Daily Life in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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!

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.

Hidden Pousadas Brazil Launches a New Web Site

I have spent countless hours researching "where to stay" in Brazil. There isn't much written. It's not always reliable. Usually I am a big TripAdvisor user but it's not used enough in Brazil to be as useful a resource as it is in other countries. (Not to mention that it seems hackers skew it at times. Here's an example: while Togu is a cute little spot, my apologies to the lovely people at Togu but it is DEFINITELY not the #1 best restaurant in Rio, yet on Tripadvisor it has apparently somehow achieved that status).

Since finding a place to stay can be incredibly frustrating and a wild goose chase  Hidden Pousadas Brazil has been a fantastic resource for me. I've stayed in a few of the properties featured on the site such as Pic It consists of reviews you can trust, of amazing little spots around Brazil.

My only complaint? It is a boutique web site, meaning it only concentrated on a few special properties which are highly recommended. However, web site founder Alison McGowan has now launched a sister site, Pousada Hotel Brazil, featuring information and reviews of a much wider scope of all sorts of pousadas around Brazil. Check it out!

A New Experience with Selaron

I went to the steps with a friend and her sister visiting from the states a couple weeks ago, and it proved that every experience in Rio is a little different. I take guests to Centro all the time, and do many of the same things over and over again, but there is always something slightly different and new, this time was not exception!

Selaron let us work on his masterpiece with him!

 

 

 

 

As you can see, he kept a close eye on us to make sure it was just right! What a character he is!

Rio Feira Antigo - Lapa Antique Fair

Finally after over 2 years of Rio living, we made it down to Lapa on the first Saturday of the month for the antique fair. This past Saturday was a great day for it - sunny but not too hot.

   

We strolled through the streets listening to the sounds of Brazilians watching the Argentina - Germany game. I didn't realize the extent of the rivalry between Brazil and Argentina until I saw hoards of Cariocas jumping up in down gleefully roaring with laughter each time Germany scored... 

There are quite a number of antique stores in the area - I will certainly return! I would like to find a few pieces to take with us when we move.

 

Lapa's architecture is quite impressive.
 

I really wanted these oversized bottle openers. Until I found out they were R$200 each (or the three for $R500).




 

There are so many amazing ornate pieces in Brazil.
 

Some unique very-Rio bags at the Fair.

 

Mr. DRL and I often have "if we had a cabin" musings... such as: "If we had a cabin, we'd want to put a table like this in the kitchen..."


 

On my list of things to take back: Ornate headboard. You'll find them in every antique store here and I imagine painting them a bright glossy color for a kids' room...
 

Many antique stores I've had luck in are set up like this. The best stuff is usually buried in the back under 2 inches of dust and 2 stories worth of furniture stacked on top of it.

Cidade Albanoel

Whenever we go to Angra, Paraty or most recently, PIcinguaba, along the BR-101 highway, I am curious about the Cidade Albanoel. It's a huge Christmas theme park by the side of the highway that appears abandoned. Kind of sad and eerie. This time when I returned home I remembered to do some research, and the story I found is quite interesting!

From this Orky site, and wikipedia I found out that the project was conceived in 2000 and was intended to be the largest tourist entertainment attractions in Brazil (the size of 460 football fields!), but its owner, Albano Reis, who had previously run for mayor of Rio de Janeiro, was struck and killed on the highway by a European tourist near the complex in 2004. Also in the works were other projects: Ruins Water Park, a western city, a rustic little farm, a ship-hotel, a concert hall and a ten-story tower.

And now it just sits....

OMG You must go to Cachoeira Inn in Buzios

This place is amazing. Here are my photos.  Here is their web site. Book quickly!

 

Go. Relax, swim, make babies, whatever. Do what you have to do.

I think these are the best chairs in the house...

 

There are just four rooms in this massive, unique property and the only thing more welcoming and fantastic than the property itself are its owners, who run the place themselves and make fantastic caipirinhas. Go!

@ the Hippie Fair

Art and fun treasures to be found. Sundays. Also if you need anything stretched or framed, the place to go!

Beautiful intricate leather art (check out the light fixture!)

Love these, but just don't know where I'd put one...

For the cowgirl in your life:

Corcovado = Fechado

In case you are wondering, or have visitors (as I do currently), the Corcovado is currently not open to visitors, because of mudslides that occurred with the floods. Closed down for about 2 weeks. Just FYI!!!

Quick Tips from DRL - Traveling and just generally BEING in Brazil

Just trying to make your life easier here!

• Beware overcast days in Brazil. Twice recently we've gone out on an overcast day and come home burnt. Well, ok, mostly Mr. DRL has been burned. Without realizing it AT ALL when out. As in burned to the point of looking like he acquired a hairy red pair of gloves with matching boots. I think I tan MORE on the overcast days, so be careful, that sun is STRONG!
• As I mentioned a couple posts ago, bringing ID (Not just your passport,I'm talking every piece you own...) is important when traveling out of Brazil, but also WITHIN Brazil. Friends of ours traveled to Bahia last weekend with their 18 month old. Upon arriving at the hotel they were informed that they could not check in with their exhausted daughter until they saw all of her ID including birth certificate, etc. Which they then proceeded to photocopy, and it had tp be inspected by higher-ups. This traveling with the birth certificate AND passport thing is obviously a big deal here.

Uruguayan Treat

Mr. DRL and I plan to visit Uruguay later this year with the Canadoca (start sending those recommendations my way - love them all!) but until then we can enjoy a little taste of Uruguay at Posto 9. Friends have been recommending these sandwiches for ages but I finally tried one for the first time last week while at the beach in Ipanema, and it did NOT disappoint...

Your options are sausage, chicken, beef, or a mixture of all three, which is what I had, above. So good, and right on the beach. I'm told the sandwiches were even better back when grilling was legal on the beach. I guess that law is being enforced now. Smoking pot on the beach is still a-okay though from what I've seen. But it's probably good for business for the sandwich place...

Here it is:

 

Apparently these Uruguayans have been in business here in Rio for 25 years or so! Check it out. Posto 9. 

I get a lot of requests for restaurant reviews and this is also a good post for all of you who email me asking about good cheap eats in Rio! (Other favorites of mine that fit into that category: kilo restaurants such as Fellini and Frontera, DeliRio Tropicale, Bibi Sucos/Lanches.) What are your favorite little secret places for special treats in Rio?

