It is Sunday, and I always like to say that Sunday morning is reserved solely for me.

Nobody knows my name. It is not Dad, Richard, love, etc. Nobody can call me or ask me to do anything. It is my time, and it is good. It is a boundary where I am usually available to everyone else, but on Sunday morning, it is reserved for me alone. And because of that, I have reserved some quality time with myself, which is very good.

And even better than that is to do one of the things I most like doing in Rio: walking around Urca. Since I have been back in Rio, I haven’t had a walk around Urca until now. I went to the Yacht Club for lunch.

The Yacht Club is at the beginning of Urca, but I didn’t go for a walk inside the neighbourhood and have a drink on the Mureta, the wall in front of the Bay, as I had done so many times in the past.

So I got up early. I did not do any exercise. I washed the dishes and cleaned the kitchen from the night before. I was too tired, and it was too late to do it last night. I do not like leaving the kitchen a mess overnight. It is bad energy, and when I do, I do it immediately before anything else the next morning. I had a shower, put on some clothes, obviously, and left.

Yasmin and Nalva were asleep, and I was off. I went to the Portuguese baker’s to get a coffee to take and drink while walking. I love drinking something while I’m walking. For me, it is a simple pleasure of life.

I crossed Aterro, the dual carriageway in front of the Bay that connects the South Zone of Rio with the city centre. So now I’m walking along in front of Botafogo Beach, heading toward Urca. In front of me is Sugarloaf Mountain, and behind me is Flamengo.

Walking up to Urca, I passed the Yacht Club entrance instead of continuing up to Praia Vermelha (Red Beach), where Sugarloaf Mountain is. I bore left into the heart of Urca, where you have the Mureta wall in front of the Bay that runs from the beginning to the end of Urca, where there are the army barracks and the famous bar Barurca.

I passed by Urca Grill at the beginning and bought a glass of wine to drink while walking towards Baruca at the far end. Many people are walking, following the Mureta in both directions, including couples with dogs, old and young, etc. The day is beautiful, the sun is shining, and it is not too hot. The water of the Bay has that beautiful shimmering effect from the sunlight, which is quite divine.

Arriving at Barurca, the final stop at the end of the Mureta, I noticed what I had seen at Urca Grill: there were fewer people at the bars and restaurants than in the past. Traditionally, on a Sunday, both these places would be completely packed, and it would be a fight to get a drink quickly.

Now, at prime time on a Sunday, I could walk in and, in a few seconds, be attended to and on the Mureta, which would be difficult to find a good place to sit; it was now easy. What is happening?

People do not have money; they do not have the disposable income they had before, not even enough for a simple beer. Lula’s government is destroying Brazil and its economy through excessive taxation and robbery. The only thing they have not taxed yet is the air we breathe, and that will probably be taxed very soon.

It is clear to me that, over the seven months I was in England, Brazil has worsened, and consequently, Brazilians are poorer. The streets are dirtier, and people are poorer. I do not believe it will improve; it will only get worse.

It is reaching the point where it is no longer favourable to live or work in Brazil. I am fortunate to have the option to leave, but for others, or for most, I see a kind of unofficial, covert slavery. The majority of the population does not have the choice to go, either because of financial, family or cultural constraints.

They are trapped in a sadistic stronghold where, at the end of the day, you are living to support a perverse, false, corrupt government run by psychopaths who are not accountable for their actions. It is very sad because Brazilian people are very good people.

All they need is a good, decent, honest leader, and the country would be on the right road to peace and prosperity.

Walking along the Mureta and the Bay brought back many happy memories of time spent in Urca. I am very privileged and grateful to have had these times, but now my priority is more towards the canals of England.

I had a glass of wine from Barurca and sat on Mureta in front, watching the movement of the Bay, the boats coming and going from the Yacht club, and another glass of wine from Urca Grill on my way home.

When I arrived home, we had a late lunch. I worked a little and rested in the afternoon. I’m happy to have had such a nice day, doing something I had done many times before that gives me pleasure, and to do it alone.

Solitude and time alone are excellent, and time with a loved one is even better. Being with people you love is always good, but alone time is also very precious.

I suggest you try it sometime!

In bed by 10 p.m.

Thank you.

Thanks for reading this blog post. Please explore my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments section.

Richard

Photos by Richard George Photography

The post Sunday, the 14th of July 2024: “Quality Alone Time Through Urca”!!! first appeared on The Long Gringo.

Now that I live in Botafogo, walking to Urca is easier than going from Copacabana.

