Rio de Janeiro Brazil

God made the earth in 6 days but on the seventh day he made Rio de Janeiro. The statue of Christ the Redeemer looks out over the city. Rio de Janeiro is on the south atlantic ocean. It has beaches and history in spades. There are 11 million people in rio - the people are a mix of african slaves , indians and Europeans. YOu can get a room for 35 real a night - about $25 per night. Go there in Carnival time and go to Copacabana beach. you can catch a bus there if you are adventurous. The poor north and the rich south are the divisions. The buses are fast and cheap and are like an amusement ride. Copacabana beach has a high density of people squeezed along the beach. It used to be a rich persons playground but now it is for everyone. Get your swimming togs on and get into the water. Be cheeky and show some cheeks. Butt cheeks that is of course. The most important thing is to not wear little clothes, take off your shoes. See your friends - its a social event. Play some soccer or volley ball and show off your biceps or boobies. Get the surfboard out and surf a tube.

The centro district has lots of 70's architecture. The last remaining tram takes you to old district of santa teresa. It only costs 60 cents there and back. Santa Teresa people moved here to escape the heat. Ronnie Biggs did it to escape the pommie cops. You might be able to see him at his restaurant. Rio is the place to be at Carnival time. Eat and drink and swim and play pool and listen to the stories. Food is sun-dried meat with beans , feijoada, caipirinha, and pao de queijo . The tourist train to the statue of Christ the Redeemer costs about $10 and was built in 1885. The railway has fantastic views, and gets robbed hundreds of times per year. Crime in Rio is quite high and watch your valuables. The people of Rio de Janeiro love the statue of Christ the Redeemer. made in 1931 it is the defining object of Rio de Janeiro.

Tijuca Forest is a national park - a rainforest - in the middle of Rio de Janeiro. There are waterfalls to bathe under. From the peak at Pedra da Gávea you can fly on a hang glider over the sights of Rio de Janeiro. Soar at a great height over Rio de Janeiro and see the city, the beaches, and the hills. The favelas or shanty towns are dotted on the hills with 2 million people. It is dangerous but you can take a tour. Find a guide to see the city within a city. People are afraid of the unknown. It is a poor area but not a desperate area. Drug dealers control parts of the favelas. The open air markets offer food and articles and they come alive after dark. The music of the north east goes off and you can dance the night away to the accordion bands. 40% proof sugar cane liquor should be handled with care.

The museum of contemporary art at niteroi is one of rio de Janeiro's most modern buildings. It is based on a champagne glass. Make sure you go and see a game of soccer at the biggest stadium in the world, Maracana Stadium. Soccer is a religion in Brazil. The passion for soccer in Rio is extreme and mad. Go along the costa verdi to Guarapai. The journey takes four hours from Rio de Janeiro. It used to be an old boom town, the old port before Rio. A room will cost $25 per night including breakfast. Coffee and gold used to come from the interior but now you get the sugar cane liquor. There is a swimming hole and you can go fishing. There are 300 beaches but you will have to go by boat. Have a meal of seafood fresh from the sea that day.

The Rio Carnival is a must. It signifies the beginning of Lent and goes for 24 hours for a whole week. street parties go on all day and night. you can join a carnival school and learn how to samba. Neighbourhood associations that create the carnival parades. Rehearsals are at fever pitch in the week leading up to carnival. Samba is what drives the carnival and the rythm of the african slaves. Taking part in the parade can cost up to $300. but the memory is well worth it. More than a party - carnival is a serious samba competition between neighbourhoods.

Rio de Janeiro Resources

Lonely Planet Rio De Janeiro - Rio's sedctive powers can leave you with a serious case of saudada (indescribable longing) when you leave. Planted between lush, forest-covered mountains and breathtaking beaches, the cidade maravilhosa (marvelous city) has many charms at her disposal.

Wild Rio de Janeiro DVD - The temperature's not the only hot thing down in Rio. Nature and fashion collide and the results are spectacular. Monkeys stealing breakfast, caimans in the pool, frenzied preparation for Carnivale - this is a non stop DVD that will leave you wanting to hop the next flight to this magical spot. Great photography, stunning images!

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