Obrigada, Selaron!

Selaron has included Grampa's tile in his famous staircase! It is near the bottom of the staircase on the left hand side. We took some family photos there and framed one of Canadoca with the tile for Mr. DRL's mom (it was her dad's tile, and he passed away exactly one year ago today).

Here it is!

Recent Inquiries & Responses: 4

Question:

I am coming to Rio for a law school study abroad program for one month.  The program is putting is up in Copacabana in Post 5 somewhat close to the Cantagalo Subway station.  However, everything I read about copacabana says it is incredibly dangerous for foreigners and it is really not a question of if you get mugged but when.  Do you have any specific knowledge about the Post 5 area of copacabana and how safe it is?  I will of course take all precautions necesarry not to become a victim but I am quite worried.  Also, my girlfriend will be with me with me and she likes to run.  Is it safe for her to run alone in the mornings along the beach?  Will it be okay for her to wander around alone at all during the day?  Any specific advice on how to protect ourselves while in Rio?

My Response:

When I first arrived in Rio, I walked from Ipanema/Leblon to Copacabana and back four days per week (to school and back). Never once did I have an issue, but often times I was concerned for my safety/creeped out by certain people.  I suggest sticking to the beach street as much as possible.
I feel that if you take strides to blend in, you can easily live in this area without issue. However, I also hear stories about people being mugged in Copa within 3 hours of arriving from the airport, and so will you (hear of such things). Sometimes it is luck of the draw, but I have been fortunate to have good experiences, as have most of the expats I know here.

I feel it would be perfectly safe for your girlfriend to run along the beach path in the morning, this is a highly populated area and there are tourist police everywhere. It is actually very safe to walk around on the beach street at night as well (but don't go down to the water itself at night).  There is a market set up on the beach street every night and as a result, lots of people. Meaningm, safer. As I mentioned, I walked in this area almost every day, alone, when I first moved to Rio and did not have a problem and so I hope she will not, either.

To give you some specific advice:
1) Try to dress like a local. This means for your girlfriend - actually wearing jewellery (just not expensive jewellery).
2) I think body language is the biggest giveaway when it comes to identifying tourists. Try and look as though you know where you are going (even if you don't), and try to master the "blank stare" most people have on their faces at all times.  I think that many times people are targeted because they are gawking at everything - obvious tourists. To be fair, there is a lot to gawk at here...
3) Don't carry a lot of bags around at any times. This includes groceries. Locals do not do this, they have them delivered. Unless it is just a couple of bags, have them delivered as to not stand out.
4) Vary routines (especially her, with being alone during the day).
5) Always, always, always comply if you are robbed. Do not resist!! This is the only way to be safe.
6) VERY IMPORTANT: Familiarize yourselves IMMEDIATELY as to where the favelas are in your neighbourhood (there are a few) and steer clear of them).

I find the zona sul easy to navigate - being that there are so many landmarks, etc. which is good.

Recent Inquiries & Responses: 3

This is part of a new series in which I am posting excerpts from reader emails and my responses in hopes of helping more people who may have the same questions or concerns.

I received an email from a Brazilian living in Canada recently:

Question:

I will be on my way to Rio, to visit family, next month. I'm going with my spouse ... and I am kind of freaking out. I have been here for so long, I am terrified of all the violence, and high rate of car accidents and things like that. It's all just so different here! I actually don't think twice about going out with my digital camera, iPod and cell phone... whereas I wouldn't dream of doing it in Brazil (granted I haven't been there in nearly 3 years... but still).

Now I am sure I am amping it all up... I did live there for 20 years and was never even mugged... but still! Heh. I was just wondering if you had any thoughts on that, as a foreigner in Rio. I can't talk to my relatives or friends about that as they just wouldn't understand why I'm so scared. So yeah...

My Response:

I just flew back to Rio from Canada myself. I understand how you feel, and had a lot of the same feelings myself coming back this time, especially with having a daughter now, but I think when you arrive you will feel okay. I understand not wanting to talk to your relatives/family about it as they could take it the wrong way.  Just be sure to take precautions - and walk around like you own the place - I think body language is a huge thing! Also remember that much of the violence is segregated into the favelas, which is not the case withgang violence in other cities! You have to remember that things can happen no matter where you are in the world, so we always need to be careful but to try to live without too much fear.  I hope this helps?

My Centro Tour

While our guests were here I had to take them on my "famous" tour of centro that I take my guests on.

As a sidenote: Canadoca stayed with her dad at the office while we did the tour. At which time it was determined that she prefers the lifestyle of "expat princess" to "corporate hotshot".  She didn't like it at the office....

Generally I take the guests to the Escadaria Selaron, go to Mr.DRL's office, take them into the markets on Rua Buenos Aires, stop in at some havaiana shops and churches and random stores, go to the Portuguese Reading Room, go to Colombo for a snack or pastry, go to the bonde station, ride the bonde to Santa Teresa, go to Aprizavel or someplace for lunch and maybe a few shops. Other deviations include going to the cathedral, etc.

Here are some shots my most recent guests took on their tour:

 

Some Rio Graffiti

 

Cathedral view from Lapa

 

The markets

 

 

 

 

The tour is never complete without a stop at Colombo for either a dessert or salgado...

Up the Hill - Aprizavel in Santa Teresa

As I've mentioned several times, we love to go to Aprizavel in Santa Teresa. It's truly fantastic.

Here are some photos of the food & decor...

After many times at Aprizavel, we finally got to eat in a tree house!

The food is Brazilian fusion, the views are divine... go!

Around the web - travel in Brazil

Since becoming Canadoca's mom I have neglected reading a lot of the blogs I normally enjoy. Which means I haven't been passing some of the interesting stuff I find on to you. So here are a few (and some are not so new but that's why!) interesting articles and tips on travelling around Brazil.

Great posts from "Brazil for Insiders" - including:

• Pre Catalan in Rio - Sofitel - which I also recently visited and quite enjoyed. 
• A Tiradentes weekend - great looking pousadas.
• A review of Conde Nast's top beaches in Brazil - and why it might be off-base. Here is a more complete list on the same site. 
• This post is a must for anyone heading to Salvador, Bahia, as is this one from The Moment blog.

