The number one question I receive about Brazil is " How safe is Rio de Janeiro?". My answer is simple." It depends on who you want to believe."
According to statistic reports, the murder rate is the lowest rate it has been in 20 years. Only 4500 people were murdered in Rio de Janeiro last year. I am not sure if this number is for the city of Rio de Janeiro or the state of Rio de Janeiro. Either way, 4500 people is a lot of people!!! The murder rate in Canada is 1.9 per 100,000 people. in 2006 the murder rate in Rio de Janeiro city was 38.7 per 100,000.
These numbers need to be investigated further. In the Zona Sul of Rio de Janeiro, the standard of living rivals those of European countries. Drive 20 minutes from the Zona Sul and you can find areas poorer than parts of Africa.
Violent crimes are more prevalent in the shantytowns due to the drug wars between rival gangs. This has diminished lately due to the pacification process implemented by the state government.
The chances of being murdered in Ipanema are low.
That said, there are events known as 'arrastaos' which are when a large group of thieves go to a crowded beach and literally sweep the beach of anything and everything. They were 'in fashion' a few years back, but lately haven't happened.
Crime comes in waves in Rio. Sometimes it seems like a civil war is happening, other times its peaceful.
How to protect yourself?
1. Be discreet. Try to look like a local, start by buying a pair of Havaianas. Avoid speaking English loudly in crowded places as that will attract 'curiousity'.
2. Look like you know where you are going. If you are lost, pop into a store, restaurant or a bank to ask directions. Avoid approaching strangers.
3. Leave your valuables at home. If going to the beach, take some money and a sarong to sit on, that's all you need.
4. Take taxis at night.
5. Don't be curious to know what the shantytowns look like. I know there are 'favela' tours that are considered safe, but I don't agree with the 'zoological' aspect of these tours. Would you like people snooping around your neighbourhood in the name of tourism? I think it's exploitive.
6. Let people know where you are going and when you are expected back.
i have friends that are ex pats and some of the security measures they take are a bit paranoid in my opinion. But its the companies that set the rules...
Showing posts with label Rio de Janeiro. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rio de Janeiro. Show all posts
Saturday, February 5
Sunday, January 9
My Love/Hate Relationship with Brazil
Before I begin, I want to be clear that I am not anti-Brazil, I just want to share the good and the bad in an honest way.
What I love about Brazil:
The weather. Its warm and warmer(at least in Rio de Janeiro)
The fresh fruit and juice. There is nothing more glorious than a truly ripe mango or papaya. The juice bars scattered around the city serving up such delicious juices such as acai, fruta de conde, pineapple juice with mint leaves...the list goes on!!
The warmth of the people. Brazilians are known to be very friendly and hospitable. I will even go as far as to say extremely generous, especially the people who are not rolling in dough. They are also very baby friendly as I witnessed on my outing with Mrs DRL and the Canadoca the other day
The nature. Rio is home to more than 400 climbing routes and Jeep tours drive tourists through the Tijuca National Forest, the largest urban national park in the world. Hangliding from the mountains in San Conrado is a must and should be part of any itinerary in Rio. The beaches are wonderful(if you avoid the weekend crowds). You can sit on your beach chair and have beer and caipirinhas brought right to you, can't do that in Canada!!
The music. I just found out that the best music store in Rio, Modern Sound, has closed its doors, but there are great musicians from Brazil such as Seu Jorge, Rita Ribeiro and Zeca Baleiro who play all over the country.
What I hate about Brazil.
Corruption. I know corruption exists everywhere, but in Brazil it is so in your face. It starts with the police officer trying to shake you down for a 'çase of beer', to the rich kids that literally get away with murder because daddy is buddies with a judge. I hate to see the crooked politicians talking about what they are going to do to change the lifestyle for the people and in the end they have their hands in the pockets of the developers and do nothing for the people. Also the fact that people with a criminal record can run for office!!!. With the World Cup and the Olympics coming soon, I believe that there will be a lot of pocket lining. But when I talk to my Brazilian friends, they are so complacent about this reality. "What can we do?", they say. Uhhh!! Hello!!??? This is a democracy and your taxes are paying their exorbitant salaries, so its your right to see the books!! Seriously!
Food prices. Bananas are more expensive in Rio than they are in Calgary. Explain that one to me please!! Yogurt, cheese, milk..All more expensive than in Canada. Last time I checked, they raise dairy cows here! Restaurants have become insanely expensive!!!
