We have quickly found that changing frequent flyer tickets is impossible.  As a result we were forced to do a little "power tourism" during our two days Rio de Janeiro before we flew to Lisbon.  Naturally, the first place on our list to see was one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Christ the Redeemor.  This statue on a mountain overlooking the city stands 112 feet tall.  The 360 degree view is unbelievable.  We went at sunset for the full effect. This is something not to be missed, but be prepared to get elbowed and pushed around a bit from busloads of other tourists.  All of which are trying to somehow get a photo of the statue without anyone else in the shot… that would probably be the Eighth Wonder of the world if it was possible.  It's really funny how some people actually get offended that there are other tourists around, I guess they've somehow transcended tourism status to VIP for photo privileges. Another famous spot we checked out the first day was Copacabana.  Go ahead and sing the Barry Manilow song, we did… shamefully.  Actually, we have no idea if his song is about this beach or a airport lounge.  As you can imagine, this famous beach draws thousands of people.  There are many activities to be had, volley ball, football (soccer), roasting in the sun, surfing, body boarding and a place to get a cocktail every 20 yards.  Another sport we found particularly entertaining was paddle ball.  There are lines of people smacking the ball as hard as possible at each other back and forth.  We're not sure what the strategy is if any, but it was obviously a serious activity.  It also seems that the smaller the swim attire the better, must be a freedom of movement thing…