Rio Reinvented?

Much has been written in the media lately about Rio being reinvented, particularly with the Olympics and World Cup coming. When I am asked about the current state of Rio I am always hesitant to answer. I realize that my answer is totally dependent on my experiences there, which are in no way representative of what is going on in the city as a whole. We've been in Rio for over two years. Touch wood, we have not had any "incidents" happen to us, a few near-misses, sure, but nothing major. My opinion of Rio's current security state is largely dependent on this continuing to be true.

I also realize that after living in the big city for as long as we have, we've become hardened to certain things, again, we are not objective.

Nevertheless, in true Brazilian fashion, I will still offer an opinion! I do think that Rio is changing for the better, and it is being cleaned up. I hear about less incidents of horrendous crime, the drive to the airport doesn't seem to scare my guests the same way it used to before the "walls" along the road went up, and I feel safer overall. Maybe it's the Polyanna in me, who knows.

Smithsonian magazine put out an interesting article on Rio's reinvention this month, check it out here. It talks about the opportunity Rio currently has to repair itself, and the hows and whos, shortcuts and challenges of getting Rio "there". 

On the other hand, an interesting quote from a piece The Guardian put out on the recent gunfight at the Intercontinental Hotel in Sao Conrado:

"We have been sharing in the illusion that Rio is entering another chapter, turning the page on the horror," he said. "But this shows that the pacification units are merely islands of excellence in an ocean of barbarity that is very much alive." 

My only comment on this incident is that since living in Rio I have not heard of a single incident of a tourist being killed here, though I have heard of SEVERAL meeting such unfortunate fates in countries such as Mexico. Yet people seem to have no fear of going there, but Rio is terrifying to them. Strange. Apparently this incident was enough to scare off the stars of Twilight from filming in Rio!

Anyway! I think I have been sharing in the illusion, too. I have relaxed, about a lot of things. Or maybe just become lazy?  Maybe I have changed.

What do you think? Is Rio getting safer? Has it changed?

 

Comments

[Dani]

I live in the US, in a border state. The violence in parts of Mexico is horrific, but it's not representative of the country as a whole. The violence in Mexico is mostly along the border, as the fight to control drug trafficking access points rages on. And in Mexico City, as well. I would not say Rio is worse than Juarez, however. I will also point out.. there was a hostage situation in the US in the past week as a guy went crazy and took hostages at the Discovery Channel's building! You just never know.

[Natalia]

I do think Rio can overcome lots of its problems if that's really our politicians' interest. I hope the World Cup and the Olympic Games will be a good incentive. However, I have the impression you have changed and gotten used to life in Rio. I guess you'll miss Rio a lot when you have to return home.

[Account Deleted]

This is a very complicated question and one that is difficult to answer because there is so much to cover.

I think you've lived here long enough to feel comfortable with your surroundings, and happy to be here (as I am) for the most part! You've aclimated for sure. It's a great thing.

I think if you asked anyone who lives here the answer would vary from week to week. Some weeks are quite positive, others quite the opposite. When I first arrived here years ago, I thought "Wow, Brasil is an amazing country, with so much potential, such resources and a huge labor pool, etc..." I had such blind hope and enthusiasm. But sadly, the longer I live here, it's harder to think things will change that much, and if they do, mostly it small scale or just temporary. Just reading the newspaper or watching the news is sobering enough to know there's still plenty wrong here. It's scary. Corruption? Terrible violence, lack of adequate education, opportunities and access to decent health care, the list is enormous. I have long been surrounded by disenchanted Brasilians. I still have hope, it would be so wonderful to see peoples lives improve, this city shine (not to mention this entire country) and be as amazing as it could be, but it's not any easy task and I think with the upcoming World Cup and Olympics in Rio, we'll likely see some improvements like the metro going to Barra (I hope) but I think a lot will be just bandaids. There's SO much to deal with, so much to fix, plus you're dealing with a certain legacy of projects started and never completely finished, grand ideas never realized, deadlines never met...beaurocracy at its finest.

But, I still love my life here, I think it's such a special place. I certainly wish more for this city and her people and I'll take her as is and hope that with so much promise, she proceeds with many wonderful things ahead.

[Rebecca]

I discovered your blog yesterday and have been glued to it ever since. My husband has just been offered a position in Rio - we will be relocating from Australia. I have a daughter 4 and a son 2. We would like to put our daughter in internatinal school over there (which I understand is very costly) and wondered if you were able to shed any light - as from what I can tell you do not have school age children at this stage. Is there another expat perhaps you could put me on to? Really just wanting to get a feel for what the best options are...many thanks :)

[Adri]

Dear DRL,

we are also moving to Rio in 4 weeks time. My husband discovered your blog and it has been one of the major information sources for us. We have two kids 6 and 1. I saw in one of your post that you gave information on expat associations in Rio.
I just can't find it again. We are really looking forward to this move. It is basically a dream come true for the two of us. We met as students in a Portuguese class...long time ago.

Thanks for all that great information about Rio!