Litter on the streets. This makes me crazy when I am driving and people throw trash out the windows of the bus and their Mercedes Benz! Every summer when it rains, the gutters get clogged with plastic bottles, which cause the streets to flood. There are garbage cans on every corner! The beaches look like a war zone on Sunday evenings after everyone has left and left their garbage on the beach! Oh yes one more thing. If you have a dog, pick up after it and don't take it to the beach. But Carioca's still take their pit bulls and Labradors to the busy beaches, knowing that it is illegal..
The music. Love samba! Hate the funk coming out of the favelas. The lyrics(if you want to call it that) are absolutely degrading to women, calling them dogs etc. and the music is not music, its cause for Motrin Extra strength!! It glorifies violence and gangs and is just an ear sore!!And yes I call a slum a favela, even though it is considered politically incorrect nowadays. It is supposed to be called a ' çommunity in need'.
I hate that my electric bill is through the roof to 'subsidize'the electricity that the 'çommunities in need' use to power their air conditioners 24/7. Also known as 'gatos', electricity is stolen from the electric company.
I hate that there is such a disparity between the haves and the have nots.
Brazilian Soap operas. They helped me learn the language in the beginning when I first moved here, but the messages they send to the general population are wrong. Maids and thieves always seem to be portrayed by black or mullatto actors. They don't show healthy relationships between people. Way too much drama.
Tom Jobim said it best, "New York is great, but it is shitty. Rio de Janeiro is shitty, but its great."
What I love about Brazil:
The weather. Its warm and warmer(at least in Rio de Janeiro)
The fresh fruit and juice. There is nothing more glorious than a truly ripe mango or papaya. The juice bars scattered around the city serving up such delicious juices such as acai, fruta de conde, pineapple juice with mint leaves...the list goes on!!
The warmth of the people. Brazilians are known to be very friendly and hospitable. I will even go as far as to say extremely generous, especially the people who are not rolling in dough. They are also very baby friendly as I witnessed on my outing with Mrs DRL and the Canadoca the other day
The nature. Rio is home to more than 400 climbing routes and Jeep tours drive tourists through the Tijuca National Forest, the largest urban national park in the world. Hangliding from the mountains in San Conrado is a must and should be part of any itinerary in Rio. The beaches are wonderful(if you avoid the weekend crowds). You can sit on your beach chair and have beer and caipirinhas brought right to you, can't do that in Canada!!
The music. I just found out that the best music store in Rio, Modern Sound, has closed its doors, but there are great musicians from Brazil such as Seu Jorge, Rita Ribeiro and Zeca Baleiro who play all over the country.
What I hate about Brazil.
Corruption. I know corruption exists everywhere, but in Brazil it is so in your face. It starts with the police officer trying to shake you down for a 'çase of beer', to the rich kids that literally get away with murder because daddy is buddies with a judge. I hate to see the crooked politicians talking about what they are going to do to change the lifestyle for the people and in the end they have their hands in the pockets of the developers and do nothing for the people. Also the fact that people with a criminal record can run for office!!!. With the World Cup and the Olympics coming soon, I believe that there will be a lot of pocket lining. But when I talk to my Brazilian friends, they are so complacent about this reality. "What can we do?", they say. Uhhh!! Hello!!??? This is a democracy and your taxes are paying their exorbitant salaries, so its your right to see the books!! Seriously!
Food prices. Bananas are more expensive in Rio than they are in Calgary. Explain that one to me please!! Yogurt, cheese, milk..All more expensive than in Canada. Last time I checked, they raise dairy cows here! Restaurants have become insanely expensive!!!
Litter on the streets. This makes me crazy when I am driving and people throw trash out the windows of the bus and their Mercedes Benz! Every summer when it rains, the gutters get clogged with plastic bottles, which cause the streets to flood. There are garbage cans on every corner! The beaches look like a war zone on Sunday evenings after everyone has left and left their garbage on the beach! Oh yes one more thing. If you have a dog, pick up after it and don't take it to the beach. But Carioca's still take their pit bulls and Labradors to the busy beaches, knowing that it is illegal..
The music. Love samba! Hate the funk coming out of the favelas. The lyrics(if you want to call it that) are absolutely degrading to women, calling them dogs etc. and the music is not music, its cause for Motrin Extra strength!! It glorifies violence and gangs and is just an ear sore!!And yes I call a slum a favela, even though it is considered politically incorrect nowadays. It is supposed to be called a ' çommunity in need'.
