Rio de Janeiro

MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY FACE

I couldn’t help but feel a little intimidated by Rio. Of course it’s super pretty: the famous beaches, the iconic colourful staircase by Jorge Sélaron, and Jesus constantly watching over you and shrugging. But I couldn’t shake the stories of the robberies and pickpockets until I left the city and entered the countryside.

There, it was like a weight was lifted from my shoulders. The beautiful little villages like Paraty have a disarming charm, where time seems to have stood still. The paradise Island of Ilha Grande, where all cars have been banned, is one of the most relaxed places i’ve been to. Even though it used to house the most heavily secured prison in all of Brazil…