Biggest Party on the Planet

There are many places that make the claim to be the "Biggest Party on the Planet" But if you go by sheer numbers as you should, Copacabana Beach on New Years Eve holds the record, year after year. There is an incredible turnout since it is summer in the southern hemisphere, and Rio de Janeiro is one of the hottest places to be during this time. You cannot believe the number of people in the city of Rio during this time of year. Everyone wants to be on the beach on New Year's Eve. In the afternoon, the native women from Bahia hold court on the beach and build extravagant altars of flowers and stones, dedicated to the goddess "Yemanja" the goddess of the sea. People go there and take flowers and offerings to throw into the ocean, believing the goddess will grant them a safe and prosperous year ahead. Many people stand in line and receive "passas" where one of the priestesses from the northern state of Bahia will cleanse their auras of impurities. Later on, the shore begins to fill with people, mostly dressed in white, as a show of purity, so that the new year may be started clean. It is truly a spectacle, very interesting and exciting, and yes, the biggest party on the planet since over two million people go there to experience it.

Sands on the Beaches of Ipanema

There is just nothing better than sinking your toes into the sand at the beach in Ipanema. No matter the time of day or night, no matter how many people are there to share it. The beach here is picturesque, to say the least. From the rocks on the left extreme in Arpoador, to the rising granite monoliths of Two Brothers (Dois Irmaos). It is framed in an incredible natural setting with islands of stone in the front and sides. It never ceased to amaze me the wealth of beauty that encompasses Rio de Janeiro. I always tell my clients that they should see something different everyday, since there are so many areas to consider. The beaches are but one of the attractions here. There is the Botanical Garden, the Tijuca National Forest, The Vista Chinesa, not to mention the classics, Corcovado and Sugarloaf. As I said, rich in beauty and never enough time to see everything. I always enter into depression when I know I am about to leave...

Where to Stay, Where to Go?

The first thing to think about once you have decided to take a vacation is where to stay. While a lot of people go the standard hotel route, many decide to rent an apartment in Rio. There are the advantages such as privacy and the use of a kitchen. But also you gain a more homey atmosphere and more room to relax. There are so many options in Rio! So many neighborhoods, so many nice beaches and places to stay. It really all depends on your lifestyle and budget. Whether you are a single male and like the action in Copacabana, or a couple who like the tranquility of Leblon, there is something for everyone and we can help you find that perfect place to stay!

No Better Place to Vacation!

When I think of beaches, there are so many choices around the world. But when I think of real vacations, well, I want a places with more than just nice beaches. I want a place that has culture, music, food, mystery and more. That is why I think Rio de Janeiro is just about the perfect place for a vacation. It has all of those things and more! The topography of the land as seen from Corcovado (the Christ statue) is key to understanding how beautiful and diverse this city is. From the beaches to the mountains above, from the restaurants to the clubs, from the beautiful bodies and faces to the energy of the city itself, this is one place that never gets old. Antonio Carlos Jobim, who co-wrote the song, "Girl From Ipanema" said, "There are two kinds of people in the world, those who have been to Rio de Janeiro, and those who haven't!" I know exactly what he meant, and tell my clients that once you go there, you are never the same afterwards!

Tension on the Beach

I have a friend who goes to Rio once a year and spends a month there. He is married to a Brazilian and speaks Portuguese. They always hang out around Posto 9 in Ipanema. He told me that recently he was there on the beach and there was a local who was selling henna tatoos. When approached, a girl he knows asked my friend to inquire the price. "15 reais" said the salesman. The girl asked my friend to see if he would accept a lower price. When he did, the salesman became angry and began shouting at my friend that he was interrupting the sale. Tensions escalated and the guy said he was going to get some guys and come back to get my friend. A local guy my friend knows told him he better be careful as the economy has caused friction in the populace and people don't have much patience. Sure enough, a group of guys came and luckily the local guy took charge and explained the girl only wanted a lower price. I told my friend that people are tense everywhere. Even you and I are tense, I said. You have to take a step back from every situation now. It is not worth risking violence.

Better Than Most During the Recession

When the economy started looking dire a little more than two years ago, I started to wonder how Brazil would fare if a recession hit. Because of the corruption and dependance on exportation, I was not sure. Now there are indications that Brazil will end up being one of the least affected nations if you consider it's size. The fact that Brazil is so rich in resources, not dependant on foreign oil, has mineral deposits and a good relation to most other nations has helped her escape the worst of things. I feel that maybe Brazil will become the "country of the future" that was always predicted, since it leads the way in alternative fuels and is very open minded about alternative technology

Some things change, some stay the same

I still read the Brazilian newspaper "O Globo" daily, even though I am not living in Rio at the moment. It seems to me that some things are changing there, as they are in the rest of the world, with technology and the economy at the forefront of the news, how can it not change? Brazil has one of the most resilient economies in the world right now, and suffered less with the recession than other countries. Still, the country is plagued by crime and ignorance. These things, especially in the larger cities, should be addressed violently so that Brazil can rise above the reputation and become the country of the future that everyone expects it to be.

Found: 1 Soul Mate

A client of mine, emailed me recently to tell me he was getting married. He had met a Brazilian girl out in California and decided to tie the knot. I was thrilled for him! We had dinner the last time we were both in Rio and he told my wife and I that he had met a girl and was in the infancy stages of falling in love. Seems it came to fruition. I told him that when you marry a foreigner you get not only a wife, but a culture. We are celebrating twenty years of marriage this year, I hope his lasts just as long.

Getting the Most out of Rio

The trip, the plans, the packing....it is all futile unless you really make the most of your time and money. Reading guidebooks (and blogs like this one) and talking to people about their experience is one way to do it, another is to write a script and stick to it, as much as possible. Everything depends on what your priorities are, but Rio de Janeiro has a wealth of things at your disposal. Whether it is the physical attractions such as beaches, gardens, forests or hills, or the plunge into food and festivities as far as bars, restaurants and nightclubs, a simple checklist will help you set your priorities and maximize your vacation.

Never Want to Leave

You know that feeling you get on vacation, after you have been somewhere a few days and realize what a paradise it is, you never want to leave. I have heard this from so many people while they were in Rio. I admit to saying it a few times myself. There is something here that is indescribable, something so special, you just don't want to let go of it. I have had people actually follow through on this, and eventually move here from their own country. But beware, things are different when you are on vacation versus day to day living. As I said in one of my posts from another blog, if you have enough money and the right infrastructure, it can be paradise, but if not, it is sometimes a big headache.

Mystic Land

Brazil is definately a mystical place with its roots from Europe and Africa contributing to the aura. I never believed in karma or reincarnation until I met my wife, who is Brazilian. Living there you get the feeling that some other worldly force is present and in control. Things come back around very quickly there, so you become more aware of your thoughts and actions. Syncronicity is prevalent as you meet people you feel you have known and resources manifest themselves at just the right time. It is a magical experience but maybe not everyone would see it the way I do. I have always looked for a deeper side to things. I may be contacted for accommodations or just plain advice if you are traveling to Brazil