So finally I went into Santa Teresa today… despite the low hanging clouds (I wish I had blue skies for the photos!).

I nearly would have lived in Santa Teresa. There was a nice place for rent on Airbnb. In the end, I chose Ipanema, because of the beach, and because it seemed more busy, city like.

Today I tried to imagine what my Rio experience would have been had I lived in Santa Teresa, and I guess it would have been wholly different. Maybe next time. It’s on top of a hill, cobble stones, a tram line that used to run through it – and seems to be massively missed and mourned by its inhabitants…

The Bonde de Santa Teresa, the old tram line ran from the centre over the old Carioca Aqueduct since 1877! The line really seems to define the neighborhood. It’s been shut down since a deadly accident in 2011, but is scheduled to be reopened in 2014.

I was pretty lost in those windy streets with graffiti and street art all over, cafés, bars, restaurants…I think I will come back to see more. 

I had a great lunch there… at around 4, I think I’m beginning to live the Brazilian rhythm. Then the rain set in again, slowly, and I walked downhill again to Glória metro, and through another nice area of town.

It’s a pity that these are the last days in Rio, I’m leaving Sunday. I’m starting to get a feel of it, for it, have an idea of it. I wish I could see more, this is just a scratch at the surface.

Back out of the metro, it was pouring down again, there was no way of walking 10 meters without being soaked, so I waited some time at a bus stop.

Respect for the city’s drainage system, considering the amount of water! Still, there were some huge lakes in the streets walking home, so I took of my shoes and socks and went home through the water.