From the "Gringo Times"

• Hiking in Rio - fantastic way to see some of Rio's sights in an active manner!
• Some coverage of Trinidade - a little beach community near Paraty that we visited with my inlaws back in November. 
• Or, for a weekend in Rio, check out Markets in Rio in case you are sticking around here... or head to Santa Teresa for the weekend (something I am actually tempted to do on a regular basis since there are so many amazing hotels and dinner spots there!)

From Ben in Rio:

• I don't know where this is but that waterfall waterslide looks like so much fun! 

From Expat American Living in Brazil:

• Pantanal via Train

Finally, with all these great destinations we need some cheap flights! Apparently Brazil's airline industry is going through some deregulation.

Selaron's new tile

As I mentioned awhile back, my mother in law sent down a wonderful tile for Selaron that belonged to Mr. DRL's grandfather, who passed away in January. We finally delivered it to the artist himself:

Jazz Fest

Looking for something to do in Rio this weekend?

Itaipava Premium Leblon Jazz Festival

Marcelo Camelo, Mallu Magalhães, George Israel, Victor Biglione and 4 more
www.leblonjazzfestival.com.br
Saturday 25 July 2009
Rua Dias Ferreira - Leblon
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil
2ª Edição do Itaipava Premium Leblon Jazz Festival

My Guestbook - Part 11 - The Finale - Recommendations for Other Visitors

The final question of the survey: Any recommendations or words of wisdom for future guests?

My Bridesmaid & her Boyfriend: Oh this is simple.....GO TO RIO!

My Mother-in-law: Perhaps to learn a few extra Portuguese words to help with their travels.Thank you so very much, Mr. DRL, DRL, and our grandbaby, for a wonderful holiday!

Engaged Couple Friends: Try to avoid the Citibank bank machines - we paid a fortune there - they convert your withdrawal into USD first and then into Canadian. We did better at HSBC and even at a bank machine we had never heard of before in Buzios. And, buy stronger sunscreen then you would normally use. I don't know if its the closeness to the equator, but we burned way more than we do somewhere like Mexico, on a comparably hot day.

My Dad: Take some time to review the language, simple words/sentences.  Bring along a dictionary and sunscreen.  Make sure you do your share and more as the parents to be will need the extra sleep.  Can you believe how much company they are having????  Crazyyyyyyyyyyy!!

My Guestbook - Part 9 - What Did You Learn?

Part 9 of a series I am doing based on a survey I asked my guests to respond to after visiting Brazil.

Question 9: What, if anything, did you learn from your trip?

My Mom: Too many things to mention!

My Mother-in-law: Always an appreciation for Canada after seeing the poverty in other countries.

Engaged Couple Friends: We learned about another culture and way of life, both for the rich and poor. And, we learned about the struggles of being a foreigner trying to make a life in a new country and learn a new language. It certainly gives you a new respect and understanding for anyone who has moved to a new country, including Canada. Mr. DRL and DRL are doing a great job and have accomplished an amazing amount in a short time.

My Dad: How great we have it in Canada, although Brazil is a beautiful country.  Be careful while in Brazil.  Safety in numbers and don't drink too much if you're out as you may need your wit's in event of trouble. Have a game plan as it's too late if you get into a situation and haven't. "Muito policias" lots of police  around, but not sure if they do anything and didn't want to find out given the rumors of corruption....................

My Guestbook - Part 7 - Would You Come Back?

Part 7 of a series of questions I asked my guests after they left Brazil.
Question 7: Do you plan to return? And if so, what would you like to do in Brazil next time?

My Mom: I am booking for June, (DRL comment: mom has already been back since the survey was made!) will spend lots of time holding the baby, will go to Sugarloaf.

My Bridesmaid & her Boyfriend: We would like to return, but it all depends on timing and the thousand other vacations we would like to take in the next couple of years!

If we came back, we'd like to see Paraty, Iguazu Falls in Argentina and MORE SUN!!  Haha, we just had bad luck.  Apparently it was nice before and after we were there!

My Mother-in-law: Would be nice... We would love to see the heritage buildings in Salvadore, the Amazon River, there are semi-plans to meet at Machu Picu in Peru....who of your readers will grant us an unlimited supply of funds, please?

Engaged Couple Friends: There are lots of amazing-sounding places we'd love to see in Brazil, and the rest of South America . . . I'm sure by the time we hear about the rest of the DRLS' visitors' trips, we'll be wanting to go back to do everything they did!

My Dad: Would love to go back and take (my partner) this time, otherwise I'm sure Uncle will be game again....

My Guestbook - Part 6 - What Do You Wish You'd Known Before Coming to Brazil?

Part 6 of the survey - I asked: Is there something you wish you'd known about Brazil before
arriving there that would have helped?

My Bridesmaid & Her Boyfriend: Maybe a bit more of the language.  Knowing a bit of Spanish didn't help me as much as I thought it would.  Having a Portuguese phrase book for out last few days was handy.

Engaged Couple Friends: We did do quite a bit of research before we came, which I would recommend to other visitors. Don't waste your time when you're there figuring out what you want to do!

My Dad: Would have liked to have researched the language and city prior to arriving, but with a busy work schedule and building/moving into a new house spare time was at a premium.....

My Guestbook - Part 5 - The FOOD!

Part 5 of a series of how my many visitors answered questions to a little "survey" I gave them after their trips to Brazil.

Question 5:

Did you enjoy the food in Brazil?

My Mom: The food was amazing, heavier, and more rich, great desserts.

My Bridesmaid & Her Boyfriend: Um YES.  We absolutely loved it.  Porcao was sooo good and both Thai restaurants were awesome.  Fresh fruit smoothies were to be found on every corner too...so tasty.  We also really liked the place in Leblon or Ipanema that DRL took us to for lunch on our second day (when we went shopping - DRL's note: Via Sete). And Koni (a place that just sells sushi cones... so good)!

My Mother-in-law: What's not to enjoy.  Even the buffets at the hotel in Argentina were good.

Engaged Couple Friends: Yes!!!! The fresh fruit was such a treat, and there was tons of seafood and fish. The Brazilian BBQ was very good and really fun. And, I would kill for an agua de coco in Calgary!!

My Dad: Enjoyed the beef, seafood and sushi.  Believe it or not had a great feed of spaghetti, too, but don't tell my Italian wife.

Coming Soon to an Escadaria Selaron Near You

My husband's grandfather passed away in January, and while going through his things, my mother-in-law found this tile, which we will give to Selaron to include in his wonderful work of art connecting Lapa and Santa Teresa.  I'm not sure what Selaron's timeline is like, I certainly hope that he has it included by the time we leave Rio. If not, someday I hope someone can show us where it's included.

