The Mellette County pioneer. [volume] (Wood, Mellette County, S.D.) 19??-1971, 1912-03-15

De up III time TO see the sun rise
over the city, the jewel of Brazil. AS
II rose, dispelling the mist. what
wondrous beauties were then unfolded
before our eyes,
The first thing TO greet us was
Sugar Loaf mountain. rising abruptly
from the waters edge high into the
air-its position much as a sentiners,
standing guard over the city and bay.
As the ship slowly entered the land
locked harbor. with forts to the right
and 10 the left. the view of the horse
shoe bay was marvellous. At that
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 a 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
as places of retreat. and at the same
time afford means 10 keep the enemy
at 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 Corcoyado 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 10 20 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.
fly by. for their is no speed limit in
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
Avcnida are fine. substantial. five or
six.story buildings. often extensively
ornamonted on the outside with here
and there one all in mosaic. Brazilian
trees line the edge OF the sidewalk;
also ut intervals they are found in the
grass plots. or little islands. in the
middle Of tire street.
At one end OF the broad hvenida
are the library art building, and mu.
nicipal theatcr; all magnificent build
ings. The theater is worthy of spe-
cial comment II shows elegance and
richness throughout. The best the
aters in all these Latin-American
countries are municipal and no ex-
pense is spared TO make them grand.
They are not only places OF instruc-
ticn and amusement. but Of social
festivities also.
II you are to linger long In Rio
choose one of the hotels back Of the
city at which to stay. IL may take
time TO go and come. but the ride is
worth il. Our hotel was on the road
TO Corcovado. and the cars make many
twists and turns In climbing 10 IL. At
each turn a new and more beautiful
view OF the city and bay below us
could be seen. The scene is especial
" charming at night. as the city IA
we'll lighted and the lights glisten
through the trees.
We pass many OF the native homes.
which are plastered on the outside
then tinted pale pink. blue or blum.
The salmon pink predominates. They
are mostly OF Portuguese architecture
with the four straight sides. and gen
orally three or four stories high. This
style of architecture doesn't really suit
this warm country. The patio ar
rangement and balconies would be
much better. but then this change
would spoil the charm.
The street scenes OF Rio are inter
csting. There is large fountain in
one of the main streets. and all day
long men. women and children tramp
back and forth with jugs or pals OF
water, always carried on their heads.
10 be used for household purposes and
for washing the clothes. II is a very
common sigh. to see big negro women
washing clothes on the hills with the
blazing sun beating down upon them.
The natives not only carry water jugs
on their heads. but everything else as
wen. l. may be table, a sewing ma
chino. or a coffin. as | have seen. We
saw men carrying what looked like
wire cages on their heads. We sup
rosed they contained small pet ami