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Claudia Looi

Streetcars of New Orleans, Melbourne and Tampa

Streetcars of New Orleans, Melbourne and Tampa

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Streetcars fascinate me. I am a history buff. I spent many years studying the works of dead people and their…
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Tampa: The Colors of my Backyard

Tampa: The Colors of my Backyard

By Claudia Looi 10 Comments

Beyond all the beaches, sports venues, amusement parks and historical sites of Tampa, the attractions of my neighborhood beckons me….
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This was the lovely surprise I mentioned: Gerthrud This was the lovely surprise I mentioned: Gerthrudes Bed & Breakfast in Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro.

On my second trip to Rio, I spent two nights at the Grand Hyatt in Barra da Tijuca, then one night here. A charming old house, a good breakfast, and a view of Sugarloaf Mountain made this a memorable part of the trip.

If you enjoy smaller places with character, put this one on your list. One practical detail before booking: there are stairs, so check access with the property if that matters to you.

Save this for your Rio planning. Would you choose a small B&B or a larger hotel?

#SantaTeresaRio #GerthrudesBedAndBreakfast #WhereToStayInRio #RioTravelTips #globetrotter100club
The Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro is in Barra da Tiju The Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro is in Barra da Tijuca, far from the central areas many first-time visitors want to explore. Traffic can add considerably to the journey.

If you have just three nights and want to visit Copacabana, Ipanema, Santa Teresa, and Centro, this wouldn’t be my first choice for location.

For a longer stay, perhaps five nights, with time for shopping and a quieter side of Rio, it’s worth considering.

This was my second trip to Rio. I split my stay: two nights at the Grand Hyatt and one in Santa Teresa.

Save this before booking your Rio hotel. A beautiful hotel still needs to fit your trip.

Stay tuned for the hotel I stayed at in Santa Teresa. That one was a wonderful surprise!

#GrandHyattRio #BarraDaTijuca #RioTravelTips #WhereToStayInRio #globetrotter100club
Would you stay farther from Rio’s famous sights fo Would you stay farther from Rio’s famous sights for a view like this? 🇧🇷

Sunset over Marapendi Lagoon, filmed in mid-September from the Grand Club lounge balcony at Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro. A boat passing across the water, apartments in the distance, and a view worth taking your time over.

My connection to Barra da Tijuca goes back to 2013, when I spent two weeks here in a private duplex apartment, before the Grand Hyatt opened. Returning last month gave me another way to experience this part of Rio.

If you want a quieter base, away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist areas, I’d consider staying here. Grand Hyatt Rio is a lovely option for that kind of trip.

The trade-off is travel time. Copacabana can be roughly half an hour away by car in light traffic, but allow an hour or more when traffic is heavy. If your visit is short and packed with sightseeing, staying closer to the places you want to explore may be more practical.

But if you have time to slow down and enjoy another side of Rio, Barra da Tijuca deserves a look.

Save this for planning your Rio stay. Do you prefer a quieter base or staying close to the action?

#GlobeTrotter100Club #BarraDaTijuca #GrandHyattRio #RioDeJaneiro #BrazilTravel
Most visitors only spend a few hours in San Marino Most visitors only spend a few hours in San Marino. I decided to stay overnight, and it completely changed the experience.

As the day-trippers left, the streets fell silent. The medieval castle took on a different charm in the warm evening light, the sunset over the surrounding countryside was unforgettable, and dinner was a delicious plate of fresh truffle pasta.

If you’re planning a trip through Italy, don’t just make San Marino a quick stop. Spend the night. You’ll experience a peaceful side of one of the world’s smallest countries that many visitors never get to see.

Would you stay overnight in San Marino?

#SanMarino #VisitSanMarino #EuropeTravel #CastleViews #TrufflePasta SunsetLovers
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