Video Of The Day: Rio De Janeiro Time-Lapse

A day in Rio de Janeiro” from Joe Simon Films on Vimeo.

I love going through Vimeo slowly, looking for diamonds in the rough of time-lapse videos. I found one today. Created by Joe Simon, this time-lapse explores Rio de Janeiro. Featuring the simplistic beauty found in the subtle swaying of anchored boats, the coming and going of beach-goers, the overwhelmingly perfect sunshine and the gorgeous curves of the landscape, this video is worth the few minutes it takes to view it. So sit back, relax and enjoy Rio de Janeiro from afar.

Brazil Hosts 3-D Show Over Thames River To Start Countdown To 2016 Rio Olympics



On Monday night, spectators lined up along the Thames River in London to take in the sights and sounds of Brazil. A projection of eye-popping images splashed across the water to mark the end of the 2012 London Summer Olympics, and begin the countdown to the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

As part of a $40 million campaign investment put on by Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism and the Brazilian Tourism Board to attract travelers for the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics, the free show featured images projected onto a wall of water created by massive pumps. Computer programs Maya 2012, Real Flow and After Effects were used by designers to display 3-D images of iconic Brazilian attractions like Christ the Redeemer and Cathedral of Brasília, plus various sporting activities including kite surfing, hand-gliding and Capoeira. The entire event ended with the closing message: “Thank you London. See you in Brazil. Come celebrate life!”

For a more visual idea of the event, check out the video above and the gallery below.

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[Images via Embratur, The Brazilian Tourism Board]

Waterfall Skyscraper To Power Rio And The 2016 Olympics




While the 2012 Olympic Games haven’t even finished yet, planning for the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has already begun. And, one designer has dreams of taking solar power to new heights.

According to Digital Trends, Zurich-based RAFAA Architecture & Design wants to design an energy-generating waterfall skyscraper (shown above), that will not only power the Olympic Village, but also the city of Rio.

“It is less about an expressive, iconic architectural form; rather, it is a return to content and actual, real challenges for the imminent post-oil-era,” the firm says on their website. “This project represents a message of a society facing the future … Our project, standing in the tradition of ‘a building/city as a machine,’ shall provide energy both to the city of Rio de Janeiro and its citizens while using natural resources.”

Looking for some adventure with your ecotourism? The structure includes a bungee platform at level 90. Moreover, on special occasions water will be pumped over the sides to create an actual waterfall.

Overnight Stays In Port A Popular Cruise Option

Cruise ship overnight stays in port are becoming more popular all the time. Breaking away from port-intensive itineraries, long-time cruise ship travelers appreciate the extra time at iconic destinations. Those new to cruise vacations like being able to explore strange, new worlds but have the convenience and security of that cruise ship waiting for them at the end of the day.

Azamara Club Cruises features voyages with overnight stays at events such as Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro, the Monaco Grand Prix and the British Open. The focus towards events brings what Azamara calls a “destination-immersive” travel experience.

“We continue to offer more late-night and overnight stays in ports than any cruise operator to offer guests the chance to savor a destination’s nightlife, oftentimes after the other cruise ships have departed,” said Larry Pimentel, president and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises in a Breaking Travel News report.

Azamara is not alone. Overnight stays are fairly common among luxury cruise lines. Dialing back the price a bit, mainstream cruise lines are getting into overnights as well.

Norwegian and Royal Caribbean sail to Bermuda, bringing multiple full days in port to explore the pink sand paradise. Carnival Cruise Lines and others do the same sort of thing in the Bahamas, overnighting in Nassau to allow late-night party time but no drive home.

But other ships, going to areas where they could easily sail to a different port each day and keep moving, are stopping to allow more time in dream destinations.

Disney Cruise Lines will sail Disney Wonder from Los Angeles round trip with an overnight in San Francisco. Costa Cruises has Costa Favolosa with an overnight stay at Dubai.

It’s all part of a focus on delivering what travelers want, a game cruise lines have had nailed for decades. Today, a maturing cruise industry is seeing a different kind of prospective passenger. Travelers now want more time in port, less touristy experiences and more destination immersion.

Cruise lines are setting up to deliver.



[Flickr photo by joiseyshowaa]

Stunning Aerial Shots Of Cities From Around The World

Experiencing an unknown city is always exciting. That’s the great thing about travel – it allows you to try new things and explore new places. While wandering through a city on the ground is interesting, it’s also worthwhile to see a destination from a unique perspective you normally wouldn’t get to view.

Below, you’ll find beautiful aerial shots taken above some of your favorite cities. The lit up Las Vegas skyline twinkling various colors against a nighttime backdrop, the grey and intimidating buildings of the Big Apple as seen from above and the glossy and luxurious architecture of Dubai from a bird’s-eye view, are some of the stunning shots captured by photographers.

To see some of the best aerial views of cities from around the world, check out the gallery below.

[photos via Big Stock]

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