Lewis visits Rio’s iconic Christ the Redeemer Statue

 

One of Lewis the Lion’s ‘must-sees’ on arriving in Rio de Janeiro was the statue of Christ the Redeemer. This towering, iconic statue set on the Corcovado Mountain “hunchback mountain” was the image that people had of Rio de Janeiro the world over. From up close, it also provided some of the most spectacular views over Rio de Janeiro or as the Cariocas referred to it, ”la cidade marvilhosa” – “the marvellous city.” Lewis the Lion just HAD to visit this world-famous landmark!

So together with some of his friends he set off in a taxi, climbing up the steep slopes of the Corcovado mountainside. This was extremely pleasant as most of the journey weaved its way through the leafy Tijuca National Park. Once the taxi could not go on any further, Lewis and his friends purchased a ticket from the ticket booth (26.53 reais – approximately £8) and were then taken on a designated minibus up to the top of the mountain. Lewis was very excited as he spied the huge white, statue of Christ the Redeemer with his arms outspread drawing closer and closer. The statue is 30 metres tall and weighs over 1000 metric tons and can be seen from most places in Rio below.

When the minibus could go no further, all that was left for Lewis and Helen to do was to climb a few steps up to the enormous statue but not before passing several souvenir shops. It was clear that lots of tourists came to visit this site too.
Lewis the Lion and Helen craned their necks to look up at the incredible statue. It was so high up that wisps of cloud floated past Jesus’ eyes. The sun also beat down ferociously and Helen had to lather on the suncream, wear a sun hat and sunglasses. Lewis and Helen amused themselves, like many of the tourists up there by copying the pose of Jesus’ outstretched arms. In front of the statue was an advertisement for the World Youth Day which would be held in Rio de Janeiro in 2013. This is a day when young Christians gather together from all over the world to pray together and usually the Pope also attends. At the back of the statue was information about the statue itself (it was completed in 1931: seven years behind schedule by the architect Heitor da Silva Costa) as well as a small, modest chapel where the tourists could go and pray. There were strict signs displayed saying no photographs allowed!
As Lewis the Lion, then wandered around this enormous statue to appreciate the breathtaking views over Rio de Janeiro and Guanabara Bay, he met two rather special people. They were two Franciscan monks from Brazil. The order of Franciscan monks wear simple brown tunics and follow the teachings of St Francis of Assisi. St Francis of Assisi was a Christian monk and today he is the patron saint of animals because he always loved and cared for animals. He wrote a very special prayer which is known to Christians throughout the world called ‘Make me a Channel of your Peace.’ Click on the link to read this prayer:
Lewis the Lion felt very happy therefore to meet these happy monks who loved animals.

Do you have any pets? How do you make sure that they are well cared for? Discuss with your friends and teacher.

About Helen Molloy

Helen Molloy has been a Primary Learning and Teaching Consultant, leading on the introduction of Primary Languages in the City of Stoke-on-Trent for the past 5 and a half years. She is passionate about language learning and inspiring children into developing a curiosity and awareness of other people's languages and cultures.
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4 Responses to Lewis visits Rio’s iconic Christ the Redeemer Statue

  1. marcos tamis says:

    çõmo estas

    • Helen Molloy says:

      Olà, Marcos.

      Bueno que mi has escrito en portugues! Estoy bien y feliz…obrigada!
      Un beijo,
      Helen y Lewis x

  2. Linda Alliband says:

    Hi Helen and Lewis! It looks like you re seeing some amazing places……I am going to show the children at school where you have been and some of the things you have seen. Hope you are both well – Linda A

    • Helen Molloy says:

      Hola Linda!

      Lewis the Lion is happy that you’ll share his adventures with the children in school. At the moment, he’s a little bit behind on his blog, he’s been so busy enjoying himself, exploring so much in South America. Last night he caught a coach to Pucón in Chile. It’s raining here at the moment but the weather is set to clear up tomorrow and then Lewis and Helen are set to visit an active volcano – Villaricca.
      Lewis the Lion wonders if you have moved yet to the beautiful English countryside?
      Muchos besos da Chile.
      Helen and Lewis the Lion x

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