Rio first impressions
There is so much to see in Rio! 4-6 days is not enough to see everything and I know I won’t get to all the fabulous places that are on the hit list (some which are ridiculously touristy) but worse, the places that are off the beaten track that I would love to discover. If anyone is thinking of coming here, you need at least a week. Minimum. I don’t care who you are and what you like. Just do it.
Some observations
Copacabana is very much a tourist trap – kinda like the Gold Coast on massive steroids, but thankfully not all of it is like this. Only a couple of blocks back from the beach row-upon-row of hotels you’ll find some older buildings, 50’s – 60’s – 70’s style that have seen better days. Smaller shops, individual grocer and little market stores that lift up their tatty and graffiti roller shutters at varying times of the day. This is where I went to get my little tid bits as needed to support local workers where possible. It certainly wasn’t all glitz and glam and as upmarket as what you may think. Much of the better shopping and upmarket stuff is around the other end of city, just back from Impanema Beach, with more bars and pubs as well.
There are many homeless people all over Rio. There was literally a gentleman who, as he was walking home, decided that the very place he stood may well be a good place to sleep. So right there on the footpath, across the whole footpath, lay this gentleman with his hands as a pillow, nothing else. No blanket, no cardboard, just the footpath for his bed. We literally had to step over him to continue walking as the road was a tad busy.
I have found that the African population seem to be the hard done by /working people here always trying to make a dollar and the likely homeless person.
The most sought after passport is a Brazillian one
Rio is such a blend of cultures and colours arising from their diverse history. It’s hard to know who is Brazilian and who is not. Tourists aside, a Brazilian can be a blend of many cultures ranging from African and European to Asian. I was advised that on the black market Brazilian passports are apparently the most expensive to buy. This is because of the history of Brazil (being such a mixed race nation for so long) that peoples heritage is a real mix dating back generations. So you can look Asian and be Brazilian, you can look European and be Brazilian, you can look Eurasian and be Brazilian; so all the naughty people who need to flee their own countries could easily come into Brazil and it would be hard for the authorities to question their nationality. Amazing huh? I may be an exception to this as I don’t particularly look African, Asian or European and I’m far too white to be Brazilian, and my accent would defiantly give me away. So best I stay on the good side of the law. Luckily I do know a solicitor if I get into trouble!
Cheap Cheap
It is cheap here too. Depending where you go, mani/pedi’s were about $9 (because that’s really important shopping). Not sure of the quality I would receive at that price but given I was still in ok shape for this service I passed, but kept it in mind and am hoping that Buenos Aires (BA) provides the same great deals. Fingers crossed. In general though prices are quite inexpensive compared to Australia, depending on where you shop. You can absolutely grab some bargains. The shopping isn’t fantastic but luckily I´m not here for that.
Rules? What rules?
I’ve learned pretty quickly that the road rules that applied in Peru – AKA NONE whatsoever, also apply here. People move lanes without indicating, cutting across and doing what they want, when they want and all seems to be ok and accepted. I think the rule is that you give way to anyone in front or remotely beside you in case they decide to move in your direction. Surprisingly the only people on car horns seem to be the taxi’s (lucky I am not driving – DIANA)… but they’ll also honk if they think you may want a ride, so lots of noise of this variety going on.
There’s another type of noise going on as well, the noise of activity, of people getting out and about and experiencing everything that awaits you in this exciting city. You just have to get out and see it all.
Travel is the best.