My Guestbook - Part 4 - All about the Brazilians

Question 4 on the DRL visitor survey: What was your impression of the Brazilian people?

My Mom:  I found the Brazilian people friendly and cooperative with the communication barrier, they like to talk to you whether you could understand them or not.

My Bridesmaid & Her Boyfriend: I found some to be very friendly and really try to communicate with us even with the language barrier, but others didn't want to even try to understand us.  We had really nice cab drivers the whole time though! That was a relief.

My Mother-in-law: Certainly noticed the difference in driving habits between the hired drivers and taxi drivers!  And now that Mr. DRL drives like a Brazilian, new shocks are needed for his vehicle!  Something to do with flying off speed bumps....

Engaged Couple Friends: It was hard to get an impression, because of the language difference. They certainly don't go out of their way to communicate with you. It really is true that they have absolutely no self-consciousness when it comes to their beach-wear! That speaks a little to the overall bravado of the people. But, the people in the stores and the vendors on the beach for the most part weren't pushy, while I had expected they would be for some reason.

My Dad: I feel sorry for the poor, lots of poverty.  They were not overly courteous on the streets, cutting you off, etc.

My Guestbook - Part 3 - Let's Talk Safety

Part III of a series on how my guests responded to a little survey I gave them after their time in Brazil...

The third question in the survey:

Did you feel nervous or afraid for your safety at all? If so, in what situations?

My Mom: I was probably the most nervous and hot:) when we were walking in Lapa and trying to find the steps.

[DRL's note: I try to make my tours of Centro & area "authentic"... meaning that I take different routes every time and without fail I lose my way for a short period of time each time.  You know, as though my guests were wandering it on their own! This time, it was really hot and we walked from the cathedral to the steps in Lapa, after a taxi driver told us it was too close to drive us... I don't think we took the most "express' route and it took about 40 minutes in scorching heat. My mom has since told me that she does NOT want her grandchild going there (we passed some sketchiness on the way!)].

My Bridesmaid & her Boyfriend: For the most part we felt pretty safe.  We just kept our wits about us and if something didn't feel right, we just went the other way.  There were only a couple of times that I felt a little threatened.  One being on the last day...it was an overcast day so hardly anybody was at the beach and 2 very young girls started following us.  I saw them and turned around to face them and pointed right through them saying "look at the waves" and they hesitated and then took off.

My Mother-in-law: Not so much, certainly due to the forewarning (didn't wear jewellry) and organization of DRL on our expeditions.  Without the Portuguese expertise of Mr. DRL and DRL, I think we may have felt more nervous.

Engaged Couple Friends: No, we didn't (except for that one crazy cab driver who pulled out to the oncoming lane to pass some cars!). Our tour guides definitely steered us straight!We were certainly aware of the danger though, and very thankful that we weren't staying in hotels in Rio or relying on public transportation and maps to figure out our own way. Thanks guys! You made this trip so much easier! We have been spoiled for our next trip.

My Dad:  A bit uncomfortable in Buzios in the wee hours when walking back to our accommodation.   Encountered a group of 10 guys walking towards us and made a quick 180 and ran like hell once we were around the corner. Would not have been out like that in Rio.  Also both of us had our credit cards compromised which was surprising since mine had the new microchip technology.   My brother and I stuck out like a sore thumb....whitest guys in town and definitely looked like tourists...

Picnic

It's amazing how in Rio, a person can see so much just going to the lagoa for 45 minutes for a picnic. I doubt highly that there is a better place to people-watch than Rio de Janeiro.

The highlights:

A cute little CHUBBY boy rubbing his stomach, looking at the ice cream cart saying "Que delicio!" I wish I had it on video... so cute.

Brazilians playing baseball. There is no way to accurately describe it, you must see it for yourself.

A wide variety of smells. Sometimes they would change as often as every three steps ago.

Vehicles on the bike path - ranging from everything from roller blades to bikes to bikes for two to bikes for four to skateboards to skateboards with super-big wheels to every variety and brand of stroller on the market to wagons and mini-cars for kids to foot.

A parrot!

Babymoon part II

I had promised to write up my stay in Florianopolis/Santa Caterina awhile back, finally I am getting to it!

First of all, I would just like to say that if you have a week to do a sidetrip from Rio, I highly recommend this Buenos Aires/Florianopolis combo that we did. We felt as though we'd "travelled" ie) explored a new city, and "vacationed" - relaxing in Floripa, all in one week.  A full week of doing either would be "too much" in my opinion, so this was fantastic.

I was a bit confused when we started booking our trip - were we going to Florianopolis, Santa Caterina, or Floripa? All three... SC is the state, Florianopolis is the main city on the island, Floripa is the nickname. I had at some point made notes to visit all three - recommended by different people - so it was nice to kill three birds with one stone ;)

We flew into Florianopolis at night, and really did not experience any of the city as we immediately headed out to our Pousada. It was about a R$100 cab ride from the airport.  In hindsight, renting a car from the airport would have been a better option for us, but I will get to that later...

We stayed at the Pousada da Vigia on the north end of the island.  We were absolutely THRILLED with the service we received there, and with our accomodations. They were sooo great. Even let me order off the kids menu :)

In our room.

We enjoyed our resort SO MUCH. It was small, just 10 rooms, a governor's mansion converted into a hotel. Below is the view from our room.

The restaurant was overlooking the ocean and we enjoyed all of our dinners there listening to chill music (a lot of Sade) and the crash of the waves.   How could you help but relax?

We spent many afternoons on this patio (above) listening to the waves, reading, playing scrabble, enjoying lunch...

The water was so peaceful, clear and calm - great for floating.

Each day at 12:30, the peace and tranquility of Lagoinha beach, where we were staying, was temporarily disrupted by "the pirate boat" - which we figured was either inhabited by 

a) the severely, permanently intoxicated or 

b) actual pirates threatening passengers to "walk the plank" if they didn't keep up with their dance moves, or 

c) a hypnotist show. 

Either way, those pirates had everyone moving!

 On Saturday we decided to venture out and do a scuba/snorkel tour of Arvoredo Island,  a nature reserve located off the north coast of the island of Santa Caterina.  Obviously Mr. DRL did the diving, I stuck to snorkeling.  I was a bit nervous about him diving as it had been 2 years since his last dive but was very relieved when one of the dive masters spoke perfect English.  All he really needed was a 5 minute refresher but as we often say, there are certain things where you can't afford to have misunderstandings with language barriers! It was muito tranquilo.

