by Cristiana Souza

As soon as you arrive in Rio de Janeiro be ready. It doesn't help to look in the guide books. You don't want maps. You want to enjoy yourself and make the most of your stay. Ipanema beach is the coolest of the South Zone (Zona Sul), a privileged area of Rio that includes Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon. But it depends on what you are looking for, so here we offer some suggestion to help you choose where to sunbathe. 

It is good to know that the area in front of Farme de Amoedo street is a traditional gay point, marked with the colour rainbow flag. Next on Joana Angélica street, in the front of the tallest coconut palm (called 'coqueirão') there is an interesting mix of intellectuals and artists. Objects like books, newspapers, magazines, tattoos and guitars are part of the scenario. But this area is very crowded. The next landmark is the Cesar Park Hotel, very popular area with tourists and that offers many hotel services.

The Country Club is the last landmark and there you meet 'young and beautiful people'. That type worries about fashion, surf and fitness, and maybe not about books. The best tip is to walk all the way along the waterfront and check this diversity. It's fun to see the different styles and finally choose the area you want frequent.

by Cristiana Souza

One charming Brazilian handicraft object can make an interesting effect on your clean, modern and boring bookshelf. It shows that you are a cosmopolitan guy, who knows about other cultures and it will awake the curiosity of your guests. If the target is a woman, she will think that you are sensitive and have good taste. Yes, small things can have many meanings in the feminine mind. Don't try to understand, just follow this precious tip.

If you are in Rio, make good use of this information and visit La Vereda store, in Santa Teresa. It's a good reason to take the trolley and appreciate the sight (Santa Teresa is on top of a hill) of the city. Take any trolley at the terminal station, near the Petrobras building downtown.

The store offers a varied selection of furniture, lamps, tapestries, paintings and other decorative objects. The coloured ceramic dolls are sweet, a typical craft of the northeast. The dolls represents characters from local legends, such as 'Lampião and Maria Bonita'. Visit La Vereda and discover Brazilian craftwork.

by Cristiana Souza

Copacabana is probably the most famous beach in the world and when you visit Rio you must enjoy the magnificent views, the pavements with portuguese stones and the beautiful setting with the sea, the sand, the tall buildings and the mountains behind.

by Cristiana Souza

In Rio, going to the beach is an all-year-around activity. But it's still winter now, so you should go to the beach wearing a soft long sleeve shirt because the late afternoons are usually windy. Wait for the sunset around 17h30, which is something to see. And if you want to get into the spirit of the city, or of Leblon, the after-the-sun classic is Bracarense, very often elected the best 'botequim' in town where everybody wears shorts and flip-flops.

This informality is one of the characteristics that makes Bracarense so popular. Inaugurated in 1951, its sidewalk tables are fiercely disputed. Fight for one, it is worth it ! Save time by ordering a caipirinha de maracujá com lima da pérsia (braziliam rum, sugar, passion fruit and lime). Try one of famous appetizers, criations of Alaíde's expert hands: bolinho de aipim com catupiry e camarão ( manioc, soft brazilian cheese and shrimp) or the vatapazinho (an unforgettable miniature of a traditional plate from Bahia).

The strategically short distance between the tables makes it easy to go back and forth between them. In a few minutes you find out all about the hot suggestions for the evenings. Take care and have fun.