"Business visit in Brazil" a Rio de Janeiro Travel Page by whvcebu

A fascinating city. I wished my time would have been triple as much and that would not be enough. Although I spent most of my time for business and was guarded pretty well by my business partners during day time. Sunday I spent at Ipanema beach and remembered the song: The girls from Ipanema. They are really incredible. Indeed fascinating. First time in my life I saw a "Tanga" and a T-shirt on top. From behind it looked like there were no panties. That was at a time nobody in Germany would ever think that 20 years later that piece of ladies wear would find a way to Europe.

In the evening, after dark it is quite useful to observe some hints:

Rich and poor are living many times door to door. Therefore, criminality is obviously possible. Public transportation is not satisfactory. To reach destination you will have to change many times. Beware of pick pocket thieves. You need to take taxis and preferrably look for radio equipped taxis in the evening.

Even at Ipanema beach opposite Caesar Park hotel you have to be careful when vendors are approaching in groups. While you are in conversation with one, another will take the chance and check on your property on your towel. Your camera might not be there anymore in a split of a second and you'll never see those fast youngsters.

Not far away from Ipanema, just in walking distance to the Sheraton there are "Favela"-Areas where the poor have built their cheap accomodations.

I stayed at the Caesar Park where you have a safe in every room . Leave all your valuables at the hotel and take only that much money as absolutely necessary.
Nevertheless, you will enjoy your time in Rio de Janeiro. I enjoyed Caesar Park very much.

Here are some tips:

Don't wear expensive jewelery
Don't check into a bus alone
Stay in southern parts of the city
Make a copy of your passport and leave the passport in the hotel safe