The boat ride out to the island was about an hour.

After the scuba trip we spent some time "in town" at Canasvieiras beach, but quickly realized we were not missing much back at our isolated little spot... but enjoyed lunch there nevertheless.

It seemed we parked right in front of the beach's "geriatric" ward... looked around for the senior's center but couldn't see it:
  A storm seemed to be rolling in but it blew over quickly. Made for some great shots though!

After lunch, we embarked on another adventure that is deserving of another separate blog post. I am not yet sure how that story ends though as I am still dealing with some of the repurcussions today, so I will save it (nothing too bad just a company we were dealing with, etc.). I don't want to ruin the tranquility of this post so I will keep it separate.

We enjoyed every moment in Florianopolis, we realize we did not see much of what the island is all about, being up in our little isolated corner, but for our purposes we didn't mind. We read, spent time together, named our baby, walked the beach, swam, ate, and soaked up every moment. It was the most relaxing few days we'd had in quite a while!

My Guestbook - Part 2 - The Differences Between Canada & Brazil

The perceptions of my guests...

Which differences between Canada & Brazil surprised you the most?

My Mom: The difference I found surprising was the restaurants and kiosks, everywhere, food, food, food, and the beauty of the city of Rio is number 1.

My Bridesmaid & Her Boyfriend: Shopping is sooo difficult there!  Nothing has prices on it already, so you have to constantly ask 'how much' on every single item.  Then when you go to ring it in, it takes like 20 minutes and you have no idea why!  I commend DRL for all the furniture shopping and appliances she bought because apparently it take 6 hours to ring in a refrigerator!

My Mother-in-law: We had researched before coming down, so had been prepared for the favelas and sheer size of Rio.  The difference in the store types really does show how difficult it was for Mr. DRL & DRL to set up in a new country.  They have done an amazing job and we are really impressed with their Portuguese!  A little surprised perhaps that there wasn't more English on the streets...

Engaged Couple Friends: We loved the tropical vegetation and beautiful country side (not that Canada's not beautiful - just different). The flowers everywhere were amazing. It was also strange to see the number of people employed in the restaurants and shops - there were always twice or three times as many people as there would be at home. Big population, low labour costs.

My Dad: Drivers are crazy here, "muito louco".

My Guestbook - Part 1 - The Highlights of the Trips to Brazil

As you may recall, I had about 5 months straight of visitors (from September to the end of Jan, almost inclusive).  Visitors ranged from good family friends (a father-daughter combo), my dad & his brother, engaged friends of ours, my mother in law and her husband, one of my bridesmaids and her boyfriend, my mom and sister, my girlfriend and her husband and two small children (2 yrs old & 7 months). I think I'm remembering everyone...

We gave them all a short "survey" to complete after their trip, which has become a bit of a guestbook of sorts. I thought I'd start sharing their responses with you as you must be getting tired of just my perspective ;)

Our guests all had slightly different trips, did slightly different things and of course had different priorities and experiences.

Question 1: What were the highlights of your trip?

My mom: Definitely the best New Years ever, meeting all the friends, and every day was a highlight, just walking down the streets was an experience.

My bridesmaid & her boyfriend: We loved Buzios!  Driving around in the 'Buggy' (pronounced "boogy") was so much fun.  Make sure you put the top on at night though because if the rain comes you may have to sit in a pool of water to drive back to your hotel....or ride standing up while holding on to the windshield like I did.

Other highlights....definitely the Lagoa Christmas Tree Lighting (beautiful views and the best damn caiprhina's ever...my boyfriend had to cut me off because they were pure alcohol and fresh fruit and I could only taste the fruit after a while); Centro & Santa Teresa Tour run guided by the lovely DRL; favela tour and last but not least, the three sunny days we had on the beach!

My mother-in-law: What else!  The big news and being with our kids (all 3 of
them).  Iguazu Falls were out of this world so we do recommend the trip
to any of your other company. With the timing being spring run-off, the
volume was no doubt the best of the whole year!  The beaches at Paraty
and Prainha were wonderful with the boat trip being a highlight.  Having
the beach a block away from the apartment for all our walks was
certainly not hard to take. We loved just having the time to spend
making dinners with DRL and salsa with Mr. DRL. Hugs are much better
than Skype! (DRL's note: we were able to first share the news of our pregnancy with her when she arrived).

Engaged Couple Friends: Buzios was amazing - one of the most beautiful places we've ever seen. We also really enjoyed the futebol game, walking the beaches with Mr. DRL and DRL, and, really, pretty much everything, including an evening of Rock Band at home!

My Dad:
1. Finding out my daughter and my son-in-law are going to be parents.  You know what that makes me.  Giddy-up!!
2.  Spending time with my daughter and my son-in-law.
3.  Spending time with my brother, who came with me.
4.  Visiting Corcovado, Sugarloaf Mountain and Buzios.

DRL's Pregnancy Guide: Wardrobe - Part 2: Non-Maternity Maternity Clothes

This post could also be called why you don't need to buy many maternity clothes or making the most of your maternity wardrobe. I found most actual maternity clothes to be quite frumpy and matronly. Luckily, I realized I didn't need to wear too many of them... so before you go blow a bunch of money on maternity wear, consider what you may already have in your closet or what you can buy that you could wear afterwards. It's such a short period of your life that you will be wearing these clothes, it seems silly to spend much. Besides, I think it will be much more fun shopping for "reward clothes" afterwards than it could ever be shopping for maternity clothes...

As a sidenote - I do not work and therefore I did not need as many things as someone who has to go to work dressed a specific way every day. I lucked out with the timing of my expat-ness.

Below are examples of clothes I wore throughout my pregnancy that are NOT maternity clothes, rather REGULAR clothes (with the exception of a couple of bottoms, which I have noted).

Tops
It was pretty easy to not buy maternity tops - there were already so many appropriate things in my closet and in regular stores that worked from the beginning of pregnancy right to the end...

This top was purchased at My Place, which is in Shopping Rio Sul.
  The pirate top is just a regular tube top from Dex Brothers, bought back home.

Although these are my white maternity shorts, this top from MNG was wearable right to the end.

This top has been one of my favorites. The wrap will also be good after the pregnancy (for nursing etc - it has a built-in cover up!). These bottoms are borrowed and maternity.

