We began our day with a tour of H.Stern, which is one of the world's leading jewelers. Brazil is known for its exquisite gemstones, so therefore we decided to take a tour of the headquarters, Gem Museum, Art Gallery and Folklore Department. The cool thing was that H. Stern provided a complimentary car, driver and tour guide for my mom, our tablemate, Art, and myself for the day!
The first part of the tour was a explanation of how and where gems are mined. Then we were able to see gemologists cut and polish the stones, designers design the pieces of jewelry, craftsmen create the pieces then the people actually making the jewelry! It was interesting to see the process as well as learn about the different variations in gemstones. Afterwards, they do try to get you to buy something, so we looked at different loose gems, of all sizes and colors, then went into the showroom and the modern collection of jewelry. We didn't end up buying anything, but Art is into cutting and polishing raw stones, so he was able to get pieces for himself.
After the tour, we told Nina to take us wherever! Our driver, Wilson (who only spoke Portuguese) spoke with Nina to determine where would be the best places and routes to go! Today in Rio there was a race along the beaches, so some of the routes were closed!
We started our tour of Rio by going to the beach in the Leblon area. There was an elevated boardwalk with fishermen fishing off the boardwalk and pier. We went to one of the outdoor cafes to people watch. We had some coconut water and just relaxed for a while. 
We then went back to Copacabana beach and saw everyone enjoying the sun and doing some sort of physical activity. From there we drove through the different sections of the city, seeing people selling stuff on the street, different markets set up on the corners, and graffiti on the walls and buildings.
Rio is home to the world's two largest forests insides an urban area. On Corcovado, the emperor at the time had 6 slaves plant over 2,000 acres of various plants and foliage and now the mountain is covered in a dense rainforest. Then there is the Jardim Botanico or the Botanic Gardens which are situated right next to the lagoon in the middle of the city. Around the lagoon is a giant walking/running track and various exercise machines. Nina suggested going to the Parque Lage, which she explained was an extension the botanical gardens with great architecture. When we first walked into Parque Lage, we saw a Monkey! Nina says that they are very common and can be seen quite frequently in the trees.
In the middle of Parque Lage, there is an outdoor aquarium that has the sun light streaming into the fish tanks.
We walked around the shaded pathways, past old buildings, remains of a castle tower and through fields of various flowers. It was so pretty and peaceful. Even with the heat of Rio, 86 degrees F, it was cool under the shade of the trees. As we walked, we came across a field of Peace Lilies. It was a wonderful reminder of my dad and it was like he was there with us on this journey.
In the middle of Parque Lage, there was this large beautiful building with an elegantly manicured lawn and fountain in front. The building has since been turned into an art school and offers various art classes. When you walked up the steps, you walked through this rounded arch and it opened into a square filled with tables, a large pool, a cafe, a sitting area with pillows on the floor and rooms off the center for art classes. Current students had their work displayed and in some rooms an art was be exhibited. Above the beautiful area, rose Corcovado Mountain and Christ the Redeemer Statue. The view was amazing.
Today was already fabulous with everything we were seeing. I didn't think it could get better. My mom heard about this tea house called Cafeteria Colombo from Olivia the day before and Nina was all about taking us there. Nina double checked to ensure they were opened and Wilson avoided all traffic and drove us there. Parking was bit of an issue but Wilson pulled his car up on a curb for us! We had to walk down this alley and through some off streets, but in the middle of a very small road, and tucked into a large building, we found Cafeteria Colombo. The place was amazing! The salon is lined with large ornate jacaranda framed mirrors that covered the walls from the ceiling to the floor. Art nouveau decor is found throughout the salon and even in the furniture, ceiling lights and floor. Cases of pastries and savory pazells line the entrance and a giant stained glass ceiling has light streaming through. There was an upstairs that served dinners and in order get upstairs, you had to take these elevators where the linked double doors were closed by an elevator attendant! Queen Elizabeth, King Albert as well as many poets, writers and artists have had the opportunity to taste its delicious specialties. Nina, Wilson, Art, my Mom and I had lunch there. My mom had a Palm Heart savory cake and I had a cod one. We tried the Matte Tea, which is a sweet tea made in Rio. Then for dessert I had this chocolate ball, which was basically like a chocolate truffle the size of a tennis ball, covered in chocolate sprinkles! It was the heaviest densest chocolate dessert and I ate it all! My mom had a walnut tart and it was really good too and I don't really like walnuts! We had a nice time, with Nina translating everything for Wilson! The place was just amazing! I am so glad my mom heard about it!
After we left, we drove through the city and back to the port! We arrived with enough time to go to the sail away party. As we sailed out of the port, I was able to see some of the sights until next time!
One of our lunchmates and one of the people who takes great photos, Jeff, went on a helicopter ride over Rio and let me have the pictures from his trip!
Then Brad, also our lunchmate and other person who takes great photos, merged his photos of the Rio bridge and Rio sailway, to make some great panoramas!
and then he created this photo...
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