Daily Life in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Brazilian Baby Shower

I went to a baby shower today for a gorgeous little girl... we are getting quite good at throwing these little festas being that we've had so much practice (many babies born to friends) over the past few years in Rio.

Last time, we decided to incorporate a little bit of Brazilian tradition into the mix. We wrote on the mother-to-be's baby bump!

Saturday Street Art: Gorgeous Graffiti of Rio de Janeiro

Thanks so much to "Grams" for compiling this series for me. Although not all of the graffiti in Rio is gorgeous, I'm featuring some that is, on Saturdays for your viewing pleasure. If you see some fantastic graffiti in Rio that you think I should feature, send a pic!

Strawberry Shortcake, Anyone?

I felt really lucky today when the Canadoca decided not to blow a gasket at the store when I had to tell her "No!"

You know, as opposed to the other day when she decided to grab a carton of eggs when she was bored, and throw them on the floor (obviously my fault) or the day before when I dropped and broke a bottle of wine on the floor. They see us coming and groan I'm sure...

Okay - back to my proud parenting moment and lack-of-tantrum story... why oh why did I have to tell her no?

Well, she spotted these at Hortifruti, and wanted them.

I nearly tossed them in the cart without giving it much thought, but luckily glanced at the price beforehand - yikes. You're reading right. $R34 for a package of strawberries. Today that's US$20.50. To be fair, they are limited edition, perfect, and look delicious... but, um, no. Sorry, Canadoca. No morangos today!

Canadoca, if you'd tantrumed I wouldn't have blamed you, I wanted to tantrum too! This was the second out-of-this-world produce pricing perdicament I found myself in this morning. A guy at the feira tried to charge me R$20 for 8 apples! Let's stick with local fruit that's in season, shall we?

 

 

Moon over Ipanema

I meant to post this on Saturday to my twitter feed but something went wrong. Terrible quality shot but you can see how HUGE the moon was on Saturday night (one day after the full moon).

Moon over Ipanema

I meant to post this on Saturday to my twitter feed but something went wrong. Terrible quality shot but you can see how HUGE the moon was on Saturday night (one day after the full moon).

Carnaval Ads

It's coming.....

I love it when companies align marketing campaigns with Carnaval. A couple of years ago, Febreze put out a line of exotic scents including "Brazilian Carnaval" - lovely. Rio Gringa summed it up perfectly in my opinion - a quote from her blog entry on the subject: "Based on my experience last  year, it smells like sweat, BO, cigarette smoke, beer, grilled meat, and piss."

I doubt the Febreze product replicates this exactly, though...

This year the Carnaval ad that keeps catching my eye is for Gaviscon.

You know, the stuff you use for heartburn and indigestion. Because we can't have that slowing us down at Carnaval time, kids.

I think more companies should jump on the bandwagon for using carnavale to advertise products. Just off the top of my head, some appropriate ones that come to mind include contraception, ear plugs, adult diapers (better than urinating in public, a gente.... and that is all I'll say about that this year, I promise), headache relief products. Do I sounds like a Carnaval grinch?

Brazil Buy & Sell Online?

Asking for help here - where is the best place to buy and sell used goods online in Brazil? I checked out the Brazilian Craigslist for Rio but the lack of listings made me suspect it's not the most popular place for this. Any ideas?

New Ride?

Maybe I should get one of these automatic bike scooter things to replace my stolen bike.
I see them everywhere.

But then I would have to change my opinion about them being super ridiculous slash lazy. I mean, if you want to ride a scooter, fine. Just don't try to make it look like a bike. The area we live in is pretty flat...

So in other words, I don't see this in my future anytime soon.

Saturday Street Art: Gorgeous Graffiti of Rio de Janeiro

Thanks so much to "Grams" for compiling this series for me. Although not all of the graffiti in Rio is gorgeous, I'm featuring some that is, on Saturdays for your viewing pleasure. If you see some fantastic graffiti in Rio that you think I should feature, send a pic!

A day with the horsies

Last week we were lucky enough to be invited to the Sociedade Hipica Brasileira on the Lagoa, which is located between Hospital de Lagoa and Clube Militar. The club has hundreds of stables for horses, riding facilities, ponies, lessons for kids, a pool, tennis courts, a restaurant and I'm sure more that we didn't take in that day... very nice!

