Rio de Janeiro
We went from summer to winter. As we changed from the northern to the southern site of the earth, we changed the season too. Well, theoretically it is winter but I don´t feel it. At least not in Rio de Janeiro.
It´s about thirty degrees and my face is completely burnt (despite sun protection 50). The bearings of the car endure this heat better than I do. They are working perfectly. It is not surprising as they are used to facing much harsher environments. One of our bearings, iglidur® X, even feels comfortable in hot environments up to + 250C (long run).
After we had picked up the car from its’ inspection, we directly went visiting one of our beloved customers.
Located in the outskirts of Rio, is the factory of the biggest Latin-American and Brasilian TV network. There, they manufacture all equipment that they need for their TV shows, movies etc. For chairs, that are in use for a singing show, they rely on iglidur® PRT.
Four coaches, all recording artists, listen to the contestants in chairs facing opposite the stage so as to avoid seeing them. If a coach likes what they hear, they press a button and the chair rotates. Thus, the coach signifies interest in working with the contestant.
Our Polymer slewing ring bearing ensures the smooth, noise-free motion of the chair while rotating (At the visit, only the base was available).
The smooth motion is not the only advantage, yet also that all igus® products are maintenance free. The coaches can sympathize with countless contestants without that the need for lubrication.
The fabric as well as major parts of the city are embedded between mountains.
One of the most famous mountains is Pao de Acucar (Sugarloaf Mountain), that is rising 396 meters above the harbor.
If you don´t want to climb the steep walls, then you can take a cable car up to the top of it, from where you have a stunning view on the city.
From Pao de Acucar you can also see the symbol of Rio de Janeiro. The statue of Christ, located on the peak of Corcovado mountain (altitude of 700 meters), is overlooking the city since 1931.
Initially, they built the 40 meter high statue for the one hundred anniversary of Brazil´s independence from Portugal (1922). Due to financial problems, they took nine years longer.
Did you know that there are more statues alike? For instance, another statue of Christ is placed in Lisbon.
We visited the statue at sunset. The colors of the sky were beautiful and the view stunning.
As a tourist in Rio, there are currently two Brazilian passions visible at the first glance. Obviously, one is football, in particular as it is World Cup. A very good place to experience the football obsession is at the FIFA Fan Fest at the Copacabana.
The Copacabana is one of the most famous beaches worldwide. It is only four kilometer long but so wide, that they were able to build the entire Fan fest, containing thousand of visitors, entirely on sand.
Nevertheless, when Brazil plays, then also the Fan fest is too small and the party extends over the whole beach.
At the Fan Fest you can also experience the second passion, Samba. In the half as well as before and after matches you can listen to Samba music everywhere. The following picture is showing Brazil´s most famous Samba school Mangueira.
The school is located at the edges of the Mangueira favela, one which is spreading from the school up to the stadium in which Germany defeated France last week.
Favela is the Portuguese word for slum. They are part of Rio as the Copacabana and Pao de Acucar. Often, the inhabitants of Favelas are wrongly presented by media. Usually, not the majority of normal people is in focus but only the criminals that are operating there. In 2010, the government implemented a controversial program that aims at decriminalizing these neighborhoods by expelling gangs and establishing police stations.
Rio de Janeiro has many faces and is surely one of the most beautiful cities worldwide.
Soon, we will leave Rio and head towards the South until we reach the border of Argentina.
I will keep you guys up to date,
yours Sascha
