Jardin Botanico in Rio is beautiful. Even if you are not a garden type of person this one is quite stunning. Founded in 1808 the 140 hectare park lies in what is colloquially known as “the arm pit of Christ”, in the neighbourhood directly underneath the right arm of the Christ Redeemer statute. It contains 6,000 different species of plants and trees including 900 varieties of palm trees alone. It was designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1992.

Right outside the front doors of the garden across from a little pond full of turtles sunning themselves on planks of wood, is La Bicyclette café. Walking into this little café is like stepping into Paris. It was such a strange feeling; I was confused when the waiters started speaking to us in Portuguese. Inside there are light brown wooden beams in the ceiling, wooden chairs and tables, white walls, industrial…