Clearwater Republican. [volume] (Orofino, Idaho) 1912-1922, 1912-05-09

Rio bay is most brilliantly fascir
ating. The captain warned US t
be up In time to see the sun ris
over the city. the Jewel Of Brazil. A
1t rose. dispelling the mist, wha
wondrous beauties were then unfolde
before our eyes!
The first thing to greet us wa
Sugar Loaf mountain. rising abrupt,
from the waters edge high into tn,
air-its position much as a sentinel's
standing guard over the city and bay
As the ship slowly entered the land
locked harbor, with forts to the righ
ana to the left. the view Of the horse
shoe bay was marvellous. At thai
early hour little ferry boats were ply
Ing busily from one end Of the bay to
the other.
The fort to the right, the larger Of
the two. Is built upon rock which
rises about twenty feet out Of the wa
ter. Chambers are hewn out Of the
center. and at intervals large guns
project out of the rock. In cases OF
great danger these chambers are used
a. places Of retreat. and at the same
time AFFORD means to keep the enemy
1t bay.
The mist had entirely lifted from
the city. and the sloping streets, lined
with red-tiled roofs, snuggled in
among the most luxuriantly green YER
dure, could be seen. Rio is built upon
hills, with Corcovado and Tijuca, two
lofty mountains, rising high above the
city.
The ship had now dropped anchor,
and the inspection officers came on
board to examine grips and other
small luggage. trunks and larger lug
gage having to 60 through the Gus
tomhouse.
All is excitement! Hotel porters
are boosting for the hostelries, and
boatmen. who have come from the
wharf In swarms. are clambering on
board. bargaining to take US ashore.
These boatmen are the hardest to
bargain with in all South America.
Their prices are always exorbitant.
and 1t takes some dickering to get
them within reason.
After landing we walked few short
blocks which lead to the beautiful
Avenida Central. Here surprise and
wonder overcome the traveller. The
most modern automobiles fly by-yes.
ny by. for their is no speed limit I'M
Rio. On the broad mosaic sidewalks
you see people dressed in the latest
tailored suits. also negroes or negro
Portuguese wearing the gayest of gay
fiesta creations.
The buildings on either side of the
Avenida are fine. substantial. FIVE or
six-story buildings. often extensively
on the outside with here
and there one all in mosaic. Brazilian
trees line the edge OF the sidewalk;
also at intervals they are found in the
grass plots. or little islands, in the
middle Of the street.
At one end of the broad Avenida
are the library. art building. and mu-
nicipal theater: all magnificent build
lngs. The theater is worthy Of spe.
cial comment. It shows elegance and |
throughout. The best the
lters In all these Latin-American
countries are municipal and no ex.
pense 10 spared to make them grand.
They are not only places of instruc.
Ion and amusement. but of social
festivities also.
II you are to linger long In Rio
choose ono Of the hotels back Of tho
'ity at which to stay. 1t may take
limo to 60 and come. but the ride 10
worth It. Our hotel was on the road
o Corcovado. and the cars make many
visits and turns In climbing to It. At
'ach turn q new and more beautiful
lew Of the city and bay below 10
ould be seen. Tho scene 10 especial.
, charming at night, a. the city 10
Vell lighted and the lights glisten
through the trees.
We pass many Of tho native homes.
vhich are plastered on the outside
hen tinted pale pink. blue or blum,
he salmon pink predominates. They
re mostly Of Portuguese architecture
nth tho four straight sides, and gen.
rally three or four stories high. This
tyle Of architecture doesn't really suit
his warm country. The patio ar
angement and balconies would be
luch better, but then this change
ould spoil the charm.
The street scenes of Rio are inter.
sting. There ID q large fountain in
ne Of the main streets. and all day
ing men. women and children tramp
ack and forth with jugs or pals of
alter, always carried on their heads.
, be used for household purposes and
,r washing the clothes. 1t Is q very
ommon sight to see big negro women
ASKING clothes on the hills with the
lazing sun beating dewn upon them.
he natives not only carry water jugs
q their heads. but everything else as I
ell. 1t may be Q table, q sewing ma. I
hine, or coffin. as l have seen. We
w men carrying what looked like
ire cages on their heads. We sup. I
osed they contained small pet ani. !