I hate that my electric bill is through the roof to 'subsidize'the electricity that the 'çommunities in need' use to power their air conditioners 24/7. Also known as 'gatos', electricity is stolen from the electric company.
I hate that there is such a disparity between the haves and the have nots.
Brazilian Soap operas. They helped me learn the language in the beginning when I first moved here, but the messages they send to the general population are wrong. Maids and thieves always seem to be portrayed by black or mullatto actors. They don't show healthy relationships between people. Way too much drama.
Tom Jobim said it best, "New York is great, but it is shitty. Rio de Janeiro is shitty, but its great."
Sunday, January 2
Happy New Year!!
It's been a while since I last posted. Being without an internet connection does make things a bit difficult. Blogging on an iPhone is no fun either..
Well its Day 2 of 2011! Have you made any resolutions for the New Year?
New Year's Eve was wonderful and Saint Peter kept the rain away. It always seems to threaten to rain on New Year's Eve in Rio, but miraculously it didn't.
I went to the beach in Barra and saw the beautiful fireworks that were being shot from the roof of the Windsor Hotel. The show outlasted all of the other fireworks spectacles on that beach. It also helped that we had a space set out for us on the beach with food and champagne. People were in white, which is a tradition in Brazil for New Year's as it symbolizes peace and purity. Lately, people have added silver, gold(to represent money), red(passion) and so on and so on. My maxi dress had all of the above colours so hopefully I will receive lots of money and passion this year.
I would love to have posted some photos but I don't have the USB cable that is specific for my camera...(Grrrrr!!!!)
I was to spend New Year's in Buzios but the weather wasn't cooperating and the town was getting insanely crowded by mid week. If I was staying at Casas Brancas, then yes, the weather would not have been an issue.
Note to all of my followers, AVOID Buzios during Brazilian holidays and long weekends. Two hour traffic jams to get to the centre from Geriba beach, beaches so crowded that you can barely move. Sorry, but this princess is out!!
Rio de Janeiro is actually pleasant for New Year's as everyone has left town. Traffic jams are inexistent. Maybe next year I will do NYE on Copacabana Beach, but this princess needs her infrastructure!!
HAPPY 2011 FOR ALL!!
Well its Day 2 of 2011! Have you made any resolutions for the New Year?
New Year's Eve was wonderful and Saint Peter kept the rain away. It always seems to threaten to rain on New Year's Eve in Rio, but miraculously it didn't.
I went to the beach in Barra and saw the beautiful fireworks that were being shot from the roof of the Windsor Hotel. The show outlasted all of the other fireworks spectacles on that beach. It also helped that we had a space set out for us on the beach with food and champagne. People were in white, which is a tradition in Brazil for New Year's as it symbolizes peace and purity. Lately, people have added silver, gold(to represent money), red(passion) and so on and so on. My maxi dress had all of the above colours so hopefully I will receive lots of money and passion this year.
I would love to have posted some photos but I don't have the USB cable that is specific for my camera...(Grrrrr!!!!)
I was to spend New Year's in Buzios but the weather wasn't cooperating and the town was getting insanely crowded by mid week. If I was staying at Casas Brancas, then yes, the weather would not have been an issue.
Note to all of my followers, AVOID Buzios during Brazilian holidays and long weekends. Two hour traffic jams to get to the centre from Geriba beach, beaches so crowded that you can barely move. Sorry, but this princess is out!!
Rio de Janeiro is actually pleasant for New Year's as everyone has left town. Traffic jams are inexistent. Maybe next year I will do NYE on Copacabana Beach, but this princess needs her infrastructure!!
HAPPY 2011 FOR ALL!!
Tuesday, November 2
It's Time for Canadians to Visit Brazil
Every year around this time, the ads for going to Mexico start to appear with more frequency. For less than $1000 one can go to Mexico for a week including airfare. Sounds like a great deal doesn't it? The big question is, "Will you survive?".
Just this past week, a Canadian businessman's burned body was found in the trunk of the car he rented in Acapulco. His family is appealing to the Canadian government to embargo travel to Mexico. I agree. It's extremely dangerous in Mexico right now. The drug wars have killed over 25000 people in the past few years along the USA-Mexican border.
Rio de Janeiro, with all of its problems, is still safer than Mexico. I urge all of my readers to go to Brazil and enjoy one of the most beautiful countries in the world (even though I am not a big fan of the new president, hopefully she will continue to move Brazil forward and not into a Chavezian state).
