Short history of Ipanema in Rio de JaneiroThis neighbourhood is relatively new. Only in 1894 this area was turned from farm area to parcelled land prepared for residential construction. The earliest movement in the city development was from Botafogo to Jardim Botanico and then slowly towards the beach. Only after the construction of tunels from Botafogo to Copacabana did it become easy for Cariocas to move to the beach areas.
Until the 1960s the noble neighbourhood was Copacabana. As this lost some of its status and persons in the intellectual elite started to frequent bars and restaurants in Ipanema, this area eventually became to more chique area in Rio de Janeiro.
Rio de Janeiro Guide
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Carnaval Lapa 2012
This was my first Carnaval staying basically in Lapa and city center. As a Gringo, certain elements were disapointing, mostly so the Bola Preta parade on the first saturday of the Carneval. Bola Preta parade is the most popular one, with estimate of up to 2 and a half million, and considered a must see. I do not know, however, if it primarily became a must see after it had become the largest parade. For me, again as a Gringo, the music was very dull. Lacking toilets you can not drink, and with so many people one really can´t move around at all.
The most positive experience - of which there were many, including daily free concerts next to the archs - was concerts with the Samba School bands. For R$50 one got access to live show at Circo Voador right next to the Archs. If you think of Carneval as dancing mulattas and catchy rhytmic music, THIS was the place to be with the most famous bands in the city, including Beija-Flor, which was an amazing experience. Unlike when listening to the street bands, you also have easy access to toilet. Easy access to toilet means you can drink plenty and enjoy.
For more information about this city visit our Rio de Janeiro guide.
Online learning resource with Norwegian Learning.
The most positive experience - of which there were many, including daily free concerts next to the archs - was concerts with the Samba School bands. For R$50 one got access to live show at Circo Voador right next to the Archs. If you think of Carneval as dancing mulattas and catchy rhytmic music, THIS was the place to be with the most famous bands in the city, including Beija-Flor, which was an amazing experience. Unlike when listening to the street bands, you also have easy access to toilet. Easy access to toilet means you can drink plenty and enjoy.
For more information about this city visit our Rio de Janeiro guide.
Online learning resource with Norwegian Learning.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Copacabana's Short History
Particular for European tourists the short history of southern part of Rio de Janeiro is met with surprise.
A mere 120 years ago what is the areas of Leme and Copacabana were basically farm lands.
Only when Tunel Velho (old tunel) was inagurated inagurated in 1892 and Tunel Novo (the new tunel) was inagurated in 1906 there were easy access to this neighbourhood.
Fast forwarding the neighbourhood became area for the rich until 1950s when smaller apartments were built. Today most buildings are neither new or older than 60 years.
The building which to the largest degree has been associated with development of the area is Copacabana Palace built in connection with the 100th anniversary of Brazil in 1922. A joint governmental and private enterprise with architceture heavily influenced by hotel Negresco in Nice.
To see more information visit Apartamento Rio de Janeiro.
A mere 120 years ago what is the areas of Leme and Copacabana were basically farm lands.
Only when Tunel Velho (old tunel) was inagurated inagurated in 1892 and Tunel Novo (the new tunel) was inagurated in 1906 there were easy access to this neighbourhood.
Fast forwarding the neighbourhood became area for the rich until 1950s when smaller apartments were built. Today most buildings are neither new or older than 60 years.
The building which to the largest degree has been associated with development of the area is Copacabana Palace built in connection with the 100th anniversary of Brazil in 1922. A joint governmental and private enterprise with architceture heavily influenced by hotel Negresco in Nice.
To see more information visit Apartamento Rio de Janeiro.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Carnival history and background
The Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is held before Lent every year.
The Carnival is considered the biggest in the world with two million people per day on the streets.
First records of the festivities dates back to 1723.
Basically there are two parts of the Carnival. The one most on TV are the competition between the Samba Schools. Each school choose a theme and present it via a 80 minutes parade. The parades are performed in the Sambodromo.
For the visitors the street carnival is atleast as entertaining. Program which usually includes daily activities in city center and in the south zone.
Daily activities from 18th to 21nd of february 2012:
From 20:00 Concerts at Samba Land
From 20:00 Concerts in Lapa
From 23:00 Rio Scala Ball
For the Complete schedule visit - Carnival schedule 2012.
The Carnival is considered the biggest in the world with two million people per day on the streets.
First records of the festivities dates back to 1723.
Basically there are two parts of the Carnival. The one most on TV are the competition between the Samba Schools. Each school choose a theme and present it via a 80 minutes parade. The parades are performed in the Sambodromo.
For the visitors the street carnival is atleast as entertaining. Program which usually includes daily activities in city center and in the south zone.
Daily activities from 18th to 21nd of february 2012:
From 20:00 Concerts at Samba Land
From 20:00 Concerts in Lapa
From 23:00 Rio Scala Ball
For the Complete schedule visit - Carnival schedule 2012.
Monday, January 9, 2012
New years eve experience
This year my new years eve experience was not what it used to be.
Generally I have only good things to say about celebrating new years eve in Rio de Janeiro.
I still hold the same view - however with a few modifications.
