Almost 3 years ago, I was halfway across the world in a very exotic place popularly known as Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro is best known for its natural settings, beautiful beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema, Carnival, Thongs, and Samba. Some of the most famous landmarks in addition to the beaches include the giant statue of Jesus, known as Christ the Redeemer (‘Cristo Redentor’) atop Corcovado mountain, and the Sugarloaf mountain (Pão de Açúcar) with its cable car.
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Contrary to its infamous and soaring crime rate, I think Rio is a “safe place” as long as you know where to go. Just like any other city in the world there will always be someone who would want to take advantage of a tourist. I suggest that any tourist should leave the Rolexes, Guccis and LVs at home. Stay away from dark alleys, deserted beaches and parks. More importantly, never stray in the fevalas (shanty towns) unless you’re really brave to do something a lot of people will think stupid.
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On the other side of things, Rio is truly an Amazing place. I am very lucky to travel and see this extraordinary place. Each day I was there, I would walk a couple of blocks from my hotel to Copacaban Beach. I would stay there sitting on the sand, have a brazilian beer (Skol), watch people passing by, take photographs, swim in the atlantic ocean, and take more photographs. I had the most amazing time there! I also met some of the most interesting people in Rio de Janeiro, and until now we keep in touch, send postcards every time we travel, send photos of the places we’ve been. Greet each ones birthdays, and more.
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Rio is truly one of my favorite places in the world. It’s one of the Cities that you had the hardest time leaving or boarding the plane going home. I kept telling myself that I will go back, I will go back, but it’s time to go home…. :(
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Be warned:
Rio’s powers of seduction can leave you with a bad case of saudade (indescribable longing).
