Cameras and the Problems they Present by tijuca
No one thinks of going on vacation without their camera. I am the same way. When I traveled to Rio, I was armed with a Canon video camera and a Nikon 35 mm. The video camera was the first generation type in 1986, backpack and all. As soon as I hit the street in front the Arpoador Inn, a woman leaning out her window watching World Cup revelers spotted me and shouted in her best English, "Don't Go There!" as she pointed at the beach. I was already walking in the direction of the beach. I gave her the thumbs-up sign, thanked her, and headed to the beach anyway. Nothing happened, but since then I've been very much aware of cameras and the logistical problems they present. Many on these pages tell you just leave them behind.Today's cameras are much smaller than the back-pack unit I hauled on my back in 1986 (people would stop me on the street and ask, "qual canal?" "which channel?" They thought I worked for a TV station. I thought a CBS logo might help). If you are going to one of the main tourist spots, Pao de Acucar, Corcovado, etc., just keep the camera out of sight until you're on site. Take a cab right to the location and enter. Once inside you'll not experience any problems.
But if you think you are going to stroll along anywhere you like without any problems, think again. If you want to take a video camera to the beach (not recommended), only do it in front of the Ceasar's Park Hotel in Ipanema. The hotel's security is located on the beach, and they are also located atop the hotel looking for any trouble makers. Madonna rented the whole hotel to herself when she toured Rio.
I lost a Ricoh 35 mm on my first trip, but it was removed from my room. I am still trying to figure that one out. I failed to keep it in the room safe. Use them!
If you must take your camera, keep it out of site as much as possible. I kept the Nikon in a plain brown paper sandwich bag and only pulled it out when I was at my destination. Today's tiny digital cameras are made for Rio.On the day the nice lady warned me about the beach, I was also with a group of others on the sand, who watched for bad guys while my eyes were peering into the eye-piece.
A trip without a camera is not a trip to me. My family and friends tell me to leave them behind and enjoy the moment. I'll continue to take them to Rio, but I remain on constant alert when I have them.
The best way to go to the beach is with as little on as possible. A woman in a tanga clearly has no hiding places for a camera, and a guy in a "zunga" (speedo) doesn't, either. I think I just discovered the moving force behind Rio's shrinking bathing suits! Oba!