Rio by the Sea-O! Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

We entered the Sofitel Hotel at the confluence of the famous Ipanema and Copacabana beaches in Rio de Janeiro. It reminded me of Nice, France, with the luxurious hotels on one side and the beach and ocean on the other. Off in the distance was the view of the world-famous Sugar Loaf Mountain, which derived its name from its unusual shape, which the Portuguese explorers compared with an instrument used to make "sweet bread." Rio de Janeiro was discovered in January, ergo, the "River of January."

The next day we boarded a cog train for a ride to the top of Corcovado Mountain. The 20-minute train ride, with tropical forests on both sides, was accompanied by samba bands complete with dancers. We disembarked at the last station and walked up to the top lookout where the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer stands with his arms outstretched welcoming "all" to Rio. The 122-foot 1,400-ton statue is called one of the Seven Wonders of the World by the Brazilians. This is the highest point in Rio and the entire town can be seen. On the return trip, we saw the Maracana Soccer Stadium, which seats 200,000. In the lobby of the stadium the "Hall of Fame" has the footprints of Pele and Franz Beckenbauer.

Our guide, Celso Rubinstein, son of Holocaust survivors, tells us of Caipirinha, the national drink of Brazil. He emphasizes that both the very rich and the very poor are consumers of this truly democratic drink. The recipe requires cachaca, a strong vodka-like liquor, fruit (lemons, strawberries or pineapples), ice, a tablespoon of sugar and a masher. Mash it all together (don't worry about proportions) and serve.

The next evening is a double feature. First, a Brazilian barbecue, which has waiters with various meats on skewers, slicing beef, lamb, chicken and sausage onto your plate. It is almost impossible to say "enough, please no more," as the food is hearty and delicious. We ordered the fruity Caipirinha to wash it all down.

We were then whisked off to see the Samba Show done by members of all the ethnic groups - native Indians, slaves brought over to work on the sugar plantations and the Portuguese settlers and conquerors. These groups live in relative harmony and express themselves in the samba. Samba competitions between states and groups is like a sporting event. The show is dazzling with enormous gaudy, feathered costumes. The dancing is wild and unfettered.

Unfortunately, we are not in Rio at Carnivale, when the whole city gives way to joy, excess, the samba and gorgeous women.

All great vacations have a beginning and an end. Our South American trip has opened our eyes to an entire continent. We enjoyed every minute of it.

Hasta la vista - Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro!