
CITY GUIDE
"It's only a whimsical notion. To fly down to Rio tonight. And I probably won't fly down to Rio But, then again, I just might."
 - Mike Nesmith
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BIRTH DATE -
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1 / 3 / 1565
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POPULATION -
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13,458,075
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AKA -
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France Antarctique, São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City),
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MEANING -
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January River - in January 1502 Gaspar de Lemos confused Guanabara Bay with a large river mouth and that is how Rio got it's name.
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RIVER -
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200 rivers run through Rio (which means river but ironically what was thought to be a river was actually a bay) including the Maracanã, Iguacu, Pavuna, Arapogi, Quitungo, Saracaruna
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HISTORY -
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The Portuguese landed on New Years Day 1552.
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They had to fight the French for 2 years as they also wanted it.
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Sugar, gold and diamonds helped the economy along in the 18th century.
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In the 19th century they started to export coffee to stave off an economic crisis due to competition and dwindling reserves of gold and diamonds.
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Between the years 1815 and 1822 Rio was the Capital of Portugal. The Royal Family fled here in 1808 when Napoleon took over their country. It is the only non European city to be a European Capital.
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Brazil achieved independence in 1889 and Rio became the capital.
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The night sky on the Brazilian flag belongs to Rio. It remained the Capital until Brasilia took over in 1960.
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The city was divided into 3 zones. The North is industrial and where the workers live. Central is for business and the office buildings. South has the beaches and is for the wealthy.
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BEST TIME TO GO -
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December to March is good beach weather.
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February is Carnival.
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March and November are still warm while April to May and September to October are milder.
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June to August is winter with mild weather and big tourist numbers.
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TOP 10 -
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Cristo Redentor (Is struck by lightening several times a year)
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Carnival & Samba Schools
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Maracanã (Holds the world record for attendance at a soccer game 173,850)
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Sugarloaf Mountain
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Ipanema
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Copacabana
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Metropolitan Cathedral
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Lapa
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Jardim Botânico
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Escadaria Selaron steps
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FUN FACT -
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Rio is the city with the bluest sky in the world. It's been scientifically proven.
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AIRPORT TRANSFER - Rio de Janeiro-Galeão (Antonio Carlos Jobim Airport) (GIG) 25 km
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Paris syndrome is when people go to Paris expecting the world and are disappointed. I experienced this on arriving in Rio. Driving in from the airport all I saw was a big old dirty city with vultures on the side of the road. Going through the tunnel which was coated with a hundred years of car exhausts didn't help either. To cap it off the weather was crap and the beach was deserted. Not the mental picture I'd built up over the years.
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My impressions changed dramatically after a few weeks as I explored what really is one of the world's great cities.
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You can take a bus, taxi or hourly shuttle which goes around to the hotels.
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SAFETY -
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beaches including Copacabana.
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If you remember there were some interesting stories about daylight robberies during the Olympics.
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fear is a state of mind and you shouldn't be overly worried.
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Have a secret pocket for your main stash and carry $10 for the robbers if you unluckily bump into them.
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So only take out what you don't mind losing and hand it over if threatened and you should be fine.
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It's a great place and the risk is small that you will have any problems. So be aware but don't be paranoid.
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If you want to visit a Favela or go to the Soccer go with a tour company.
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FOOD -
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There are a lot of juice bars in Rio which are great for a snack or breakfast. Kibbeh (bulghar and meat balls make a good snack)
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The best thing though is an Acai slurpee or sorbet to start the day. The Acai berry is a superfood from the Amazon rainforest that is packed with antioxidants. It is the real breakfast of champions and what I think gives Brazilians their energy and zest for life. It can be topped with granola or fruit.
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A good way to try a few dishes is in a pay by the weight buffet. You walk in grab a plate, fill it up and there are scales at the cash register and you pay a certain price per kilo. A great idea but can be a little embarrassing if you're a guts.
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Another local favourite is the Churrasco. Bring a big appetite for this one. All you can eat starters and salads, all you can eat meat (brought to your table and carved on to your plate) and all you can eat dessert buffet. Don't fall for the trap of trying every meat skewer that comes along. You will soon fill up and that's when the good stuff seems to come out. Pace yourself.
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Another must is going out for a Sunday lunch of Feijoada. It is a traditional lunch on weekends and is intended to be a leisurerly midday meal. It is Brazil's national dish and consists of a stew of black beans, various types of pork and beef garnished with some orange slices among other things.
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There are plenty of other treats such as filled fried pastries (pastels), empanadas, fried cheese on a stick, Tapioca pancakes with various fillings, and popcorn is a popular street food (sweet or salty)
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NIGHTLIFE -
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Lapa is the main centre of nightlife. They have large outdoor concerts by the aquaduct, and a plethora of everything else scattered around the neighbourhood. From 5 star flash places to squatter bars and everything in between. It has a great atmosphere and should not be missed.
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The beach areas also have plenty of night life options. I can recommend doing a pub crawl from Leblon to Leme. Start in the early afternoon and take your time.
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There are many other areas worth checking out depending on where you're staying, who you know and how long you will be around for.
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Another highlight was going to a nightclub on the edge of the favela Cidade de Deus or City of God, made famous by the movie of the same name. Best to do this as a tour.
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The national drink the Caipirinha packs a fair punch. It is made with Cachaça a spirit made from sugar cane. If you want something a little milder try a Caipiroska which is the same drink made with vodka.
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SIDE TRIP -
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Ilha Grande and Paraty
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COSTS -
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The local currency (Reals pronounced"hey - ice") has strengthened a lot in recent years meaning Rio isn't the bargain it once was. You can still stick to a reasonable budget and the best thing to do, hanging around on the beach is free.