Urca is one of the most remarkable neighbourhoods in Rio. Its small bucolic side streets, views of the Bay from The Mureta, which lines a large part of Urca, army barracks, which make Urca safer than other neighbourhoods in Rio, and quaint bars and restaurants sprinkled around the neighbourhood make it a must-see.

Sugar Loaf Mountain, in Urca, is one of the main attractions in Rio, along with Christ the Redeemer. I do not talk much about Sugar Loaf, as it is more for tourists than Cariocas living in the city. The first time I went to Sugar Loaf, I had already been living in Rio for five years, and it was only because my mother was visiting me for the first time when Jessica was one year old.

You do not need to do much to have an enjoyable time in Urca!

Just walk around the quiet tree-lined streets and appreciate the architecture of some of the houses, or eat in one of the various restaurants spread over the whole neighbourhood from one end to the other, visit the small quirky beaches with small waves, perfect for small children, or drink and eat bar food looking over the Bay, which I have already written about, or chill out.

You can also walk along the path that lines Morro da Urca, the first Mountain before Sugar Loaf; it runs along the mountain and faces the sea; it is fantastic. You can also go off this path and take a side path that leads you to the top of Morro da Urca without paying; from there, you can see the Bay, Niteroi, and half the city.

Sugar Loaf is also famous for one of the most iconic James Bond scenes in Moonraker (1979).

Many events, such as shows, etc., especially in the summer, are held there; it has always been and probably will always be one of the most iconic points in Rio. Like the Statue of Liberty in New York, which is situated in Upper New York Bay, Sugar Loaf is similar. When flying or sailing into Rio, you are always greeted with Sugar Loaf and Christ the Redeemer.

Urca is one of the most charming places in Rio. It has its own unique atmosphere and vibe, and I love it. I lived in Urca for about a year, approximately thirty years ago. I had already separated from Cibele and worked in São Paulo as a consultant for new boatbuilding technology from England to Brazil. I led a project that was expected to succeed.

Jessica was 18 months to 2 years old, and every weekend I would try to come back to Rio to see her, spend the weekend with her, and then go back to São Paulo either Sunday night or early Monday morning.

Living in São Paulo was incredibly good, but I did not want to lose Jessica’s childhood, so after a year and a half there, I decided to move back to Rio to be near her. Initially, I had nowhere to stay; I briefly stayed at a friend’s place. I then found a top-floor Urca flat overlooking the Bay.

I would not call it a penthouse because it was not luxurious enough to be considered one, but it was on the top floor with an enormous terrace balcony overlooking the water, the Bay, and all of Rio.

It was surreal to walk out and see the Bay, especially at night, with the lights from the other neighbourhoods and the streetlights from Aterro on the other side. I had both good and bad experiences during my stay in Urca.

What surprises me about Urca is that very few Cariocas have actually visited the area or are even aware of it. Many have never been there, some have gone only once or twice, and others still need to experience its charm.

This is where we enter another area of Brazilian culture. I have noticed that Cariocas, or Brazilians in general, need to learn to value Brazil and its culture, what it has, what is good, and what surrounds it.

There are many beautiful statues throughout Rio, largely because Rio de Janeiro was Brazil’s capital. Walking around Rio, you will find many interesting urban sculptures, but you never see people stopping to admire them. If you see someone stopping to admire, it is probably a tourist from another state or abroad.

For me, it is ingrained in Brazilian culture not to value what they have and what is already there in front of them, and at least to preserve it. It is a fact that many Brazilian artists gained fame and recognition only in Brazil after being discovered abroad.

Brazilian handicrafts from Brazil’s northeast only became popular and valued within Brazil after people outside the country discovered them.

I think the Brazilian government and past political and social actions are related to this. Urca is an extraordinary place in Rio, and Rio is an extraordinary city in Brazil, and both are underappreciated and undervalued by their people.

So, why am I talking so much about Urca?

On Saturday, I did my usual exercise routine, walked to Urca, and stayed there for about two hours. I walked around, took lots of photos, and took in all it has to offer. I got home around 1 p.m., and we had a late lunch later that day.

For dessert, I treated us all to ice cream at the parlour next to our building. The ice cream there is particularly good, and the price is even better. Yasmin is trying to befriend me, but I don’t want to; it is cheaper for me not to right now!!!

In bed by 10 p.m.

Thank you very much.

Thanks for reading my blog. Check out my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments.

Richard

Photos by Richard George Photography

The post Urca | The Hidden Gem in Rio de Janeiro first appeared on The Long Gringo.

When I was married, I would say Sunday was my favourite day, and on Sunday morning, nobody knew my name. It wasn’t Dad; it wasn’t Richard; nobody knew it; I didn’t answer to any name.

