Obrigado Rio (Thank You Rio)

by angelique kuen (South Africa)

Making a local connection South Africa

Famed for its pristine beaches,vibrant carnivals and world famous sights. Rio DE Janeiro, also known as Cidade Maravilhosa(Marvellous City) is one vibrant city that is teeming with life. This popular tourist destination and home of Samba has been on my bucket list since forever. There's a first time for everything. I had never flown with Lantam Airlines before but I was very impressed. I received impeccable service from the staff and they were immensely helpful. My flight was a breeze. Upon landing at Galileo international airport, I could instantly feel the pulse and energy palpitating from this city. Upon settling in my beautiful hotel room, just across the road from Copacabana beach, I knew one thing for sure: in order to truly feel like a local, I had to dress like one. It gets very hot here, so sneakers are a no no. The locals,known as Cariocas, live in Havaiana flip flops and own many pairs. The women wear very colourful beach wraps called Cangas and the gents,a very tiny Speedo type brief known as a Sangas.I learnt very quickly that the Cariocas have no qualms about their bodies. Biquini grande (big bikinis)are unheard of here and the women,young and old,live in thong bikinis! So best leave your insecurities at the airport. Since I was going to be here for 7 days, I wanted to cram as many sightseeing opportunities into my itinerary as possible. I decided to join an Urban Adventure Tour and we visited Corcovado peak and the Christ the Redeemer statue, the Sugar Loaf mountain by cable car, the famed Escadaria Selaron steps in Lapa and a tour of one of the biggest Favelas in Brazil, Santa Marta. After a long day of sightseeing, I chose to wind down with Brazil's national drink, the Caipirinha. This popular yet potent drink is made with lime, cane liquor and sugar cane. I ended up at Academia DE Cachaca in Leblon. This bar is the best place in Rio to try Caipirinhas, not only for its 100 plus varients but for its picturesque location. I was left spoilt for choice. When the sun sets, the Cariocas ditch the beach wear and dress to kill. I'm a massive party animal and I'm always down for a good night out. The first club that I visited was Pedra da Sal (Rock of Salt) in Centro. This club is a popular weeknight haunt and does get very crowded. Don't stand too close to the dancefloor, unless you would like an impromptu Samba lesson. I also partied in Gavea (prounouned Guy veeya) at a really plush club called 00. I'm so glad that I got dressed up because this club is very popular with the young, affluent crowd. I was really pleased with the fact that they played Drum and Bass, as I LOVE that music genre. I rather do enjoy Celebrity spotting. Upon arriving, I remember the hotel staff telling me about Barra Music and Boate 021 in Barra DE Tijuca and that these clubs are frequented by celebrities. I knew then and there that I had to go. Barra Music is one massive nightclub! The lasers,smoke machines and the enormous stage clearly showed me why this amazing place has been called the Maracana of nightclubs. Boate 021 is definitely one of the places to see and be seen. I thought I saw Neymar Jr. Boate 021 serves very tasty Feijoada, a popular black bean and meat stew. I enjoyed it thoroughly;my compliments to the chef. Rio DE Janeiro has something for everyone. This beautiful city really wraps itself around you and leaves you feeling completely enchanted, captivated and mesmerized. Even upon leaving, the good memories, warm hospitality,amazing food,sight and sounds haven't left me in a hurry. Will I visit Rio again? It's a definite, resounding yes!