Getting To Know Rio
Rio is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Fairy tale beaches curve around to hills covered in tropical rainforest that back on to tropical lagoons. Samba clubs pulse in the heart of historic districts where the young and cool pour out into the Rio night. Rio also has the reputation of one of the most dangerous cities in the world. In reality you run more risks walking around Los Angeles, London or Paris. The people of Rio, the Cariocas, are amongst the most friendly and helpful in the world. Never will you see a fight here or see any violence – the cariocas are too busy having a good time to be bothered with that kind of thing. If you ever get lost or need help you have only to ask someone in the street – within moments there will be a crowd of people around you, all trying to help.
Cariocas gather at all hours at cafes on the corner to drink 'stupidly' cold beer, chat and flirt. Here in Rio they've finally found the Meaning of Life. Happiness = samba + football + barbeque and beer on the beach. It's that simple.
Cariocas are also amongst the most beautiful people in the world. Image is almost a religion here and you'll see beauty salons and gymnasiums on every corner. Then on the beaches they all wear as little clothing as possible and chat and flirt as if they were in a night club.
The most beautiful neigbourhoods are the rich and chic of Ipanema, Gavea and the Botanical Gardens. Here many people will speak English and you'll find the most select restaurants and nightclubs. Venture into the rest of the city to find a more bohemian vibe where people of all classes and walks of life mix in the Rio night.
Overlooking even the richest districts of the city are the favelas. These are communities on the hills built by the people who live there. Life there is tough but the spirit of the favela reisdents is overwhelming. The forgotten people of the city, they're as much part of Rio as anyone else and always produce the best samba schools - on the weekends you'll see them playing in the street.
Rio is a heady mix of rich and poor, cultures old and new. You'll find people living the simplest ways of life alongside the most modern lifestyles of any metropolis. The unique natural setting of the city means that you can climb hills in tropical rainforest, tan on spectaular beaches and party in downtown samba clubs in the space of a day.
It's not called the Marvellous City for nothing.