Beach, Rio de Janeiro

When you are in Rio you quickly realize that we all love the beach, no matter if the weather is fine or not, but we always find any reason to be close by the sea. Even when the sea is flat you will find a surfer having fun in our coast line! This photo was taken in the Fort of Copacabana in one of the afternoons that I usually go to the beach to walk. The view from this fort really offers a different perpective of Copa.

Absolutely amazing!

NOVEMBER 2007

Every holidays and every sunday the main avenue of copacabana beach is closed for cars and free for pedestrians, this is one of the favourite leisure time for our people. We like long walkings, jogging or simply enjoy the beach. so the people have complete freedom to be everywhere in the neighborhood!

Great option for a simply nice and sunny day when you are in the city!

JAN 20 2007

In every district of Rio, in the main corners and also in big green squares like this one you will find a complete quiosk where you can by all kind of plants and flowers. It is very charming to come across with these kind of "natural" stores...It is good to observe every flower species, sometime you can see rare ones.

Rio is such a pleasant city despite of the social problems that we have...we have very safe and calm places in the city. it is up to you to come and see it!;)

When there is any huge storm in the ocean, the coast line gets furious, the waves explodes on the rocks and get higier..the water simply invades the sand and Nature makes its show and power. It happens all the time here,especially when the cold fronts come from the south...No matter what you are doing, just go to the beach and watch, you will see many changes in the landscapes and it is a real party for the surfers. This is what we call RESSACA, Sometimes the water invades the street causing trafic jams, flood and some troubles. Other times it is just the Nature willing to show its power,

If by chance you are in copacabana or in Ipanema, do not miss this opportunity, go to th rocks of Arpoador and HAVE FUN, but take extreme care for not falling down the rocks, it will be very hard to be saved.

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I really admire the CARIOCAS (locals) for having a specific day for the family to enjoy...which is Sunday. The major event during this day is walking and taking a stroll along Ipanema beachwalk. Some jog, some stroll with baby carriages, some just relaxes as people walked by..I did most of the latter.

Its very common among caroicas to go to the beach during the sunny weekends and after go to a bar nearby to have lunch and a few beer, or as chopps. So, If u wanna try some real carioca way of life I'd strongly recommend that activity.

Coming from America, we are really sexually repressed. Sensuality is evinced in brazilian culture from language to clothing. Bikinis are worn by females 2 years old to 200 years old. I reccomend buying a bikini here because they are more flattering for the female body...the butts have less fabric, but it gives you better tan lines and it makes your butt or Bunda, look bigger...and that is the most important thing here in Brazil. Women will even give themselves a wedgie to make their butt look bigger and for better tan lines...I have not yet gone that far...also the the bikini tops are more flattering especially if you have smaller boobs. All women have bikini top strap lines on their chests....it is necessary and considered sexy to have these two white lines creeping down your chest.....also, you are not allowed to go topless on the beach. Remember your sunscreen...buy it at home because it is expensive here, and the air is so humid that your burn easier. Also you can rent an umbrella from one of the many beach vendors for 2-4 Real to get a rest from that boiling hot sun.

Everybody wears the little bikinis in Rio. You can buy them on the beach, or, more cheaply in a smaller town if you take side trips.
I wish I had done this, even tho I wasn't sure the first day, because I got enough of a tan that I would have had two big white areas on my backside if I had put on a little bikini the next day!!!!
After an afternoon of being on the beach, I realized that you're not expected to have a perfect body - not at all.
Plus, the vendors will figure out you're American and single you out to try to get you to buy their snacks, sodas, blankets, bikinis, earrings, tote bags, etc.
Besides, everyone wears a 'canga' = kung- gah, which is like a sarong, so, you can wrap it around like a skirt unless you're laying on it on the beach. Oh, and no one brings towels - just lay on your canga (bring a chamois so that you can dry off & not get your canga or car seats wet)

Santos Dumont is our domestic Airport, and it works only for flights to and from São Paulo, and I said good bye to my good friend from Jordan Ghaith, in less than two days he could see the best of Rio!

July 14th, 2005

When lying on the beach, make sure to take advantage of the yummy things to eat. While your valuables should be closely guarded back at the hotel & you're lying with your eyes closed... you'll hear the call... sanduice natural(tuna sandwich)...camaroes(grilled shrimp).... batata frita(potato chips) among other things. MAKE SURE to stop the man selling shrimp grilled on a stick. Dont bother with the tiny ones. Ask him how much the big ones are. Negotiate a price and he'll give you a squeeze of lime for them. You can eat the shells if you like or peel them (tedious on the shore). Follow a few skewers with an agua de coco (coconut water served in the nut) bem gelado (well chilled) and later, a SKOL, estupidamente gelado (stupidly cold). Once you've had these, the rest of the menu is up to you... you're a true carioca after this.