The best way to get to Brazil from Canada(at least from the West) is on Continental. One can get fares to Rio from Calgary for around $1100 plus tax. It's actually cheaper than going to Europe.
There is a great site for out of the way hotels and bed and breakfasts called Hidden Pousadas. Tell them that the Canarioca sent you.
If you want to see Rio in style, go to Soland Eco Tours.
Travel tips, insider information, I am the go to girl. Leave me a comment!
Beijos da Canarioca
Just this past week, a Canadian businessman's burned body was found in the trunk of the car he rented in Acapulco. His family is appealing to the Canadian government to embargo travel to Mexico. I agree. It's extremely dangerous in Mexico right now. The drug wars have killed over 25000 people in the past few years along the USA-Mexican border.
Rio de Janeiro, with all of its problems, is still safer than Mexico. I urge all of my readers to go to Brazil and enjoy one of the most beautiful countries in the world (even though I am not a big fan of the new president, hopefully she will continue to move Brazil forward and not into a Chavezian state).
The best way to get to Brazil from Canada(at least from the West) is on Continental. One can get fares to Rio from Calgary for around $1100 plus tax. It's actually cheaper than going to Europe.
There is a great site for out of the way hotels and bed and breakfasts called Hidden Pousadas. Tell them that the Canarioca sent you.
If you want to see Rio in style, go to Soland Eco Tours.
Travel tips, insider information, I am the go to girl. Leave me a comment!
Beijos da Canarioca
Sunday, October 4
Rio de Janeiro Olympic Host City 2016
FINALLY!!!
After two unsuccessful bids to host the Summer Olympics, Rio de Janeiro came out on top of Chicago, Tokyo and Madrid to win.
Chicago and Tokyo were eliminated in earlier voting and even after a last ditch effort by Juan Samaranch to woo the votes for Madrid, Rio was declared the winner with a 3-1 margin in the total tally of votes.
This is a very exciting venture for the people of Rio de Janeiro and for the rest of Brazil.
It is the first time that the Olympic Games will be held in South America. They picked a great city.
Needless to say they have their work cut out for them. There will have to be major overhaul throughout the whole city to be able to accomodate the traffic and the sheer amount of spectators expected to attend.
Brazil has the money to fund the Olympics, just from the oil royalties off of the coast of Rio. They have the skilled labour to build the stadiums, the roads and the venues. My only suggestion would be to increase the amount of machinery to build the roads faster. They tend to do everything manually, which is alot more time consuming.
This is the chance for Rio to clean up its act and hopefully there will not be insane amounts of palm greasing. The only things that could destroy the Olympic dream for Rio are corruption and greed from politicians.
It's up to the people of Rio and Brazil to not let this happen.
PARABENS RIO DE JANEIRO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
After two unsuccessful bids to host the Summer Olympics, Rio de Janeiro came out on top of Chicago, Tokyo and Madrid to win.
Chicago and Tokyo were eliminated in earlier voting and even after a last ditch effort by Juan Samaranch to woo the votes for Madrid, Rio was declared the winner with a 3-1 margin in the total tally of votes.
This is a very exciting venture for the people of Rio de Janeiro and for the rest of Brazil.
It is the first time that the Olympic Games will be held in South America. They picked a great city.
Needless to say they have their work cut out for them. There will have to be major overhaul throughout the whole city to be able to accomodate the traffic and the sheer amount of spectators expected to attend.
Brazil has the money to fund the Olympics, just from the oil royalties off of the coast of Rio. They have the skilled labour to build the stadiums, the roads and the venues. My only suggestion would be to increase the amount of machinery to build the roads faster. They tend to do everything manually, which is alot more time consuming.
This is the chance for Rio to clean up its act and hopefully there will not be insane amounts of palm greasing. The only things that could destroy the Olympic dream for Rio are corruption and greed from politicians.
It's up to the people of Rio and Brazil to not let this happen.
PARABENS RIO DE JANEIRO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, March 30
The Petroleum Pipeline Express
I am so excited to learn that Continental Airlines has received tentative approval to fly from Houston to Rio de Janeiro nonstop.
This will cut down the travel time between Calgary and Rio de Janeiro to about 16 hours door to door and no stop in Sao Paulo. Ah the luxury of it!!! I have been travelling to and from Brazil for over 15 years and FINALLY there is a decent connection. I gave up on Air Canada when Varig went belly up and having to endure 9 hour layovers in Sao Paulo with two children and 6 suitcases.
