The Race to Corcovado

     Sensing the rapidly fading daylight, we urged Evandro to take us to Corcovado and then to Christ the Redeemer. The sun had not set yet, but was bound to within the next hour, leaving the sky the pale, washed-out blue it always is. When we were planning our trip with Evandro earlier on in the day, we intended on making it to Christ the Redeemer just at sunset, when we could witness the magnificent spectacle of colors, which was bound to occur when the powerful sun finally bowed its weary head.
       As we rapidly accelerated toward the lofty slopes of Corcovado, I could think nothing but of Christ the Redeemer. One of the world's seven wonders. 196 countries in the entire world. Nearly 2,469,501 cities, and we were so close to one of these elusive, seven monuments in the world. The road swerving around the majestic mountain of Corcovado, was a smooth, narrow one, consisting only of mud. Because of its narrow nature, however, we were held up at a particular turn, where a large bus had refused to move, and traffic was starting to build. Daylight was fading. What could we ever see of Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer if we were swept in overwhelming darkness? A few twinkling lights of the city and the illuminated face of Christ? We had to hurry. Evandro seemed to sense this as he rapidly floored the accelerator, and daringly swerved past the congested traffic. In spite of the fact that we had spent an entire day with him, Evandro would not rest until he had taken us to Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer at our expected time of arrival. My parents eyes were suddenly filled with admiration at his dogged efforts for our satisfaction.
          As we slowly traveled the winding roads, I thought about how distant Christ the Redeemer seemed from everyone in the city below him, how very aloof he was, resting atop his mountain peak. And yet, it also occurred to me how he could be seen everywhere from the city at the same time. Just a very  faint, tall, and formidable silhouette, that was always present, always keeping his arms protectively outstretched as if embracing the city. I wondered what it would actually feel like, standing at the base, of such an impressive and sacrosanct tribute to Christ, the Redeemer.