Rio de Janeiro: Samba dancing my way out of my comfort zone

I went to Rio for the Olympics in 2016, and I really believe this is the place that changed who I am as a traveller.

I was scared to go because all I heard about was gunshot muggings and Zika, but ended up having the most incredible time.

The city is possibly the most topographically stunning in the world. It’s right up there with Cape Town. Mountains, Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana and Ipanema Beach. The energy is alive everywhere you go. I fell in love with the mosaic-patterned sidewalks, drinking fresh juice, eating even fresher acai.

Sugarloaf Mountain is an amazing way to see the city. Stroll through the Botanical Gardens, party in Lapa, go see the Selaron Steps from Pharrell and Snoop’s “Beautiful” music video. Take a lil getaway to Ilha Grande, a vehicle-less slice of paradise where you can drink caipirinhas with your toes in the sand.

Rio captured my heart in more ways than one.

Here are 2 pieces I have written about Rio:

• My recent piece for World Footprints, sharing my transformative travel journey and the role Rio played in it: Adventure begins at the end of your comfort zone

• My Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide for Mapped, including things to do in Rio

So much more to say here but going to leave it at that and hopefully add more soon! :)