Rio de Janeiro | Brazil

Seven of us spent a week in magnificent Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rio is the country's second largest city, where an urban meets beachfront hotspot is dominated by concrete skyscrapers that stand among the foothills of emerald green mountains. Along the legendary beaches of Guanabara Bay - the notorious and breathtaking Copacabana and Ipanema with their deep azure waters and illustrious white sand - we sipped coconuts, caipirinhas and local Itaipava beers while we baked in the hot South American sun and swam in the warm Atlantic waters.  

We ate extremely well, often venturing out to the trendy neighborhood of Leblon for dinner. There was local cuisine at upscale and cozy bistros: Brigitte's and Zaza Bistro Tropical. We partook in traditional Brazilian BBQ at fancy churrascarias: Maruis and Porcao and a most memorable sushi feast at Togu. Consider this my ringing endorsement for all the restaurants listed. I was consistently impressed with the cuisine as it varied from Argentinian steak to oxtail to octopus, tender hearts of palm salads and local grilled nomorado fish. Lunches on the beach were equally delicious - a pile of crispy fish fritters doused in lime, grilled sausage skewers, or shrimp empanadas always came hot and with a smile. 

And last but certainly not least, there was the street food. A real highlight of the eating experience, small carts line the black and white tiled sidewalks selling treats like refreshing acai bowls with granola and Tapioca Recheada. Brazilian tapioca is similar to a crepe, but significantly thicker and more dense, stuffed with any combination of sweet (strawberries and chocolate, banana and Nutella) or savory (sun dried meats, curry chicken). I was a big fan!

There was one cart I found with steamed corn on the cob, the preparation places it back in the husk where it is drenched in butter and cayenne. Then the churro carts are next level; served piping hot, coated in cinnamon-sugar and filled inside with doce de leite or chocolate. 

We rang in the New Year at the infamous white party on Copacabana beach with two million others and the best fireworks I've seen to date. 

The nightlife scene in general is as vibrant as they come; a must-visit is Rio Scenaruim in Lapa (above) where in one room a local samba band jams late into the evening, in another a DJ spins the hits. The lively bars in Leblon and Ipanema see local crowds overflowing to dance and party outside. 

During the day, if we weren't on the beach, we were marveling in the presence of Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) as he stands watching over the city from the top of Corcovado. Or we were Riding a gondola to the top of Pau de Acucar - Sugar Loaf Mountain, to take in the jaw dropping 360 degree views. 

One afternoon we went sailing with Cassio on his 40 foot boat "Kamehameha" around the striking green and rock landscapes of Guanabara Bay, taking in the crowded shores of Copacabana from a different vantage point. We watched the sunset behind Corcovado and surrounding mountains from the marina.

It was an absolute dream. 

I have lots more pictures to share. I am hoping to be back here more than once a month in 2014! This year has many adventures in store.