This year I stayed in Santa Tereas/Lapa region. Which means I would have to take the metro to get to Copacabana. This experience in itself was not as bad as I thought it would be but still hardly comfortable. One has buy the tickets in advance. Due to bad weather we bought our tickets for 21-22hs. The metro was completely crowded. We left the metro in station Cardeal Arcoverde which is the first metro station on Copacabana. Leaving the tunnel propably took 20-30 minutes as it was completely crowded. Imaging walking in the speed of a 2 year old for 400 meters.
Secondly we ended up in front of Copacabana Palace. Here the crowd was much worse. In the tunnel it was orderly - in front of this hotel we were not alone in trying to get away and when it started to move one had no control - one got pushed from many sides. Some people panicked and a few got problem breathing problems.
Thirdly, the weather was bad. Despite this it was not too bad taking the metro back home.
In short, it is extremely more comfortable to stay close to the beach in south zone of Rio. This probably holds more true when weather is not optimal. Of some reason I believe I have always been away from the most crowded places on the beach previous years. You HAVE to avoid the most crowded places after 23hs.
If you can afford a hotel or rental apartment in walking distance to the beach - go for it!
English definition is an online resource for adult English learners.
Generally I have only good things to say about celebrating new years eve in Rio de Janeiro.
I still hold the same view - however with a few modifications.
This year I stayed in Santa Tereas/Lapa region. Which means I would have to take the metro to get to Copacabana. This experience in itself was not as bad as I thought it would be but still hardly comfortable. One has buy the tickets in advance. Due to bad weather we bought our tickets for 21-22hs. The metro was completely crowded. We left the metro in station Cardeal Arcoverde which is the first metro station on Copacabana. Leaving the tunnel propably took 20-30 minutes as it was completely crowded. Imaging walking in the speed of a 2 year old for 400 meters.
Secondly we ended up in front of Copacabana Palace. Here the crowd was much worse. In the tunnel it was orderly - in front of this hotel we were not alone in trying to get away and when it started to move one had no control - one got pushed from many sides. Some people panicked and a few got problem breathing problems.
Thirdly, the weather was bad. Despite this it was not too bad taking the metro back home.
In short, it is extremely more comfortable to stay close to the beach in south zone of Rio. This probably holds more true when weather is not optimal. Of some reason I believe I have always been away from the most crowded places on the beach previous years. You HAVE to avoid the most crowded places after 23hs.
If you can afford a hotel or rental apartment in walking distance to the beach - go for it!
English definition is an online resource for adult English learners.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
New years eve in Rio de Janeiro
For the ones not making it to the new years eve for 2011 it is a good idea to think about not going next year. As there are so many people on the beach this particular date it can be easy to blend in even for Gringos. Remember this is high holiday season also for Brazilians.
With this being holiday also for brazilians it is good advice to try to stay several days AFTER new years eve. If you rent an apartment (which may be a very good option) the minimum retal period generally is 10 days so very short stays can become very expensive counted on a per day basis. Particularly also if you arrive from another continent. With this time also being a vacation period for Brazilians most of them have to go to work on the first work day after the celebrations. THIS is the time to calmy visit the major tourist spots.
In addition your air travel also become far more comfortable if you can avoid the airport during the first days before and after.
When that is said - yes it is much cheaper to arrive after new years eve and avoid all the problems.
However, atleast once you should experience new years eve on Copacabana beach together with hundreds of thousands of other locals and visitors.
With this being holiday also for brazilians it is good advice to try to stay several days AFTER new years eve. If you rent an apartment (which may be a very good option) the minimum retal period generally is 10 days so very short stays can become very expensive counted on a per day basis. Particularly also if you arrive from another continent. With this time also being a vacation period for Brazilians most of them have to go to work on the first work day after the celebrations. THIS is the time to calmy visit the major tourist spots.
In addition your air travel also become far more comfortable if you can avoid the airport during the first days before and after.
When that is said - yes it is much cheaper to arrive after new years eve and avoid all the problems.
However, atleast once you should experience new years eve on Copacabana beach together with hundreds of thousands of other locals and visitors.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Catacumba Park
Catacumba Park or "Parque da Catacumba" is a place rarely visited.
It is located in Avenida Epitácio Pessoa 3000 in Lagoa.
If you are arriving to the Lagoa from Copacabana or Ipanema away from Leblon, the park is only a short walk away and provides a great view to the Lagoon and Gávea. Going to the left inside the park leading to the view point you also will receive ample information about the history of the area. An interesting story also for people who are not history buffs.
One warning though - If walking to the 15th floor via the stairs is beyond your reach. This park is not for you. It is not long to the top of the park. However it is all via the stairs. If you intend to take photographs of the Lagoon and Gávea from the top be aware that Lighting conditions are very difficult mid day.
With all that said. IF you enjoy walking and are staying not too far from the park it is well worth a visit.
It is located in Avenida Epitácio Pessoa 3000 in Lagoa.
If you are arriving to the Lagoa from Copacabana or Ipanema away from Leblon, the park is only a short walk away and provides a great view to the Lagoon and Gávea. Going to the left inside the park leading to the view point you also will receive ample information about the history of the area. An interesting story also for people who are not history buffs.
One warning though - If walking to the 15th floor via the stairs is beyond your reach. This park is not for you. It is not long to the top of the park. However it is all via the stairs. If you intend to take photographs of the Lagoon and Gávea from the top be aware that Lighting conditions are very difficult mid day.
With all that said. IF you enjoy walking and are staying not too far from the park it is well worth a visit.
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