If this route is approved, one can leave Calgary at around lunchtime and arrive in Rio de Janeiro the next morning. I am crossing my fingers. Hopefully this will facilitate the petroleum industry as there are companies in Calgary, Houston and Rio de Janeiro with offices in all three cities. I have yet to fly on the 'Petroleum Pipeline Express' and not sit next to someone involved in the petroleum industry.
This will cut down the travel time between Calgary and Rio de Janeiro to about 16 hours door to door and no stop in Sao Paulo. Ah the luxury of it!!! I have been travelling to and from Brazil for over 15 years and FINALLY there is a decent connection. I gave up on Air Canada when Varig went belly up and having to endure 9 hour layovers in Sao Paulo with two children and 6 suitcases.
If this route is approved, one can leave Calgary at around lunchtime and arrive in Rio de Janeiro the next morning. I am crossing my fingers. Hopefully this will facilitate the petroleum industry as there are companies in Calgary, Houston and Rio de Janeiro with offices in all three cities. I have yet to fly on the 'Petroleum Pipeline Express' and not sit next to someone involved in the petroleum industry.
Sunday, February 22
Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro
In celebration of the first night of the big Carnaal parade in Rio de Janeiro, here is a great tune by Marcelo D2, hip hop and samba...brilliant
Quer dançar? quer dançar? então prepara
A maldição bateu sambou nunca mais pára
E tá na cara a raiz tá cravada no chão
Do tronco ao fruto com a nave mãe fazendo a conexão
E sangue bom eu disse sangue bom
Tem coisas que invadem o coração já disse o joão não
Ninguém faz samba porque prefere
Sobre o poder da criação força nenhuma no mundo interfere
E fabricado em série é o coringa do baralho
Resitência cultural casa do caralho
E passo a passo foi tomando conta de mim
É coisa fina dj com tamborim
Fortaleceu meus braços abriu minha cabeça
Um ser humano digno aconteça o que aconteça
Hip hop rio um punhado de bamba
E sabe o que que é isso a maldição do samba
O gringo subiu o morro e bebeu cachaça
Fumou maconha e obteve a graça
Depois do samba sua vida nunca mais foi a mesma
Show time a batida arregaça o melhor som da praça
O grave racha o muro e o agudo quebra a vidraça
Na vida tudo passa não a nada que se faça
Mas rima após rima não é de graça
Show time agora sabe como é que é samba no pé
Samba samba no pé
A percussão é eletrônica a favela na internet
O coco é enlatado e a banana é com chiclete
A maldição do samba
O flow é na batida e o relógio tic-tac
É papel e caneta o coração deu piripaque
Globalizado ou não eu mantenho os meus laços
Do hip hop ao samba é compasso por compasso
Nem feliz nem aflito nem no lugar mais bonito
Nada mais interfere no quadro que eu pinto
A benção velha guarda o samba de terreiro
A maldição te pega no rio de janeiro.
A maldição do samba
Quer dançar? quer dançar? então prepara
A maldição bateu sambou nunca mais pára
E tá na cara a raiz tá cravada no chão
Do tronco ao fruto com a nave mãe fazendo a conexão
E sangue bom eu disse sangue bom
Tem coisas que invadem o coração já disse o joão não
Ninguém faz samba porque prefere
Sobre o poder da criação força nenhuma no mundo interfere
E fabricado em série é o coringa do baralho
Resitência cultural casa do caralho
E passo a passo foi tomando conta de mim
É coisa fina dj com tamborim
Fortaleceu meus braços abriu minha cabeça
Um ser humano digno aconteça o que aconteça
Hip hop rio um punhado de bamba
E sabe o que que é isso a maldição do samba
O gringo subiu o morro e bebeu cachaça
Fumou maconha e obteve a graça
Depois do samba sua vida nunca mais foi a mesma
Show time a batida arregaça o melhor som da praça
O grave racha o muro e o agudo quebra a vidraça
Na vida tudo passa não a nada que se faça
Mas rima após rima não é de graça
Show time agora sabe como é que é samba no pé
Samba samba no pé
A percussão é eletrônica a favela na internet
O coco é enlatado e a banana é com chiclete
A maldição do samba
O flow é na batida e o relógio tic-tac
É papel e caneta o coração deu piripaque
Globalizado ou não eu mantenho os meus laços
Do hip hop ao samba é compasso por compasso
Nem feliz nem aflito nem no lugar mais bonito
Nada mais interfere no quadro que eu pinto
A benção velha guarda o samba de terreiro
A maldição te pega no rio de janeiro.
