travel zen on friday: some beach time in rio

Copacabana Beach in Rio - ready for summer??

what martinikitty liked and disliked about rio

Lapa Steps (Selaron's Staircase) in Rio.

(Rio, Brazil).  I traveled to Rio in 2013 to visit friends who moved there from San Diego and to celebrate my birthday.  They had an amazing apartment in Ipanema, right across from the lake which was surrounded by jogging and bike trails and coconut vendors.   We were able to take lovely walks around the lake, but it was way too hot and humid to try to jog.

While in Rio, I couldn't help but feel as if I was in a country that was growing much too quickly at a pace that was overwhelming their local economy and infrastructure.  For example, the prices were surprisingly high (similar to New York or London), but the local economy and standard of living was nowhere near that level so it was difficult not to see and feel that discrepancy and tension everywhere.  It was also difficult not to notice the constant gridlock in traffic, the incomplete construction everywhere, the socioeconomic tensions, the labor protests, the lack of sufficient hotels and visitor services, and the prevalent crime.  While I normally don't expect locals to speak or understand english, I did sort of expect the staff at the high-end hotels, restaurants and bars to understand a little bit of english but it was a challenge everywhere - even the airport.  I kept finding myself thinking "how are they going to get ready for the upcoming Olympics and World Cup"?  But let's hope for the best!

travel zen on tuesday: more beach from rio

sazy rock's rio de janeiro: highlights and lowlights

In honor of the World Cup, I am recapping a three week solo trip to Brasil. First up is Rio because, well, it's Rio. So without further ado, these are my highlights and lowlights that you might want to consider on your next trip to Cidade Maravilhosa or Marvelous City.

Highlights
1. The Cariocas - I met some Cariocas (residents of Rio) through Couchsurfing.com and it was my pleasure to share meals and drinks with them and take part in their Rio. They were friendly and up for anything - whether it's chatting or clubbing or whatever else. Indeed, to this day, I am pleased to still call them friends. As with any online service (including Couchsurfing and Airbnb), please be vigilant and make sure people you decide to meet in person are properly vetted.

2.  Soccer/Football - This is a no-brainer. Brazilians in general, and Cariocas, in particular, are big football (a.k.a. soccer) fans. If you are in town, try to watch a game at Maracana Stadium, one of the most legendary venues for the sport. It is a lot of fun but it gets wild. And it does get crazy. The locals really get into the game. You can go on  your own or go with a tour like Viator (where you can get a discount if you have the AAA card). Either way, just be aware of your surroundings. Because there are a lot more guys than gals that go to the games, the women's restroom will likely have no lines, or, at least, shorter lines. (No line is a definite highlight!) Even if you miss the World Cup, you should still try to watch a game between the many teams from Rio. I think I rooted for Flamengo.

insider's rio by guest blogger caipi

Hundreds of thousands of tourists are expected to descend upon Brazil in June and July for the highly-anticipated World Cup.  As many of the tourists will have a home base in Rio de Janeiro, or at least pass through to watch a game or two, we thought it would be a good idea to offer some tips and tricks.

Christo Redentor

Although Brazil is in South America, your high school Spanish is not going to cut it here.  Brazilians speak Portuguese, and although it may look like Spanish, most Brazilians do not speak Spanish or English, especially in the service industry.  Even if you can find an English menu at a restaurant, chances are the server will not understand you when you order a "beer" or a "chicken sandwich."  Brazilians are very appreciative when people try to speak their language, so learning a few key phrases before you go can pay off in spades.

Rio is far from the safest city in the world.  As in any big city, you should be smart and exercise caution, especially at night.  Tourists in Copacabana, the neighborhood where many of the tourist hotels are located, as well as the fan fest, are targets for pick pockets and muggings.  It is always a good idea to carry only the cash you need for the day on you, leave the passport, Rolex and engagement ring at home or in the hotel safe.  If you do get into trouble, look for the tourist police.  Also, it is always a good idea to sign up for the STEP program via the State Department (link: https://step.state.gov/step/) and you will be notified of any security warnings put out by the Embassy.