Another great top from MNG and non-maternity bottoms from lululemon. I also have this one in yellow. As you can see, it lasted right until the end...

Dresses

This very-wrinkled-by-the-end-of-the-night red silk Zara dress fit until I was well into my 6th month.

The two dresses pictured above were both purchased at one of my favorite spots in Rio - Checklist.

Another item borrowed from a friend - also - leggings were a lifesaver! I just bought low-rise styles.

This knit dress got a lot of wear as well...

This blue maxi-dress is from a store called My Place in Rio Sul.

Another non-maternity favorite.

Maxi dress above was purchased from Eclectic, which is also where I bought the "skirt" below, which I wore through my pregnancy as a dress. Being that it's my non-pregnant size, I can wear it afterwards as a skirt. (I thought it was a dress when I first tried it on but then realized it was a skirt, and thought this could work well...)

As you can see, living in Rio where it is hot hot hot, dresses were my main staple of my wardrobe. I think this may be why I got away with avoiding maternity wear so easily.

Other items

Although I mostly wore bikinis throughout my pregnancy, I did enjoy this swim suit quite a bit around the 4-6 month mark, where I had a "paunch" but not a discernable "belly" yet, as it sort of distracted from that area.

Above- beach cover-ups made great tops! This one is from J.Crew (a couple of years back, now), and the skirt is from Drops here in Rio.

Finally- the can't live without it when you are pregnant item: Lululemon bottoms. Thanks to the amazing lack of actual waistband (see how wide it is? Especially the brown ones) in the bottoms, I was able to wear these ones pictured througout my entire pregnancy. I also have a few other items not pictured that I wore through most of it. As for the tops, I purchased a few one size bigger than my usual, in longer styles, and they worked for the entire duration as well.  Great activewear (definitely needed them for my yoga classes) and also for walking, lounging, etc... and in this climate, the wicking can't be beat.

So anyway! That concludes my 2-parter on the old maternity wardrobe! If nothing else, now you know a few places I like to shop in Rio... 

Where to go for HELP?

HELP Discoteca is a famous "landmark" on Copacabana beach.  Here is the web site.  I've often heard it referred to as the biggest brothel in South America.

It's right along Avenida Atlantica in Copacabana, across from where the outdoor market sets up nightly. Most of the female "clientele" consists of prostitutes and transvestite prostitutes. The male clientele consists of 1) men looking for this type of thing and 2) men who are gullible. I did a quick internet search while looking for the web site, and came across some hilarious travel reviews from men who didn't clue in to the club's actual setup 'the chicks were all over me!' haha... yeah you the man.

Anyway, word on the street is that Help Discoteca is closing its doors, and that the building will become a music museum.

Obviously there are positives to a place referred to as the biggest brothel in South America being shut down. However, there are also negatives.

Such as... displaced sex trade workers. Where will they go? Where will the work? On the streets? This does not seem like a positive thing to me.

Yoga Retreat, Anyone?

My yoga teacher is putting on a yoga retreat here in Rio, the weekend of Friday May 22 - 24th.

Here is the writeup:
Retreat Yourself to the ecological surroundings of Guaratiba to unite your mind, body and spirit through the fluid movements of Ashtanga yoga, harmonizing reflexology, relaxing massage, calming meditations, insightful healing circles and delicious freshly prepared vegetarian food.

For full details on the retreat, visit www.retreatyourself.net

Leaving on a Jet Plane...

We expats rely heavily on those jet planes! A cute article on the actual travel part being the bane of an expat's existence can be found here.

Airline service just seems to be getting worse and worse. Although my recent trip home with Continental went very smoothly on the way there, the way back was a different story, with inept on-board servers, a piece of the plane falling off the ceiling and nearly hitting me in the head during take-off, topped off with the crew discussing recent plane crashes during a particularly turbulent takeoff.  I exaggerate not. Which seems grossly unfair considering a regular passenger would probably be arrested for choosing to go on about that particular topic of conversation. At 27 weeks pregnant and exhausted, I didn't exactly have unlimited patience by the time the last incident occurred...although I certainly had more patience than this guy!

But really, what matters is that we get there in one piece, right? Which is why a law is being put forward to change the amount of time pilots and crews have to rest between flights. I'm all for pilots being well-rested. Read more here. 

Worried about delays? This article details the destinations with the most delays. The quick version - airports in India, Casablanca, Orio al Serio Airport near Bergamo, Italy, New York LaGuardia, Newark Liberty International, Birmingham Airport in England, London's Luton and Heathrow Airports. Just FYI - Some South American airports were omitted from consideration for this survey ;)

Air Canada is notorious for being early to jump on the bandwagon for charging customers for items previously provided, but now they are apparently changing their tune, offering to pay you to get bumped from your flight, via Optiontown.com.  Not surprisingly, it is anything but an easy quick process.

Ah, well.  We just feel fortunate to get to go places, right?  Especially if you're in North America, flights to Europe are cheaper than ever! New York tempts me more and more every day and the looks of this new $10 million Lufthansa Lounge in JFK airport just make for one more reason to go... 

Finally, to close on the topic of air travel, has anyone watched Bravo's "First Class All the Way" ?  Travel reality show?

Dengue Fever in Brazil

Just as a sidenote, most of my guests who have visited travel doctors back home were advised to get Yellow Fever vaccinations to visit Rio, something that is NOT actually required!

It's Dengue season again - Expat American Living in Brazil has a travel alert/update on the situation - check it out here.

Luckily Rio is not yet affected.  Thank goodness for me because pregnant women's oxygen-rich blood is apparently a magnet for mosquitoes!

Bikers, Beware

Sadly, I must inform you of two incidents that happened to friends of mine in the past week.

One friend was riding her new bike (which may have made her a target) in the morning along the beach in Leblon. She stopped to cross the street, and a fellow came up to her and tried to grab her bike away.  She resisted a bit, and a couple who were walking nearby also came to her aid, they scared the guy off.

Another friend was riding her bike at 9:30 in the morning along the Lagoa, when a man sitting on a park bench jumped up suddenly, and stole her bike, knocking her to the ground. She was shaken up but not injured, thank goodness.

In both cases I am very glad that it was not worse, obviously, but it is still sad that this has happened. I will be much more careful on my bike... not that these women weren't being careful! I don't really think that there is anything they could have done to prevent these incidents, besides staying at home, and that's no fun.