A maldição do samba
Friday, February 20
Beware of the Girl from Ipanema
Over the past few months, I have been following the David Goldman custody case ad nauseum, because of the fact that whatever the decision the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court makes on his case, could inadvertantly affect me and my two boys born to a Brazilian father.What David's ex wife did to him is beyond any form of decency. She was deceitful and manipulating, you can see it in her eyes in the home videos.
There is an article in the Financial Post about a Canadian businessman who is going through a custody battle with his estranged Brazilian wife. At the end Francois Larivee says the biggest mistake was to marry a Brazilian. I tend to agree with him.
I have lived in Brazil for the last 13 years and I can tell you with all certainty, the Girl from Ipanema is a myth. Men from Europe and America land on the beaches of Brazil and think they have found their dreamgirl. A dream that quickly becomes a nightmare. Tall and tanned and young and lovely??? Only in the song...Reality is that they are short and fat and looking for a sugar daddy to get them out of Brazil..I have sat on airplanes coming out of Brazil next to men absolutely smitten with a girl they met on the beach, whose mother needs money for surgery...Wake up guys!!!!! You are just a bank account for them.And for all of you men going down to Brazil for Carnaval and a good time? Do yourself a favor and wear a condom that YOU provide, because if you get a woman pregnant down there, be prepared to pay at least 30% of your salary in child support, regardless of where you live in the world......
I have a few female Brazilian friends whom I adore, but a number of women from Rio are worthless and unscrupulous. I was part owner of a beauty salon in Barra. My business partner basically made me do everything while she had to pick her kids up from school, go to the beach etc. When I finally decided to get out of the partnership,and have her buy me out, she stopped payment on the cheques she wrote to pay for my portion of the partnership. It has been wallowing in small claims court for over 4 years. She has lied to the subpoena officer by telling her minions to tell the officer that she no longer lives at the said address, yet her children attended school with my son. The money she owes me is not going to make or break me, but its the principle.
There is an article in Macleans about a Montreal businessman who met a 17 year old Brazilian girl and is now fighting a court battle with her in regards to his millions.
The thing I have found in Rio is people are attracted to my internationalism, like it is some sort of status symbol to have me as a friend. Its all great in the beginning, but the same thing that attracts people to me becomes a reason for their contempt further down the road. They think I am pretentious. What a laugh!! ME? Hardly. I had the opportunity to travel the world at a young age and be surrounded by the glamourous life. I learned other languages and delved into the cultures of the places where I lived. I don't rub it into people's faces, and I love to share tidbits about other cultures to people around me.
I want to be clear that I have nothing against Brazilian people, but unfortunately there are enough women(and men) in Brazil who ruin the reputation of the ones who are decent. .
There is an article in the Financial Post about a Canadian businessman who is going through a custody battle with his estranged Brazilian wife. At the end Francois Larivee says the biggest mistake was to marry a Brazilian. I tend to agree with him.
I have lived in Brazil for the last 13 years and I can tell you with all certainty, the Girl from Ipanema is a myth. Men from Europe and America land on the beaches of Brazil and think they have found their dreamgirl. A dream that quickly becomes a nightmare. Tall and tanned and young and lovely??? Only in the song...Reality is that they are short and fat and looking for a sugar daddy to get them out of Brazil..I have sat on airplanes coming out of Brazil next to men absolutely smitten with a girl they met on the beach, whose mother needs money for surgery...Wake up guys!!!!! You are just a bank account for them.And for all of you men going down to Brazil for Carnaval and a good time? Do yourself a favor and wear a condom that YOU provide, because if you get a woman pregnant down there, be prepared to pay at least 30% of your salary in child support, regardless of where you live in the world......
I have a few female Brazilian friends whom I adore, but a number of women from Rio are worthless and unscrupulous. I was part owner of a beauty salon in Barra. My business partner basically made me do everything while she had to pick her kids up from school, go to the beach etc. When I finally decided to get out of the partnership,and have her buy me out, she stopped payment on the cheques she wrote to pay for my portion of the partnership. It has been wallowing in small claims court for over 4 years. She has lied to the subpoena officer by telling her minions to tell the officer that she no longer lives at the said address, yet her children attended school with my son. The money she owes me is not going to make or break me, but its the principle.
There is an article in Macleans about a Montreal businessman who met a 17 year old Brazilian girl and is now fighting a court battle with her in regards to his millions.
