When you leave the train stop for the Christ Statue you are immediately descended upon by about 500 cab drivers offering to take you up the mountain and to the sugar loaf for one flat fee. One would presume this to be a good deal because if the fare for the tram to the stature is R 15 per person anyway and they'll do it for 40 and take you to both places. We picked the one guy who had car trouble so it created an extra little issue, but it should be worth it anyway.

Your driver should take you to this little area nearby (where you feel like you are just waiting to be mugged) that has some very old colonial houses. Painted beautifully, I felt they deserved a couple of pictures (Pic 1 & Pic 2). He will then take you about midway up the mountain to a viewing area and helicopter landing pad. The view here is nice (Pic 1) because there aren't thousands of people around like there are when you get up to the statue. As you continue your ascent on the mountain, your ears will begin to pop and you begin to wonder if this car which already smells like it's burning oil is going to make it.

Amazingly enough you make it to your destination and discover about NINE THOUSAND stairs to climb to get the base of the statue. Don't worry though, there are plenty of people selling refreshments at every landing at airport prices. An hour later, exhausted and sweaty after stepping over the carcasses of lesser-skilled tourists you have made it. Right away you begin to question just HOW you are going to get a picture of the statue with both hands in the shot without having to jump off the mountain to do it.