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GETTING AROUND -
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More than likely you'll be staying near the beaches and the best way to get around is to walk.
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There is a metro system with 3 lines.
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To see the attractions Uber, taxis or tours are an easy way to go.
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There is a bike share scheme.
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There are ferries out to the islands.
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MUST DO -
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Go on a Favela Tour
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SHOPPING -
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Ipanema has plenty of shopping including the Hippy Market every Sunday
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Feira do Rio Antigo - Fair in Lapa on the first Saturday of the month with live music and lots of character
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Mercado Uruguaiana - big market by the metro station
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Feira Nordestina São Cristóvão - all things Bahia with live music day and night
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MEET RIO 15N

HIGHLIGHTS - cariocas, caipirinhas & carnaval
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Rio de Janeiro - River of January was named on New Years Day 1501 by Portuguese explorers who mistook Guanabara Bay for a river mouth. People from Rio are known as Cariocas from an indigenous word. They are very proud of their Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvellous City) and are united by their love of the beach. It is a religion here.
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Everyone has a mental picture of Rio and there's only one way to find out how accurate you are. There's far more to this city than most people imagine. It is over 500 years old and was once the capital of Portugal. So expect a few surprises. One thing's for sure though. You won't be disappointed.
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STAY - Ipanema is a good place to base yourself. It has a bit more of a village feel than Copacabana. Ipanema means dangerous waters and you will want to keep this in mind when you are swimming in Rio. Watch out for the undertows.
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SEE & DO - The icons - Ipanema and Copacabana, Cristo Redentor, Sugar Loaf / Helicopter ride / Favela Tour / Soccer at Maracana (Flamengo vs Vasco de Gama is best) / Santa Teresa (Ride the tram) / Museum of Tomorrow / Tijuca Forest / Escadaria Selaron (World famous staircase) / Rio Cathedral / Copacabana Palace / Niteroi
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EAT - Acai slushie or granola for the breakfast of champions / Juice Bars for juice and snacks like Kibbeh (Meat and bulgur pattie), Joelha (Ham and Cheese pastry)
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Pay by weight buffets (a good way to try a lot of different dishes - fill up your plate and put it on the scales) / Farofa - filling fried flour served with many dishes / Feijoda - traditional weekend lunch dish of a variety of pork products in a bean stew finished off with slices of fresh orange
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Churrasco - the world famous Brazilian all you can eat BBQ where waiters bring a huge range of barbequed products on large skewers to your table and carve them on to your plate until your ready to burst. Usually comes with all you can eat starters, salads and deserts.
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DRINK - No shortage of choice here. Just go for a walk and you'll find your local. There are bars and clubs in all budget ranges scattered around the place. A good pub crawl can be had starting in Leblon along the beach through Ipanema, Arpoador, Copacabana and finishing in Leme. Start early.
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For something different and memorable there are Favela Parties and Nightclubs
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The most interesting neighbourhood for a night out is Lapa. First thing you will see is the iconic Carioca Aqueduct (Arcos da Lapa) built to bring fresh water into the city. The Santa Teresa tram passes over the top of it and there is a big street party around it every weekend. Back in the 50's Lapa was full of mansions and bohemians before it fell into total dereliction and it was an area best avoided. Now it is a magic mix of places that have been restored and bars in abandoned buildings. It's a fascinating place to wander about enjoying the atmosphere and the music.
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TIPS - The beaches are marked by Postos. These are numbered lifeguard stations which have showers, changing and toilet facilities. They are numbered from 1 to 12 and start in Leme and head south west with Posto 12 in Leblon. Each one is known for the sort of crowd that hangs around there. One might be Family friendly or young people or Gay friendly. The locals say Posto 10 is for millionaires and Posto 11 for billionaires so maybe this is where you fit in. It's handy for meeting people and choosing what sort of crowd you want to share the beach with. You can also get a guide letting you know what sort of facilities like food and drink are around. Go for a walk and see if you notice the difference from one Posto to another.
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ILHA GRANDE - Pirate lair, Leper colony and Prison (Political) seems to be a common theme on some islands CV's. Ilha Grande fits this profile and it means it is nicely undeveloped as tourism hasn't been here that long.
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The Red Command (Comando Vermelho) Brazils oldest criminal group was created in the harsh conditions of the Candido Mendes prison on the island. In 1985 there was a famous jail break by helicopter. The gaol closed in 1994.
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The island is home to Praia Lopes Mendes which is considered by some to be Brazil's finest beach.
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It is a wonderfully laid back place with friendly people and a good range of accommodation and restaurants.
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PARATY - Paraty was a part of the Caminho do Ouro (Gold Trail). It became a major port for shipping gold and minerals to Portugal as Rio had become vulnerable to pirates. The trail is 1900 kilometres long and was built by slaves to bring the gold to the port. You can hike the trail today.
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These days Paraty is an incredibly picturesque town of colonial buildings fronting on to a spectacular bay and with steep jungle covered mountains in the background. Cars are forbidden in the city.
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After being forgotten about for years a road to Rio brought hippies in the 60's. It has been a magnet for artists, writers and poet. Mick Jagger and Jerry hall also paid a visit.
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it is a famous area for the production of Cachaca the most important ingredient in the National drink. A visit to a local distillery is a must.
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The boat cruises are also a must. Great boats (similar to the Gulet in Turkey) and the waters, beaches and islands they go to are also wonderful.
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Back to Rio for another night or two of action before you head home. If you want to extend your trip have a look at # Meet Brazil and # South American Odyssey