The thing I have found in Rio is people are attracted to my internationalism, like it is some sort of status symbol to have me as a friend. Its all great in the beginning, but the same thing that attracts people to me becomes a reason for their contempt further down the road. They think I am pretentious. What a laugh!! ME? Hardly. I had the opportunity to travel the world at a young age and be surrounded by the glamourous life. I learned other languages and delved into the cultures of the places where I lived. I don't rub it into people's faces, and I love to share tidbits about other cultures to people around me.
I want to be clear that I have nothing against Brazilian people, but unfortunately there are enough women(and men) in Brazil who ruin the reputation of the ones who are decent. .
Wednesday, February 11
David Goldman Sees Son After 4 And A Half Years
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Thursday, January 29
Being Single in Rio de Janeiro...Not My 'Beach'.
This is a video from Liz Tucillo(writer of Sex and the City) showing how men and women in Rio de Janeiro think about each other when it comes to relationships.
While I agree with some aspects of this video, I do think Ms. Tucillo was trying a bit too hard to be funny(Carrie she is not). I do,however, think that the blonde woman with the raspy smoker's voice(Lenny Niemeyer,a famous swimsuit designer in Rio) sums it up best, "Brazilian men are great lovers,terrible husbands".
There is one question that keeps coming to mind.."Why do these women put up with such crap from the men??"
While I agree with some aspects of this video, I do think Ms. Tucillo was trying a bit too hard to be funny(Carrie she is not). I do,however, think that the blonde woman with the raspy smoker's voice(Lenny Niemeyer,a famous swimsuit designer in Rio) sums it up best, "Brazilian men are great lovers,terrible husbands".
There is one question that keeps coming to mind.."Why do these women put up with such crap from the men??"
Friday, August 22
Violence Hits Again Close to Home...
My ex boyfriend was carjacked on his motorcycle yesterday. Luckily he came out of it alive. Stuck in traffic, two little SOB's on another motorbike pulled up next to him, put a gun to his head and proceeded to steal his motorbike and his backpack,which contained cash, credit cards, cellphone and iPod.
I am not going to sugarcoat what happened. This is the second time in less than a year that he has been assaulted by thieves.
If you want to have an idea of really what the reality of Rio de Janeiro is, I suggest two movies, City of God and Tropa de Elite(about the elite police squad in Rio de Janeiro).
Its a far cry from the Girl From Ipanema.....
Thursday, July 24
Climbing in Rio
After a quick trip back home, I realized how blessed Cariocas are. Here in Rio there are over 400 climbing routes just in the city alone. This guidebook (written in Portuguese with English translations) shows the croquis of all of the climbing routes in and around the Sugar Loaf mountain. Each croqui shows the height and what material will be needed to scale the route.
Climbing equipment is expensive here, so bring your own from home. There are some good mountaineering shops here in Rio but nothing like Mountain Equipment Co-op.
The best time of year to climb is between April and October.
Wednesday, July 23
Driving in Rio...It Will Drive You Crazy
I have been driving since I was 13 years old. I have driven in almost all of the countries I have lived in, including a Vespa and Rollerblading in Paris, a bicycle in Manhattan and a cruise cross country in a 1967 Pontiac Lemans.
NOTHING prepared me for driving on the streets of Rio de Janeiro. If any of my readers has gone around the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and tried to get off of the go around, well then, you are partly prepared to deal with Rio traffic.
To own a car, one must pay an extranious tax (IPVA) in the neighborhood of 8% of the cars total value on a yearly basis. This tax is to be used for road maintenance. Which brings me to my next point, the road conditions. I wish I had a full time 4x4 4WD vehicle with super suspension. There are holes that have no bottom to them!!! Not only must one drive at Ayrton Senna speed, one must literally dodge the potholes at the same time. Needless to say, the IPVA is misused big time.....
Everyone thinks that they are the incarnation of Ayrton Senna or Nelson Piquet (espcially the men). I think its wonderful that the Brazilian Formula One drivers are doing so well this season, but that doesn't mean that one should emulate them on the roads of Rio.
Truths and tidbits of Driving in Rio
1. Using a signal to tell the driver that you are changing lanes is useless, he wont let you in anyway.
2. Lanes exist, except usually there is someone who creates a third lane on a two lane street to get through traffic. Usually motorcycle messengers, but can be small compact Fiat Uno following an ambulance.