It was the Canadoca's first time up close with horses. Besides Petunia of course, who you met recently...

We learned a few things about that Canadocers that day. First, she likes her horses big and fast. Secondly, she prefers to obvserve them from a distance.

We tried to convince her that this one was Petunia but she wasn't buying it.

This little guy was having a lesson on a pony.

The staff all seemed fantastic and knowledgable, constantly trying to get her to interact with the horses in different ways.

A view of some of the facilities.

 

 

Transport Issues...

Things happen in threes, right? So I'm told. Good, we're done....

It seems as though we are having some setbacks/challenges with getting around lately. A couple of Saturdays ago we parked on the meridian by the Lagoa, and returned from our lovely lunch with friends to find our vehicle towed.

Now, at the end of the day, where we park our vehicle is obviously our responsibility, but I'll say this: when a parking person in a parking pinny takes parking money from you and issues you a parking ticket, you think you're okay to park somewhere. Even moreso because the fellow asked us to move the car slightly (which we did). When we returned to where we'd left the car, it had been towed, and he wasn't there (no surprise!).

Luckily we'd popped the Canadoca in her stroller before going to lunch, as she was in the middle of a nap when we parked, and so we carried on with our day, asking the next "parking attendant" we came across what might be the first in what was sure to be many next steps along the path to car retrieval. She told us to go to the police station on Bartholomeu Mitre, conveniently located close to Casa DRL.

We arrived there about 20 minutes later, and immediately spotted our vehicle. Could this be a Brazil miracle? Might we take it home today? Of course not. This was a police station, a temporary holding place for towed vehicles, which are a Prefeitera issue. We would have to begin the process on Monday. The people were very nice and allowed us access to the vehicle to collect our belongings, which was much appreciated.

On Sunday, we opted to ride our bikes to the pool. Mr. DRL was less than pleased when his tire blew out in the 40 degree heat.

Monday was the big day. The start of the process.

What process?

Step 1) Receive instructions from impound lot.

Step 2) Go to collect a ticket from an office in Centro.

Step 3) Go to Detran in Centro to pay a ticket.

Step 4) Go back to the first office to prove payment of a ticket.

Step 5) Go to Recreio to collect car from the Deposito. 

Our car was scratched quite badly during one of the two towings. We were charged R$35 per day for storage fees. An additional R$120 for tow fees, which when you consider that it was towed twice, isn't a bad deal ;)

We were fortunate enough to use a despachante, which was nice but not exactly cheap, but better than using what would certainly would have been almost two entire days of our time as the despachante went all the way to Recreio on the Monday after completing the other tasks only to be sent away because the car hadn't been towed there yet.  It was still in Leblon just a few blocks from our house of course. If you use the option of the despachante, there must be a Power of Attorney written up for the vehicle, for which then there are notary fees. We received the car on Tuesday.

An expensive little incident. Let's just say that with the Prefeitura going crazy towing cars and fake parking guys on the loose, valet parking is truly a steal in Rio. We just couldn't find any that day!

Finally, the third and hopefully final transportation-related incident occurred today: my bicycle was stolen. Keep in mind that I use my bike a LOT. As in 4-5 days a week.

Besides the case of the stolen fridge back in '08, this is the first time in almost three years that I've been truly ripped off in Rio. To be fair, I admit, I am partly responsible. I left my bike - LOCKED UP - on the street, overnight. A porteiro I spoke with who works near my bike's last known location says it was still there this morning but someone cut the lock in broad daylight, on Dias da Ferreira. Droga!

However, if a negative incident must occur with my bicycle I consider this to be a best case scenario. I've had friends have their bikes stolen while they were riding them, another much worse situation would have been if I'd found myself stranded with the Canadoca somewhere far from home in the heat! Though it's irritating, I still consider myself lucky, and had a rather lovely day in Rio.  Best of all is that this is behind us, if things truly happen in threes.