I was free to do whatever I wanted: read a newspaper or a book, watch Formula One, or work on the computer; I could do my own thing until about lunchtime. Since then, I have tried to keep that tradition going.

Sunday morning is reserved for me to do whatever I want; it is sacred, usually going wherever or doing whatever I want.

So, I left early while everyone was sleeping. I exercised at the park, then walked to Urca, on the opposite side of Botafogo Bay. It is just a forty-minute walk from Aterro to Urca; Praia Vermelha, with the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain, is there. I prefer to go into the heart of Urca by turning left before arriving at Praia Vermelha.

Urca is an extraordinary place: a quaint, little, out-of-the-way neighbourhood in Rio that has been barely touched by time. It is tiny compared to other places in Rio; geographically small, with few of everything: few restaurants, bars, mini-supermarkets, one bank, one dry cleaner, etc., which is why the cost of living is so high in Urca, with very little competition.

One well-known bar in Urca is Bar Urca, located at the farthest point of Urca, next to the entrance to the army barracks.

Positioned at the corner of two streets and in a semi-circular shape, it faces the Mureta, a half-height wall that runs around part of Urca in front of the Bay.

To say that the view from the Mureta looking out over the Bay and to Flamengo on the other side is beautiful is not an exaggeration nor an understatement; at any time of the day or night, the vista is sublimely beautiful. Rio is also sublimely diverse in its beauty. As an amateur photographer, there are thousands of stunning views and shots to be taken in Rio, anywhere and at any time.

Bar Urca is a special place where people go to buy a beer, a caipirinha, and Brazilian bar food and snacks, cross the street that separates the bar from the wall, and sit on the Mureta wall, eating and drinking with friends while admiring the view and the movement in the Bay.

To also say that Bar Urca is full at the weekend is another understatement; it is usually heaving on both Saturdays and Sundays, especially during the day.

From this view, the landscape is so engaging that it feels more like a daytime bar than a nighttime one. This is very common in Rio; due to its good weather and natural beauty, many bars are for daytime use rather than at night.

The only downside of Bar Urca is that it’s more expensive than similar botequims, and for what you are really getting, you’re basically paying for beer and simple bar food with a privileged vista.

In the past, I would go to Bar Urca at least twice a month. Nowadays, I prefer to go to Urca Grill, another bar at the other end of the same street at the beginning of Urca, as you turn into the central part of Urca, the little town itself.

You can do the same as Bar Urca, buying beer and food, crossing the street, and sitting on the Mureta, eating and drinking; the only difference is that it is nearer the yacht club, so that you can see and admire more boats, and it is substantially cheaper than Bar Urca.

Since it is hard to make money in Brazil, every Real counts, so going to a more affordable bar is better. I arrived in Urca, more specifically Urca Grill, at the beginning of Urca at about half past ten.

Instead of getting a glass of wine, like I usually do, I got a coffee and a snack, crossed the street, and sat on the Mureta, taking in the view and where I was, feeling happy at that moment and on that sublime day. I stayed there for almost an hour; afterwards, I walked deeper into Urca to see if there were any new and interesting boats in the Bay.

Unfortunately, there wasn’t anything especially new or interesting, so I began my return home. I arrived back at about midday.

I showered, changed clothes, and spent the rest of the day chilling out and planning the coming week. It was a simple but pleasant day and weekend. We all had lunch together; Nalva cooked very well. I washed the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen afterwards. My name is still Dirt with my daughter.

In bed by 10 p.m.

Thank you.

Thanks for reading my blog. Check out my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments.

Richard

Photos by Richard George Photography

The post A Peaceful Walk-Through Urca and its Mureta first appeared on The Long Gringo.

Today was a bank holiday in Rio, and I enjoyed spending time with my daughter.

We went for a stroll, walking 2 kilometres from Copacabana to the charming neighbourhood of Urca. The sun shone, and the gentle sea breeze made for a perfect day. As we wandered through Urca’s streets, we were struck by the neighbourhood’s charm and tranquillity.

Our feet led us to the iconic Mureta, a waterfront wall where locals and visitors gather to enjoy the breathtaking bay view. There, we paused to enjoy the moment. We got our provisions for the day from Bar Urca, a local bar/restaurant that offers delicious treats, snacks, and a wide range of beers that perfectly complement the occasion.

With great food and refreshing drinks, we sat on the Mureta. Gazing out at the bay, we watched boats gracefully glide in and out of the yacht club, each with its own story.

But the most memorable part of our day was our conversation. My daughter opened up about the challenges she faces as an adolescent, navigating life’s complexities and her own self-discovery. As her father, I did my best to guide and support her as she finds her path in this ever-changing world.