So bikers, be aware!

As an aside, it seems as though many incidents in this area that I have been hearing of, have been happening around 9:30 in the morning, a time of day when I probably feel safest (and obviously shouldn't!).

Some Books to Consider

These books were a Christmas gift from some good friends and they have sure come in handy! 

The first is a guide to restaurants in Rio.  Danusia Barbara Guia 2009 - can be purchased at Livraria da Travessa or Senac, among other places.

The second is a guide to Hotels & Restaurants throughout Brasil. Circuito Elegante - comes in very handy for Baby Moon Planning (haha much better than a travel agent - see post from yesterday!)

 

Nothing like getting ripped off....

So my husband and I would like to take a quick trip before the baby is born. You know, a babymoon! We have two destinations in mind, so it's a multidestination flight, which I had a bit of trouble booking online as the airline I'd like to use does not make this easy.  No problem, I'll ask for help.

I enlisted the help of a travel agent, gave him our proposed dates and destinations, even a few flight numbers I'd found.  Specifics on hotels we liked, and which areas we'd like to stay at each destination.

He sent me back an email that stated that he had found cheaper flights than I had (but did not include pricing), reversed the order in which we'd visit each destination (when the order we'd asked for was quite deliberate - it is a more tour-y destination followed by a RELAX destination) and proceeded to tell me that a hotel for the first leg of the trip - which by the way does not quite fit the spec's I'd sent him - would cost us over US$4,000 (for 4 nights).  This seemed EXTREMELY high for the place we are going, so I did a quick online search, found the hotel's website, and checked the rates & availability for those dates.  My price was a little different: under US$800 (for 4 nights).  Even in the hotel's most executive suite, we would only be paying US$1,500 for those nights. Ummmmm... what???

Then, for the other destination, where we provided a long list of potential hotels and pousadas, all very intimate and private, some with just 4 rooms, spa-like, he provides us with one price quote (again, very high) for a gigantic resort that was not on the list. The resort has absolutely nothing in common with any of the places we'd chosen.... again - what???

Something is very fishy...

Saaiiiiling

We had pretty much the perfect day yesterday - went sailing to Itaipu (sp?) with friends.... just loved it. I mentioned recently that we'd found a service for those wanting to go sailing in Rio de Janeiro  - I highly highly recommend seeing Rio by boat if you are coming down, it gives you a different perspective, money very well spent - we were out for almost 7 hours!

We stopped in Itaipu to have lunch and swim - the cool, clean, calm water felt incredibly good....

Fort outside of Niteroi
Looking back towards Rio from Itaipu
Love it.
Our neighbourhood & one of the brothers & Pedra de Gavea from the water.
A bit of a different vista of the Cristo on Corcovado mountain.

City lights at night... 

Academia of Cachaca

If you're in RIo and looking to do some Cachaca tastings...
Rua Conde Bernadotte, 26, Leblon
Check out their site here.

Free ride, courtesy of NET?

They've been set up on Ipanema/Leblon beach lately. Haven't noticed any takers yet but with my swollen feet some days it's tempting!

Sailing?

Want to go sailing in Rio? This fellow comes highly recommended by friends - check out his site - www.anacoraue.com

Parque Lage write-up

Here is a cute little write-up on one of my favorite spots in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Parque Lage! Check it out here...
 

On Travelling to Brazil

Canadian site Canoe.com published a report on some of Brazil's hot spots such as Santa Catarina (...where I think we are now going on our "baby moon" after a stop in Buenos Aires), Salvador, etc. Check it out here!

In airlines news...
US Airways wants to start flying to Brazil - check it out here.  They currently do not fly to any South American destinations.  We like more options. Options are good.

No word on whether Continental has gotten the green flag to extend its direct Rio-Houston/Houston-Rio route it currently operates a couple of days per week.  It really does make a huge difference in my opinion, not having to stop in Sao Paulo.  They would like to extend it, beginning June 1.

Speaking of Continental, in December my husband was flying through Houston, when a snowstorm hit, then was sitting on a plane for more than 4 hours befire the flight was finally cancelled... lovely!  Here's some redemption - Continental now has a new policy that allows passengers to get off a plane that has been grounded for more than 3 hours...  Still not a great situation but then at least you have an alternative!

Anyway!
If you are looking for some smoking deals to get yourself down to Brazil, there are many to be had... check out Kayak.com.  My alert this morning gave me the following deals (flights to Rio):

Like from ...

Miami: $673+     Feb 22 - Mar 25
Toronto: $833+   Mar 15 - 21
London: $724+   Feb 23 - Mar 16
Seattle: $838+   Mar 31 - Apr 14
NYC:     $755+    Apr 7 - 14
Houston $785     Deals to be had in March, April, May & June
LA:        $724+    Mar 14 - 28
Vancouver: $763+   Deals to be had in Feb, March & April
Calgary: $767+    Mar 7 - 18 - Deals in April as well!

Skating in Barra?

Although we'd shopped at Barra Gardens before, and heard of this legendary ice rink in Rio de Janeiro, we hadn't yet seen it for ourselves.  Two weekends ago, we headed to Barra to do some errands and made a quick pit-stop, as we wanted to see ice skating in Rio for ourselves!

We immediately felt right at home when we saw the Vancouver Canucks jersey in some advertising on the wall...
Mr. DRL had been excited about the prospect of perhaps picking up a game or two of pickup beer-league hockey here in Rio.  However, when we saw the PILLARS in the middle of the rink, we were both less enthused about this concept...
  I mean, look what happened to poor Frosty's face...

There were a number of Brazilian adults & children out there having the time of their lives on that half-melted ice in their plastic skates, many wearing outfits I'd not ever seen in an ice arena, such as dresses and tank tops! What a great way to cool off on a hot day. But now we know... yes, there is skating in Rio.  There is an arena.  Just in case anyone else was wondering...

Reminders

That life is not always a beach in Rio.
Yesterday at 10:30 in the morning in Ipanema, a British couple was robbed outside their hotel and STABBED by the assailant. The husband in the chest, the wife in the hand. He is still in hospital and expected to survive. A reminder that we can never be too careful here in Rio, and never to resist someone trying to rob you - it's not worth your life!

On January 2nd we heard of a couple who were robbed at a RESTAURANT in Copacabana within hours of landing in Rio, and according to this article, ten days ago, three men robbed two Italian tourists at knifepoint near Rio's Copacabana Beach.