 

 

Christmas in Uruguay - Part 1 - Montevideo

As I mentioned, Mr. DRL, my mother, the Canadoca and I spent Christmas in Punta del Este, Uruguay. We loved it - it was beautiful!

Before heading to Punta del Este, Mr. DRL & the Canadoca and I spent a couple of days in Montevideo before my mother (Nana) flew in. Here is a gorgeous sunset photo from our time there:

Although we enjoyed our time in Montevideo, we were a bit underwhelmed with the city itself. It feels pretty tranquilo and laid back. Reminded me a bit of the nicer areas of Lima, and the Rambla reminds me of a less-nice, muddy-watered Ipanema area. We enjoyed walking and driving around and taking in some of the local architecture. We went to the historic harbour area one day for lunch, which was nice. Earlier that morning we drove through (on a Sunday) and I would have to say we found the area quite sketchy before things opened for the day!

We also took in the antique fair and market. This was quite different from any others we've been to in South American cities. It had everything from used keyboards with half the keys missing to fine antiques.

Quaint little city, but I think I might have enjoyed some time in Colonia better. We had an excellent dinner at Terracota in Punta Carretas. Coronel Mora 603. 

Another thing I'd love to mention is that we got incredibly LOST in Montevideo while trying to go to the airport to pick up my mom. The city seems incredibly straightforward but we missed a turnoff or something and got on the wrong wroute and weren't able to correct ourselves for quite awhile. We made it to the airport just in time to greet Nana as she came into the greeting area. We then left the city for Punta del Este, which I'll write about very soon...

 

Petunia

Meet Petunia.

She's the Canadoca's new best friend. She traveled all the way from Canada via fedex during the holidays -  she was a gift from the Canadoca's Papa. (And for what the fedexing of a wooden horse and the import taxes ended up costing him, several more children could have had Petunia's of their own. But I digress...) Because every little girl needs a pony, or so I'm told. The Canadoca and I went to see some real horses recently as well, will post on that soon.

I'm not knocking Papa. Fedex was a good choice, seeing as how snail mail delivered not one but five new Christmas cards to my place in the past week. Just in time for Valentine's Day.

 

 

A Day At Rio Water Planet

A few weeks ago Mr. DRL and the Canadoca and I went to Recreio for a day at Rio Water Planet. We had a great time! Click here for the link to the official site.

There were attractions and water features for all ages. The Canadoca loved climbing in this water castle that is constantly flooding...

 

 

 

 

Random thoughts that crossed my mind during the day:

1) How funny it was to see that the park has used Disney's font for its signage.

2) How convenient Brazilian swimwear (minimalist bottoms, if you will) is for going fast on the slides (I remember as a kid we would give ourselves wedgies to go down the waterslides faster.... lovely visual, right).

3) How many people I saw that day who clearly did not use any sunscreen! (Burned Brazilians everywhere, kids!)

The wave pool was constantly packed.

The Canadoca loved the mini waterslides. Sooo cute.

There seemed to be a good selection of activities for every age and stage of child.

An oddly empty section of the lazy river

A popular spot: The SWIM UP BAR.

A post about the Brazilian water park would not be complete without the requisite photo of a Brazilian bumbum. Yes, there were also some sunga shots above!

There is a private club area as part of the facility as well. Groupon has offered some coupons for entry lately - we paid about R$90 per person for the day if I remember correctly.

I was impressed with the variety of food and drink available at the park - acai, fresh fruit, even a little churrascaria. A great way to entertain the family for the day!

Saturday Street Art: Gorgeous Graffiti of Rio de Janeiro

Thanks so much to "Grams" for compiling this series for me. Although not all of the graffiti in Rio is gorgeous, I'm featuring some that is, on Saturdays for your viewing pleasure. If you see some fantastic graffiti in Rio that you think I should feature, send a pic!

Lovely Weather

Though the last week or so has been a touch warmer than I'd love, this summer has been absolutely awesome for weather in my opinion. Warm enough to swim every day, not so hot that the canadoca is constantly burning her feet on tile flooring outside. Most days in the 30s, not so many in the 40s... NICE. Last summer was blisteringly hot. On days like these, life in Rio is pretty damn good!