The candid conversation Yasmin and I shared made this day truly special. As a teenager, she faces her fair share of challenges and uncertainties. As her father, I see it as my duty to guide and support her as she navigates the intricate path of adolescence.

We talked openly and honestly, with Yasmin confiding in me about her concerns and fears and me, in my role as her father, offering advice and a listening ear.

It was a rare and cherished opportunity to connect on a deeper level, share wisdom, and offer a sense of direction. After spending 3 or 4 hours in Urca, we caught a bus back to Copacabana. The day was rich with experiences, filled with laughter, reflection, and the warmth of a father-daughter connection.

Back in Copacabana, we wrapped up our day with a simple supper and a couple of glasses of wine for me. I retired early, leaving Yasmin to do her own thing. I am grateful for our wonderful day.

Today was a bank holiday in Rio, one you always remember. It reminded me of the importance of family bonds, the joy of having meaningful conversations, and the beauty of simply being together.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope you, too, find moments of connection and love in your own life, whether with family, friends, or loved ones.

Thank you.

Thanks for your support! Feel free to explore more blog posts and leave a comment. Your thoughts are appreciated.

Richard

Photos by Richard George Photography

The post A Memorable Bank Holiday first appeared on The Long Gringo.

This enchanting neighbourhood, often overshadowed by its more famous counterparts, is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique, authentic Brazilian experience. Join me as we explore the captivating allure of Urca, a place that exudes tranquillity, beauty, and an unmistakable charm.

A Seaside Oasis

As you step into Urca, you feel transported to a different world. This delightful neighbourhood exudes old-world charm, with narrow cobblestone streets winding through pastel-coloured houses adorned with flowering bougainvillaea. It’s the kind of place where time seems to have slowed down, inviting you to enjoy the moment.

The Gateway to Sugar Loaf

One of Urca’s most famous attractions, positioned at the foot of the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain, is “Pão de Açúcar” in Portuguese. You can catch a cable car ride to the summit from here, offering panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro and the Bay that will leave you breathless.

The journey to Sugar Loaf is unforgettable, made even more famous by the James Bond film “Moonraker.” Urca serves as the ideal starting point for this adventure.

Praia Vermelha: A Hidden Beach Gem

Urca is also home to the hidden gem Praia Vermelha, a serene, often uncrowded beach nestled beside Sugar Loaf. The beach’s soft, golden sands and crystal-clear waters offer the perfect setting for peaceful sunbathing or a refreshing swim. Praia Vermelha is a mesmerising place to unwind and soak up the sun with the majestic mountain as a backdrop.

The Mureta: A Unique Social Experience

Urca’s charming and relaxed atmosphere extends to its quaint bars and restaurants, such as Bar Urca at the end of the neighbourhood. Here, you can savour delightful Brazilian dishes and sip on refreshing caipirinhas or a beer while sitting on the Mureta, a low wall overlooking the bay. It’s the perfect spot to watch boats and yachts moving in and out of the yacht club.

As you enter the neighbourhood, you’ll find Urca Grill, another fantastic spot. Simpler and cheaper than Bar Urca but just as good, you can also sit outside on the Mureta, drink, and eat while gazing out over the bay. The breathtaking scenery makes for an unforgettable experience in either place.

The Pleasures of Strolling

One of the simple joys of visiting Urca is just strolling its charming streets. The neighbourhood’s tranquil vibe and preserved colonial architecture create a feeling of stepping back in time. It’s an excellent place to explore on foot, discovering hidden nooks, colourful houses, and friendly locals.

Where Beauty Meets Authenticity

Urca, with its coastal allure, close-knit community, and proximity to world-renowned landmarks, is a unique gem in Rio de Janeiro. Unlike Copacabana’s bustling streets or Ipanema’s lively atmosphere, Urca offers a quieter, more intimate experience. It’s a place where you can unwind and immerse yourself in Rio de Janeiro’s natural beauty and culture.

Urca is not just a neighbourhood; it’s an experience. It’s a place where the sea meets the mountains, where you can savour local cuisine with a view, andexplore a charming village vibe that time seems to have forgotten.

So, the next time you find yourself in Rio de Janeiro, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden treasure of Urca. This place beautifully blends the tranquillity of a seaside village with the excitement of one of Brazil’s most iconic landmarks. Thank you for reading about Urca. I hope this has inspired you to visit this iconic Brazilian gem.

Thank you for your continued support. Please explore more of my blog posts and feel free to leave a comment; I always appreciate your thoughts.

Richard.

Photos by Richard George Photography

Featured Image: Image by wiresto

The post Discover the Hidden Gem of Rio de Janeiro | Urca first appeared on The Long Gringo.