Be careful!

Porcao is the place for kids

Having visitors with two young children has opened my eyes in many ways to what life is like in Brazil with kids. More specifically, how kids are received here. It's much better than in North America, I'll tell you that!

For example, here, walking into a fine dining restaurant with two kids under three - no one flinches. My girlfriend who is visiting and I find this so funny because back home there is a chain called "Earl's" which fancies itself to be upscale but in reality it's just a place to grab a bite. At the location we would go to, they really don't cater to kids, it's impossible to get a booster seat even, and the official "line" of the restaurant is that it's not as though they don't like kids, they just don't do anything for them. O---kay.

Then there's Brazil....
We've taken the kids to Carlota and Sawasdee in Leblon and were treated exactly as we would have been without the kids.

We took them to Porcao and my goodness it is a parent's paradise...
The servers (all male) were all over the kids, lifting the 2 yr old in and out of the highchair, feeding the baby her bottle (see photo below). In fact at one point when the baby had less than oh, six or so, adoring (all male) admirers doting on her she pitched a fit. Pretty funny!

I like how men feel more comfortable to reach out to kids here. I think in North American society there is such concern about pedophiles that it has made men scared to even show that they like little kids in a lot of places. For example, men won't come up to strangers with babies to say hi to the baby, whereas here you can't go anywhere without it happening. Some people may find this creepy, I find it helpful even! It's help keeping the kids entertained!

Here are some photos of Porcao...

More notes on Porcao - the servers also cut up the meat for the two year old, and there is a supervised play area where people can drop their kids off... WOW.

Celebs in Rio

Lately there seem to be many reports of celebrities in Brazil, and Rio in particular. I wrote about Matthew McConaughey's visit to Rio & Sushi Leblon in particular last month. Since then, I've read about visits from Sylvester Stallone, who was photographed checking out Brazilian tabloid photos of himself, and Jude Law with his family (they stayed at the Copacabana Palace).  Jude Law reportedly ate at Via Sete, which is one of my favorite spots these days. I've been making it there about once a week... it's a wonder I'm not making any celeb sightings...

It's not just celebrities who are here these days, though, it's clearly high tourist season. We attempted to visit Sugarloaf last Saturday for my mom & sister's last day in Rio and were met with a whopping two hour lineup just to get to the ticket booth. Crazy. Usually we just walk right in and right on... the lack of an appropriate clear day the days leading up to  Saturday no doubt let to the craziness but come on.... did I also mention it was 38 degrees celsius that day???

Oh, Behave!

Last Friday was my mom & sister's last full day in Rio. I took them on a bit of a walking tour of Centro, to Mr. DRL's office, through the markets, to Colombo, tried to take them on the bonde but it was the busiest I'd ever seen it, the cathedral, etc.

Generally our guest's adventures in Rio go quite smoothly, not to pat myself on the back, but we have a lot of things "figured out" for them - transportation, the best places to go (not that I claim to know them all, I find new ones all the time!), translation services from yours truly... it's definitely easier for them than if they were to venture here on their own.  Then again, they have to stay in an apartment with a pregnant hormonal woman so who's to say what's easier? haha....

So I feel a bit torn about bumps along the way - as a host I want my guests to have the trip of a lifetime, hassle free, but then again if everything goes perfectly smoothly, have they really experienced an authentic journey to Brazil? And won't they think I am completely insane when I complain about the difficulties of getting simple things done? It's a fine line.

Let's just say my mom & sister did get to see a bit of a show during their last 24 hours, and because nothing serious happened, it was nothing but validating for me...

1. At the bonde station, after deciding not to wait what I figure would have been at least an hour to catch a ride, we decide to take a cab to the "stairs" (Selaron) then go to Aprizavel in Santa Teresa. We approach a nice looking cab in the cab lineup, who apparently thought we could use some exercise... he suggested we just walk. I knew the two places were not tooooo far apart but hadn't walked from point a to b before.  To make a long walk short, it was about 30 minutes walk (partly because we got bad directions not once but twice), a bit dicey, over 34 degrees... let's just say we could have used the cab! Unreal.
2. At Aprizavel, we arrive at about 2:30 without a reservation. I've done this plenty of times without a problem, but on this particular day, it was packed. Fair enough. We end up waiting an hour. However, in the meantime we witnessed all kinds of antics and behavior... Aprizavel is located on basically the side of a cliff and there is one very steep staircase in and out. Apparently there is no service entrance, as while we along with many others waited for a table, a Hortifruti truck arrived with groceries. These guys were hauling huge crates of produce down the stairs for about 20 minutes, again it was a HOT day, my goodness I felt sorry for them! But what did a bunch of people do? Basically make a big pain of themselves, getting in their way in every opportunity... no consideration whatsoever (do you really need to stand in the entrance? No, you do not.) FInally, just as the people in front of us were about to be seated, 2 cabs pull up bringing one group in including an incredibly vocal woman.  She is told that there will be about a 90 minute wait at this point, and she proceeds to completely flip out. Apparently she'd called for directions and no one told her there was a wait, so she FREAKED.  She was using every card in her hand "We have kids here..." clearly trying to manipulate her way into getting a table. At one point, she even took the host's radio to yell at the guy she'd spoken with earlier.  It was just ridiculous as even people who legitimately did have reservations were waiting at least 20 minutes for tables at this point.  When she overheard us commenting to another couple about her sense of entitlement to a table, she claimed that she was not in fact trying to get a table ahead of anyone else... so then what exactly were you trying to accomplish? Ahhhh, people! I must say our hour of waiting was entertaining to say the least, and the meal at Aprizavel was well worth it as always.
3. The following day, we had one of those cab drivers who really took us for a ride... practically everywhere but where we wanted to go. To be fair, this was not the first time this happened to my mom & sister, the day they went to the Corcovado we were all in the cab, I instructed the driver to take them to the train but he apparently somewhere along the line decided to take them to the bus instead. It ended up being a good thing in the end, but still! Not what was communicated! Then on their way back, a driver tried to charge them R$80 to get back to my place (R$35 should be the MAX it would cost using the meter). A lot of these vulture like drivers seem to hang out at tourist spots like Sugarloaf and Corcovado so beware!

Again, I'm glad that they saw a glimpse of what life can be like here, it makes me and my stories seem less crazy. But I'm also glad that this was the extent of the trouble!