3. Stopping at a red light is optional after midnight. Use the flashing amber light technique taught in Driver's Ed (slow down to see if it is safe to procede, no need to stop)
4. Taxis will cut in front of you. They don't care. They just want the next fare. If you rear end them, you will be responsible (even if it wasn't your fault, their brake lights tend to falter...) Be prepared to pay for 'lost work days'too. Needless to say, I keep an extra eye out for taxis, as I have already had a run-in with one.
5. IF someone does let you in, is courteous etc., a smile and a thumbs up gesture is the best way to thank them.
6. Always drive with windows rolled up, AC on and doors locked. Keep an eye on all your mirrors at stop lights, be aware of what is going on around your car.
Do not react to thieves, do not try to fight back. Keep your hands visible and let them take your purse, your cellphone, the car. Don't look them in the eye. Let them go...you can always get the material stuff back later. I was carjacked here in Rio and I am alive to tell about it.
NOTHING prepared me for driving on the streets of Rio de Janeiro. If any of my readers has gone around the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and tried to get off of the go around, well then, you are partly prepared to deal with Rio traffic.
To own a car, one must pay an extranious tax (IPVA) in the neighborhood of 8% of the cars total value on a yearly basis. This tax is to be used for road maintenance. Which brings me to my next point, the road conditions. I wish I had a full time 4x4 4WD vehicle with super suspension. There are holes that have no bottom to them!!! Not only must one drive at Ayrton Senna speed, one must literally dodge the potholes at the same time. Needless to say, the IPVA is misused big time.....
Everyone thinks that they are the incarnation of Ayrton Senna or Nelson Piquet (espcially the men). I think its wonderful that the Brazilian Formula One drivers are doing so well this season, but that doesn't mean that one should emulate them on the roads of Rio.
Truths and tidbits of Driving in Rio
1. Using a signal to tell the driver that you are changing lanes is useless, he wont let you in anyway.
2. Lanes exist, except usually there is someone who creates a third lane on a two lane street to get through traffic. Usually motorcycle messengers, but can be small compact Fiat Uno following an ambulance.
3. Stopping at a red light is optional after midnight. Use the flashing amber light technique taught in Driver's Ed (slow down to see if it is safe to procede, no need to stop)
4. Taxis will cut in front of you. They don't care. They just want the next fare. If you rear end them, you will be responsible (even if it wasn't your fault, their brake lights tend to falter...) Be prepared to pay for 'lost work days'too. Needless to say, I keep an extra eye out for taxis, as I have already had a run-in with one.
5. IF someone does let you in, is courteous etc., a smile and a thumbs up gesture is the best way to thank them.
6. Always drive with windows rolled up, AC on and doors locked. Keep an eye on all your mirrors at stop lights, be aware of what is going on around your car.
Do not react to thieves, do not try to fight back. Keep your hands visible and let them take your purse, your cellphone, the car. Don't look them in the eye. Let them go...you can always get the material stuff back later. I was carjacked here in Rio and I am alive to tell about it.
Thursday, April 10
DENGUE...Inside the epidemic
My adopted city of Rio de Janeiro is in the midst of a dengue fever epidemic. Over 60 000 cases reported and approximately 70 deaths. The culprit and transmitter of this virus is the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. I was just in Canada, and I brought extra cannisters of Deep Woods OFF for friends and family. As is there is no known cure for dengue, the only way to fight it is to PREVENT it.
So in the name of public health and education, I am doing my part to spread the word on how to prevent dengue.
1. Use repellent. There is kid safe repellent and if you know of anyone going to Canada, ask to bring back Deep Woods OFF (25% DEET)
2. Mosquitoes breed and lay their eggs in stagnant water. Make sure that the water cisterns are sealed. Anything that is a collector of rainwater should be covered or turned over. Examples of such being old tires, bottles, pails.
3. Plants in vases should have the collecting tray removed or filled with sand to prevent water from pooling.
4. Bromeliads and other plants that collect water should be cared for in the following way. To one liter of water, add one tablespoon of Clorox. Spray this on the plant. You can also use used coffee grounds. Add a few teaspoons to the water that is held in the plants. This will poison the water for the mosquito larvae.
5.Put Clorox down drains.
6. Any abandoned building or land should be checked. Call the local authorities so they can gain access to these places and take the correct prevention steps.
It is up to us, conciencious citizens, to spread the word. The mayor of Rio, Cesar Maia, is too busy calling on mediums and spiritual entities to save his skin. Pathetic.....
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