Driving Schools

I see this all the time but don't think I've posted it before... always wondered what the story was behind it? Are we considered to be safe drivers or something? Why the name Canada... deep thoughts...

Another driving school of interest is the motorcycle driving school - or maybe testing center? On the lagoa. Always PACKED with people...

Via Sete is now open in Leblon...

Yay! I'm in trouble....

Fire at the Cidade de Samba

There's smoke everywhere in Centro this morning as there has been a fire at the Cidade de Samba this morning.... click here for details and photos.

CT Boucherie Leblon

Mr. DRL and I finally made it over to CT Boucherie on the weekend for dinner, which was fantastic.CT is chef Claude Troisgos (of Olympe & 66 Bistro & CT Brasserie)'s new spot. Fabulous. Casual. Delicious.

We had the picanha and filet mignon, served with pepper and moustard sauces. The sides come rodizio, family style and were fantastic. Hot apple-maracuja pure, chuchu gratinado (amazing....), batata barao.

I'd been advised that dessert was not to be missed, I had the chocolate mousse which was also served family style, highly recommend it!

CT Boucherie, Rua Dias Ferreira 636 – Leblon. Pretty much always packed!

Catching My Eye At The Supermarket

I get a lot of compliments on my supermarket posts. I get a lot of complaints about my supermarket posts. Can't please everyone! Here two little tidbits I've found recently that I found photoworthy...

Who are we kidding here with this first one. Lite pork rinds? Right... It's okay, kids, there's 45 percent less fat...

Muffins in the supermarket as well, also at Hortifruti. You don't see a lot of muffins in Rio (Starbucks was the first place I spotted them).

 

Saturday Street Art: Gorgeous Graffiti of Rio de Janeiro

Great Gift Ideas for the far away little loved ones

My dad (Big G) and stepmom (Granny Lola) found some really cute stuff for the Canadoca for Christmas this year. One item was her own little teddy bear wheely luggage (soon to be seen being lugged through an airport near you - um, no actually. It's not meant for the kind of travel we do. But it's fun and the Canadoca loves it!). Another, which is a great idea for all grandparents far away from their grandkids - Record a Story.

This little book has my dad's voice trapped inside of it, reading Twas the Night Before Christmas to the Canadoca personally, as she turns the pages! It's so cute. I cried and cried and cried when she opened it. I am really turning into a wimp.

Record a Story has a few other titles too, a book called "Guess How Much I Miss You" and Dora and Sesame Street as well. Check out their web site here.

 

Yoga Retreat just outside of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

I get a number of requests for information about yoga retreats and classes in Rio de Janeiro. Kimberly Johnson is offering a Yoga Retreat for Professional Women on the Planet on Ilha Grande from March 20-26th, it sounds amazing. Click here for more details, and don't forget to tell her that DRL sent you!

She also teaches classes regularly in Rio, click here for more details.

Other upcoming events Kimberly has:  

Yoga Para Mulheres,
Ciclos da Vida, Yoga Para Mulheres Casa Moksha, São Paulo 8-10 Abril, 2011

Retiro para Casais Gravidas,
Buzios, Rio de Janeiro Blue Marlin Maio 13-15, 2011

BRAZIL YOGA TEACHER TRAINING,
Itacarei, Bahia 200 hr. Yoga Alliance certified http://www.piracanga.com July 31- August 28, 2011

Island Yoga Adventure,
Ilha Grande, Brasil Oct. 9-15 2011

Well Done, Cariocas!

Today's headline was a nice one: Numero de homicidios no Rio e o menor em 20 anos, in English, Rio's murder rate is the lowest it's been in 20 years.

Proof in numbers at least that it's getting better here all the time.

With the way that futebol players are idolized here I admit I was a bit concerned that there might be a bit of a trend starting of murdering pregnant girlfriends, but I guess not! Thank goodness!

Rio's 2010 homicide rate is 29.8 per 100,000 habitants. To put this in perspective, the 2009 murder rate in New Orleans was 52 per 100,000 habitants. In St. Louis and Detroit it was 40.

Can't wait until the headline reads that there was no garbage left on any beach after the hottest weekend of the year. Let's keep dreaming big.