sun. At the street market along Copacabana Beach, there seemed to be a slightly calmer energy; there was not as much hustling and bustling. The air was cooler and there was a very nice breeze that circulated throughout the market. The items found at this market weren’t always handcrafted, and this market definitely seemed to be targeted more on tourists, whereas the Hippie Fair seemed to target not only tourists, but locals as well. The items displayed in the mart at night were lit by artificial lighting, which in my opinion, has a different effect than when they are lit by the summer sun. Negotiating with the vendors has posed many difficulties. Most of them do not know English, so trying to figure out how much something costs is always interesting. The one girl vendor pulled out her smartphone and used the calculator to explain the costs of the items she was selling. I thought this was a very clever approach and made communicating much easier!

Overall, I have really enjoyed my time here in Rio, and I hope to visit many more markets before having to return to the US. I think my favorite part of the markets are the paintings – I wish I could buy them all!

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Pre-Departure Entry

Well, I am currently on hold with Delta Airlines, so I decided that this would be the best time to write my pre-departure entry. I am trying to get everything in place before leaving in … 11 hours. I figured it would be best to obtain my Delta Skymiles account information before waking up tomorrow since I know that I still have a lot of last minute packing priorities to take care of when I wake up. At least maybe tomorrow night I will be tired enough to fall asleep on the flight since I know that I am not going to get much sleep tonight. At this point (1:30am) I would say that I am roughly 70% packed. I just hope that I don’t forget anything!!

I have to say, I am getting really excited to leave for the trip tomorrow! I feel the past days I have been so busy that I haven’t had the opportunity to really realize that we are about to travel to BRAZIL! (Side note: the Delta hold music isn’t too terribly bad – minus the automated guy that keeps informing me of all of the wonderful opportunities that Delta flights offer. However, he fails to mention the price of the “fully-reclining seats”.) Anyways, back to the pre-departure anticipation and brief overview of what I am most looking forward to. I am super excited to learn about the culture of Rio first-hand and experience many new things. The trip to Sugarloaf Mountain on our first day is something that I am really looking forward to because I am thrilled to experience the breath-taking views from the top of the mountain. I just want to continuously remind myself to take in every moment and cherish every scent, taste, and sight of Rio de Janeiro.

I would be lying if I said I wasn’t slightly nervous for the flight tomorrow. I have always enjoyed flying but I always get a little nervous leading up to the actual take off. I just remind myself of the wonderful place that we are actually flying to and that seems to allow me to relax.

I wish everyone the best of luck as they finish their last minute packing and I hope everyone at least gets some sleep tonight!

At this time tomorrow we will officially be en route to RIO!

Good night!