Daily Life in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Looking for something to do in Rio tonight? Live English Music perhaps?

Rock in Rio 2011

I've driven by the giant guitars in Gavea & Copa but hadn't really looked into what Rock in Rio entails until this weekend. Turns out it's from September 23rd until October 2nd and will feature the following bands (announced thus far): 

September 24: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Snow Patrol, Capital Inicial, NX Zero, Stone Sour.

September 25: Metallica, Slipknot, Motorhead, Coheed and Cambria, Sepultura, Angra.

October 1: Coldplay, Skank.

 

For more info: Rock in Rio site

Arvore de Natal - Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas - Rio de Janeiro

Tonight is the lagoa tree lighting, or as one friend put it: the world's largest artificial floating Christmas tree makes its way onto the Lagoa and the lights are turned on in a dramatic fashion surrounded by a blaze of fireworks....

If you're in Rio, head down to the lagoa today, it is truly a spectacle to see. The fireworks are set to start at 8 pm.

 

Halloween in Rio

Halloween is not the most popular holiday here. Despite the fact that kids LOVE to dress up here in costumes (and do so for any and every occasion, not to mention many non-occasions), and that sugar and candy don't seem to have any sort of limitations. Hmmm maybe they just don't need a special day for Halloween when every day is halloween if any random Tuesday you can be found running around in a batman suit eating chocolate bars...

"Halloween e Satanismo" signs are out everywhere, reminding good Brazilians that Brazil is a Christian country and Halloween is badddd news.

If - despite this effective propaganda - you are in Rio de Janeiro, looking for something to do for Halloween, the American Society is organizing events for both children and adults on Saturday October 30th. Web site here for more info.

Say hi to Jon for me...

Bon Jovi is in Rio tonight. I am not. I've been gone all week, but I bet you couldn't tell!  I had no idea that he was coming to Rio until after we'd booked our little getaway. When I heard, Mr. DRL was with me and immediately started laughing at what I assume must have been a look of devastation on my face. He asked if I would have changed our vacation plans if only I'd known. Well, not exactly, but... we were pretty flexible on which week to go away... yes I am an 80's girl at heart.

Anyone going?

I have seen him before but if I found out that he played "keep the faith" while in Rio, I just might cry....

Casa de Arte e Cultura Julieta de Serpa

Every time I drive by the Casa de Arte e Cultura Julieta de Serpa, I think: "I must go there!"

Currently a production of "Maria Antoineta" is playing.

Anyone been?

 

Casa Cor

First thing's first. Who can tell me what kind of little critter this is that I spotted at Casa Cor last weekend?

Kind of like a big chipmunk but a small tail - anyway!

What the heck is Casa Cor? It's basically a huge showhome of living spaces both outdoor and indoor put together by a range of designers, plus restaurants and a few stores. Held in the Palacete Modesto Leal in Laranjeiras - gorgeous. Info on the residence itself can be found here. 

We went last Sunday, quite a nice little outing which we concluded with Chinese food at the Chinese Cultural Center in Tijuca.

If you've been - what was your favorite space or decorative feature? Mine was the striped wall when you come upstairs with the variety of photos on it. I found a photo of it online, which made me happy since I decided to play by the rules for once and obey the no photos please policy...  I want to recreate something like that when we settle eventually.

Mr. DRL liked the ambiance of the large blue living space on the first floor with the big windows. We both also liked the framed TV set in the upstairs living room. We both liked how many of the living spaces included desk spaces which were both functional and inclusive to the room yet not a focal point. My desk would definitely have to get tidier to be included in such a space ;)

Go check it out for yourself! It's a big gorgeous mansion in Laranjeiras, all decked out.On the 13th, many of the featured pieces will be sold....

Runs: until October 13, every day with the exception of October 11th.

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 12-10. Sunday, 10-8. 

Location: Rua das Laranjeiras, 304 - Laranjeiras.

Tix: At the door. Tues-Friday, R$30  Weekends & Holidays, R$35

Parking: Valet available, R$15

Want to Take a Course on Brazilian Culture?

I think I certainly should! In fact, I'm strongly considering it. Click here to link to the full story from the Gringo Times but the gist of it is that Lagoa's Casa do Saber is launching a ‘Brazil For Beginners’ course. It runs evenings, starting October 14th, and will cover subjects such as . I'm sure it will be R$360 well spent. Click here for the course page on Casa do Saber's site.

Santa Teresa Art Walk

Mr. DRL and I seem to miss this every year - a great chance to check out some different artists in Santa Teresa, this weekend and next, click here for more details. 

 

World Cup

I will post many, many items on world cup, just need to get organized... I will post about the special edition world cup Gilette razor, the special edition world cup pringles, the M&M's. The Brazil colored streamers hanging from nearly every building, the Brazil-flag covered VW bug, the painted faces. The fact that Mr. DRL and the rest of Rio's business community get extra time off to watch Brazil's games. The fireworks and how on earth I am going to get the Canadoca to sleep when on a normal day here in "quiet Leblon" we have three noise makers (one on rain, one on babbling brook, one on ocean waves, all on full blast) and an air conditioner going to get her to sleep.  So far, so good ;) But Brazil hasn't played yet!

But what an energy in the city - something to unite everyone - it's amazing. So grateful to be here to experience it.

Where to Watch World Cup Games in Rio

Copacabana Beach! Where there will be FIFA Fan Fest, from June 11th to July 10th, with daily shows & a giant screen to broadcast all World Cup games. Rio was one of the cities chosen to host the Fan Fest simultaneously in Rome , Paris , Berlin , Sydney & Mexico City . An arena is being assembled for the public to watch every World Cup game, free.

Head on down to Centro and pick your world cup gear at Saara. I found this getup for my nephew back home, which is being modeled by his little sister:

Want to Adopt a Dog or Cat in Rio?

Head on down to Wal Mart in Barra today where the dog rescue society is holding a dog and cat adoption day from 10-4.

America's Day Celebration in Rio