Posted in Brazil Facts, News, Random Musings, Rio de Janeiro on 12. Nov, 2011
Hi all, This will be an historic weekend here in Rio. The BPChoque, the “Shock Troops” of the Military Police – Brazil’s SWAT – will occupy Rocinha, Rio’s largest favela. If you saw the 2008 version of The Hulk, starring Edward Norton, you will probably remember the opening sequence in which a helicopter flies over a [...]
Posted in My Trips, Rio de Janeiro, Tips for Travelers, Travel Recommendations on 20. Oct, 2011
Hi all, As usual, I’m playing catch up. This post is about an event from last week, Dia da Criança, or Children’s Day. Although an internationally-recognized day to recognize children’s rights, I don’t remember its being celebrated in the US. Its recognition might vary from state to state. Here in Brazil, Children’s Day is celebrated [...]
Posted in News, Rio de Janeiro on 17. Oct, 2011
Hi all, Wow, so much has been happening in Rio recently. I’ve been busy with my life, but will try to catch you up this week. Early last Thursday, about 7:30 AM, an explosion burst from a downtown restaurant, spewting debris and picking up and hurling unfortunate passersby over 100 feet. Three were killed and [...]
Posted in Activities, Rio de Janeiro on 03. Oct, 2011
Hi all, If I asked you what the largest concert event in the world is, would you guess Rock in Rio? I wouldn’t have. As I got up this morning, the stragglers from last night’s performances down in Barra were probably just falling into bed. Rock in Rio began this year on Friday, September 23rd, [...]
Posted in Brazil Facts, Rio de Janeiro on 07. Sep, 2011
Hi all, It’s very quiet this morning here in RIo. It’s September 7th – Brazil’s Independence Day – and most folks seem to be sleeping in. Brazil’s road to independence was much different the than US’s. Whereas the US fought a long and bloody war – which they nearly lost in the early days of [...]
Posted in News, Rio de Janeiro on 04. Sep, 2011
Hi all, Last Saturday, as I was traveling back to Rio, a bonde car – the electric tram – derailed in Santa Teresa, a hilly bohemian neighborhood near Rio’s downtown. Five people were killed and almost 60 were injured. While no official cause has been given, a number of factors appear to have contributed to [...]
Posted in Rio de Janeiro on 01. Aug, 2011
Hi all, My buddy Greg loves Brazil and also keeps current with tech stuff. He sent me an email this weekend about a camera which automaticaly shoots and uploads pictures of Rio at intervals. Here’s the link: http://www.earthcam.com/brazil/riodejaneiro/. Greg figures the camera must be mounted on a hotel. The current series of pictures isn’t very clear, [...]
Posted in News, Rio de Janeiro on 24. Jul, 2011
Hi all, Recently I wrote that Brazil is hosting the World Military Games. Today Brazil and the US squared off in basketball – and Brazil won, 59 to 52. Argh. Yes, I live in Brazil now, and so am happy for their team, but come on! We INVENTED the game, guys! Here’s the game, presented [...]
Posted in Activities, My Trips, Rio de Janeiro, Travel Recommendations on 11. Jul, 2011
Hi all, You may have read my post from a couple months back about hostels here in Rio. Hostels are one way to save some money when visiting this increasingly expensive city. Hostels have become more upscale. Don’t expect to find huge dorm rooms with racks of bunk beds. HostelBookers.com is a great place to [...]
Posted in News, Rio de Janeiro on 08. Jul, 2011
Hi all, I have said before here on JIB that the dangers of Rio are exaggerated. I may have to revise that statement. What? Are the drug lords making a resurgence? No, the “pacification” of the favelas by the BOPE (local SWAT teams) and UPP (“Unification Police”) continues steadily. Are robberies on the rise? Assaults? [...]
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