"Tudo Beim?" Rio de Janeiro by Ramonq

click: Ipanema song

Rio de Janeiro, or more popularly known as "Rio", is one of my favourite cities in the world. Despite the highly-visible poverty precariously hanging on the cliffs above Rio, this city is very likeable and definitely has a charming character that's etched on most Cariocas' (natives of Rio) faces. Maybe its because of the Carioca's attitude to life which is quite infectious. The sun-drenched tanned faces normally carry a smile or two. Even in difficult times, they know how to party and not to take life too seriously. The name Rio de Janeiro sounds appealing too. I like the way the Cariocas speak their certain brand of Portuguese. Musical and comforting. Places in Rio often sound very enticing....Copacobana, Ipanema, Barra de Tijuca, Corcovado, Pao de Azucar, the names just ooze sensuality; and wait when the Cariocas pronounce them!

Rio de Janeiro which means "River of January" is not located on a riverside at all. The early settlers thought the scenic rocky bay and coves were part of a river and hence named it on the month they first saw it. I have been to Cape Town, Hong Kong, and San Francisco, but nothing beats Rio's unusual rocky mountains and beautiful coves.

Corcovado

For me, the Cristo Redentor symbolises Rio. I really like the serene and imposing monument of Christ the Redeemer towering over this beautiful city with His arms outstretched as if welcoming anyone who visits this city. I think the statue succinctly represents the people of Rio de Janeiro, friendly and welcoming. Mostly financed through church donations across Catholic Brazil and even the Vatican, the 30 metre high statue became a reality and was inaugurated in 1932. At night, the statue is lit up and can be viewed from many angles across the city. Like the statue, nightlife in Rio can be mesmerising too.

Rio de Janeiro has grown in all directions from the Centro. The Centro itself is an interesting place to visit. Colonial Portuguese buildings and futuristic 1960's style highrise buildings jostle for attention as one walks on pedestrianised mosaic-paved streets (so typically Brazilian).

Some of the suburbs of Rio have distinct characters of their own. The picturesque inner suburbs of Santa Teresa located high above Rio is quite a contrast to the modern city with its narrow streets and stately colonial houses looking down on the modern city below. Flamengo and Botafogo are interesting inland suburbs that used to be residential district of Rio's elite. These suburbs now have bars and clubs, frequented by Cariocas. Then there are the favelas, or slums, which, some, have become tourist spots in themselves. These favelas, located on the hills above the city, have afforded themselves some of the most marvelous views of Rio!

Of course Rio is known for its long white-sand beaches. The most famous ones are Ipanema and Copacobana. Many songs have been written about these 2 beaches that they have become legendary. Hugging the Atlantic Ocean, Ipanema and Copacabana beaches give Cariocas some breathing space from the smog and also a chance to flaunt their happy-go-lucky lifestyle. Ipanema , the more upmarket of the twin beaches, has swanky shops and restaurants among the long string of medium-rise buildings a stone throw away from the beach. Copacabana is more streetwise yet laid back and has a reputation for some edgy sleazy nightlife.

The beaches of Rio have been the focal point where tourists and locals congregate to enjoy la dolce-vita. Rio has expanded further south and Barra de Tijuca is gaining a lot of popularity for many well-off residents.

Rio de Janeiro is legendary for its relaxed party atmosphere and the Cariocas certainly know how to live it up. One of the greatest party in the world is held here a few weeks before Lenten season. It's called the Mardi Gras or the Rio Carnivale. Months of frenetic preparation for this weeklong event culminate in the explosion of colours and sounds through outlandish fashion and rythmic samba music. Its actually one big competition on which samba school has the best and most outlandish presentation.

The Carnival is the ultimate Rio expression of hedonism and happy-go-lucky approach to life. When life can be tough, why bother moping and finger-pointing, when you can just easily dance your troubles away. That's why I like this city very much.

• Pros:Marvelous sceneries
• Cons:Economic disparity
• In a nutshell:Carnival atmosphere