Now that we are in Rio de Janeiro, destination for the Step 10 Challenge (through next Sunday), some interesting tidbits about the city:
- Rio is a "Biking City" with over 45 miles of bicycle paths, many stretching along its picturesque beaches;
- Unlike many other major foreign cities, the locals for the most part only speak Portuguese. Best to learn some of the language or spend time finding others like you!
- Apparently the term "bikini" and "speedo" are relative terms and have a somewhat different meaning and practical application in Brazil. Suffice to say the beaches are not only popular because of the beaches. Think Miami's South Beach on steroids....with strings.
- The most popular destination spots (beside the beaches): Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer Statue, Ipanema Beach, Copacabana Beach and Tijuca National Park.
- Rio was the capital of Brazil from 1763 to 1960 when it was moved to Brasilia (Hey, we were there!!!!)
- Rio is smaller than Sao Paulo, which is the largest city in Brazil
- Copacabana is one of the most densely populated places in the world.
- The "favela" are temporary housing areas in many of the major cities of Brazil. They are often so large that they are cities within a city. Some are notorious for crime and violence, but over 1,000,000 people live in 750 favelas in Rio, or one in five people, and many of the city's blue collar workers call them home (not just a home for thieves or criminals as is sometimes portrayed).
- Portuguese explorers first discovered the city in January 1502, which prompted the name - Rio de Janeiro translates to "River of January"
- "Carnival" is like no other Carnival in the world, in part because it takes place in the Brazilian summer. Interesting (and relevant to those of us who know the St. Patrick's Day Parade event in Savannah) that many in Rio actually leave the city during Carnival for quitter.
- The cities very wealthy like to dress their pets in shoes, hats and at time full outfits.
What an awesome place....
- Rio is a "Biking City" with over 45 miles of bicycle paths, many stretching along its picturesque beaches;
- Unlike many other major foreign cities, the locals for the most part only speak Portuguese. Best to learn some of the language or spend time finding others like you!
- Apparently the term "bikini" and "speedo" are relative terms and have a somewhat different meaning and practical application in Brazil. Suffice to say the beaches are not only popular because of the beaches. Think Miami's South Beach on steroids....with strings.
- The most popular destination spots (beside the beaches): Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer Statue, Ipanema Beach, Copacabana Beach and Tijuca National Park.
- Rio was the capital of Brazil from 1763 to 1960 when it was moved to Brasilia (Hey, we were there!!!!)
- Rio is smaller than Sao Paulo, which is the largest city in Brazil
- Copacabana is one of the most densely populated places in the world.
- The "favela" are temporary housing areas in many of the major cities of Brazil. They are often so large that they are cities within a city. Some are notorious for crime and violence, but over 1,000,000 people live in 750 favelas in Rio, or one in five people, and many of the city's blue collar workers call them home (not just a home for thieves or criminals as is sometimes portrayed).
- Portuguese explorers first discovered the city in January 1502, which prompted the name - Rio de Janeiro translates to "River of January"
- "Carnival" is like no other Carnival in the world, in part because it takes place in the Brazilian summer. Interesting (and relevant to those of us who know the St. Patrick's Day Parade event in Savannah) that many in Rio actually leave the city during Carnival for quitter.
- The cities very wealthy like to dress their pets in shoes, hats and at time full outfits.
What an awesome place....