Rio de Janeiro, long renowned as the Pearl of the Tropic of Capricorn, favored by its climate and resources. Its 5.5 million inhabitants arise as one's palpitation awesomely, especially during January and February-Carnival, a time when it becomes a city where nobody sleeps. November until May complements a visit. July and August are humid and the natives seem to swarm in all activities. Rio has tirelessly overshadowed all other cities except maybe Paris as the metropolis of the Latin world forever. For orientation of Rio, a visit is an absolute must. The 2,100-foot Corcovado, affectionately called "hunchback" with its stretched out arms of Christ seemingly blessing the Pearl below, is easily accessible by taxi or lift. The same applies for the famous Sugarloaf.
The modern Nove Cathedral rises 190 feet high with 30-foot mosaic glass structure intertwined with steel and concrete. It holds 20,000 worshippers of the Roman Catholic faith, which is 90% of Brazil.
Already in midtown, stroll up or down Avenida Rio Branco and Avenida Presidente Vargas for bargains by shopping to your heart's content. An interesting experience is to ride on the antique trolley. One can't help but admire the beautiful and clean structures, as well as the vibrant colors.
The best swimming season is between November and May. A favorite Brazilian pastime is boating and parties with lots of music, dancing, and local liquid refreshments throughout the entire afternoon.
Rio's restaurants are a gourmet feast internationally as well as nationally: a continuous mouth-watering delight. Brazilian people tend to be very family-oriented. There are frequent gatherings and celebrations to indulge in the many delicacies offered throughout the well-established eateries. The main course is served in the evening hours, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., combined with the traditional music: la samba, la rumba, and lambada.
Around midnight, when all the cinemas empty and restaurants close, the nightlife impacts you with sensuous vigor. Discos come alive with rhythm that only exists south of the border until (you guessed it) the wee hours of morning.
Copacabana, the serene beach of its colorful people, doing not much in particular, living the life of sweet nothingness. One just lives by the day, the love of life the top priority. To the west of Copacabana you have a choice of many other beaches, such as Arpoador, Ipanema, Leblon, etc., including the 12-mile-long Barra da Tijuca. These beaches entertain you with sports ranging from surfing to hang gliding.
For a day of bargains, try the world-famous open-air shopping extravaganza where you have everything from glass-blowing art to native wood sculptures.
When you drive west to Rio Santos, a lazy, winding road on the Costa Verde (not the highway to Sao Paolo) with a population of over 10 million. Marvelous beaches and little niches invite you for fresh nectar and ambrosia from the gods and abundant selections from the rivers and oceans. Naturally you must try freshly-squeezed sugar cane on the rocks.
Rio's Maracana Stadium, with room for over 200,000 fans, is of course the world's largest. Pele, soccer genius of the 60's and 70's, brought Brazil the world championship 3 times. It is a totally emotional event when Fluminense plays another team.
A bit risque (to say the least) are the fajitas, the slums of Rio's shanty town. With a recommended guide, however, you can come to master and appreciate it. It's likewise worthwhile to check out the current cultural programs, which Brazil is internationally known for. Among the cultural events your choices are unlimited, including the native dance. The best music in Ipanema and Copacabana are the ultimate samba shows which overwhelm and captivate the audience. Rio is an adventurous city with an explosive atmosphere.
