Beautiful beaches, sudden mountains, rumbling music and lots of Havianas! Rio is all that. I was recently over there to attend the third forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC). More on the forum later, but for now Rio.

Sights of Rio

We were located on Copacabana beach area, and our hotel the “Copacabana Sol” on Rua Santa Clara was just blocks away from the beach. The hotel was old but comfortable and the staff was helpful. But the wireless was horribly sporadic and if you are one of those who rely on hotel toiletries, you will be disappointed. The “Copa Sol” just provided us with soap. But the showers were powerful with plenty of hot water, so that made up.

The city is absolutely stunning to look at. There is something riveting about the combination of geographical elements one gets to see in Rio. The circular beaches lined with coconut trees, with steep green hills in the background. Even though it is was “winter” in Rio (May) the weather was mild and not cold at all. Some of the must see sights in Rio is the Statue of Christ the Redeemer (but beware overcharging) and on the insistence of a number of cab drivers, the mountain peak with the cable car, Sugar Loaf. The Sa’ara Market is an old market which was overflowing with objects green and yellow. (Maybe because the FIFA worldcup is just around the corner, and Brazilians take their football passionately). Also I spied a number of good bargains to take back home as presents.

Sa'ara Market

Over at ipanema beach, was a “Devassa” (a locally brewed beer) restaurant which offered an excellent place for us to gather. And then to get a real taste of Rio, live samba music and performances at Lapa is a must. And lastly, if you happen to be in Rio on Sunday, there is a Sunday market full of local wares at ipanema beach. We took the subway and got off at the ipanema stop, which is right by the market.

Getting a temporary cell phone in Rio was a nightmare, I do not recommend it to anyone especially if you don’t know any Brazilians. The sim card requires activation through some national finance number, which foreigners do not have and you wont be able to register the sim card and get the phone to work. At the end of the day, I figured skype would be the best way to go, that is if the wireless works. (There is wireless at the beach as well!)

The best and safest way around Rio was taxi. The city also has a good subway system, but if you don’t know your way around, I would not recommend it since I did hear of muggings and robberies at gun point. So stay in groups and closer to the touristy spots. And learn some Portuguese otherwise it is very difficult to communicate with people on the streets. Thank you is Obrigado (if you are a man) and Obrigada (if you are a woman). The rest is up to you.

But to all the Brazilians who hosted us, and took good care, Obrigada! You were great!