APPS: For Travelers

Hi Guys,

I've selected some apps for those who are coming to Brazil for the games or even for those who like to take pictures and post on social medias.

So here they are:

TRIP ADVISOR - Is a good app to review restaurants, hotels and share your opinion about the city and fun places.

FOURSQUARE - Also a good app to rate places in a city and view other people comments about places. You can check in where you are so it makes easy for your friends to find you! Very clever.

WAZE - For those who are driving or if your taking a cab. View the traffic and use as a navigator. Very useful! 

EASY TAXI - Oh yeah! One of my favorite apps of all. Call a taxi direct from your phone, track where the taxi is and how many minutes it will take for the driver to arrive. You will see his name and picture on your screen.
I wrote another post about Taxi in Rio. Take a look!

PhotoPost - Very very cool app!!! Print your pictures direct from your phone and receive them anywhere in Brazil. Select pictures from Facebook, Instagram, your phone or Dropbox, apply effects and borders, choose the size and you are done! The pictures will be delivered to your address or hotel in a cute envelope! The estimate delivery time is 2 - 4 days for capitals and up to 8 days for other cities. How cool is that? 
Here is how it works:

FRAMATIC - Make collage, add nice borders to your pictures and make them more fun! The rates for this app are very good. No doubt it will be very useful during this World Cup.

If you have any other suggestions please leave a comment below. They are always welcome.

"You develop a sympathy for all human beings when you travel a lot."

Shakuntala Devi

Do you wish to look like a local?

Hello dear readers,

Today this post is for those who like to blend in while traveling and look like a local.

Everyone knows that in Brazil it is sunny all year long, the plants are always green and people are always tan. Wait a minute, that's not true about the tan.
During the 2014 World Cup it will be winter in South America and summer in North America and Europe, so you'll probably be tanner than some Brazilians by then.
So this is a plus!

You can check what the weather would be like by clicking here. There is a post only about climate.

So here are some tips... 
What do Brazilians wear on the daily basis?

#1 - The casual clothes for Brazilians are less casual than some other countries, even to go to the mall, grocery store or college. 

#2 - Girls wear tight clothes, not loose T-shirts for example. A typical girl in São Paulo would wear skinny jeans and a nice blouse. Probably a scarf too. Simple and chic. Dresses are also very common.

#3 - Guys would wear nice shirts or t-shirts with jeans. No button shirt with shorts, but t-shirt with shorts are common. Usually the shirts are basic colors, white, black, blue, maybe light pink, they like to wear long sleeves and fold it. Plaid shirts are also very popular. 

#4 - Girls wear long earrings, it's not common to see diamond jewelry on a daily basis or jewelry by the beach.

Gisele Bündchen drinking chimarrão

#5 - Beach wear: don't mind our bikinis, wear what you are comfortable with, but remember to wear a long shirt (women), cover ups or dress on your way to the beach or pool. The guys usually wear shorts or swim trunks larger on the sides. 

#6 - Flip-flops, the most famous ones are Havaianas, you will find stores in many locations, there are many different styles you can choose from. 

#7 - Brazilians don't eat and drink on the go, specially coffee, but we do drink water. On the south, though, you will observe people drinking something similar to hot tea, it's called chimarrão and in other places they drink another variety of these herbs, but cold. 

#8 - When it's cold girls love high heels boots, a nice coat with jeans.


But remember, it's World Cup, so if you want, you can also wear a Brazilian jersey...
Just kidding!!!

Brazilian Gemstones

Today I'm here to introduce you to few Brazilian gemstones.

Amethyst

While visiting Brazil you won't believe in what your eyes are seeing... It will be easy to find marvelous gemstones for a nice price.

Here are some images, so you can have an idea...

• Amethyst 
• February birthstone
• Purple color
• You can find amethysts in a big variety of cities, and local stores, and also as jewelry in jewelry stores. 
• Paraiba Tourmaline
• First found in the state of Paraiba, northeast of Brazil
• Has a blue tone, just like the ocean
• One of the rarest stones in the world

Paraiba Tourmaline ring with diamonds - Photo by Fernanda Cotrim

Decoration with national stones:

• Blue agate

glrgemasdobrasil.com.br

• Toucans made by many different gems

Caminho das Pedras

•  Loose stones are also a good idea to take home and customize jewelry for you or your wife!

•  Tree made by tiger eye set on amethyst

glrgemasdobrasil.com.br

•  Cacatua made by many gems stand on an amethyst

glrgemasdobrasil.com.br

Visit the most famous Brazilian jewelry stores:

- H. Stern

- Vivara

Taxi in Rio

Hi everyone!

Today's post will talk about taxi / cab in Rio.

Taxi may be a bit expensive but in many situations they are the best option for tourists in Rio.

Photo: What We Did in Rio

The standard taxis are yellow with a blue strip and a red plate, the regular rate, tariff 1 starts at R$ 4.70 - Monday - Saturday from 6 am to 9 pm and charges R$ 1.70 per kilometer.
Tariff 2 charges R$ 2.04 per kilometer  - Monday - Saturday from 9 pm to 6 am, and all day Sunday and holidays.

In my opinion these rates will change during the World Cup, but I will try to keep you updated.

One more thing, the prices I wrote above are not valid for airports, bus stations and hotels in Copacabana, Ipanema and São Conrado. Those places have special taxis from a cooperative that  usually charge 80% more. C'est la vie. Those taxis are from companies named Coopatur and Coopertramo.

On the Go:

If you are on the street and need a cab you call one, but the best option is to look for a stand and get one. This will be easy if you are in a mall, or in a location with many bars. So choose those ones. If you can't find one, remember to look for the ones that look like what I described above.

At the airport:

CNT

You will easily see a stand at the airport: Taxis Credenciados, you can ask the attendants to calculate the price for you, go outside, compare how much the drivers are charging and decide what is the best option for you.

Don't be scared if lots of guys approach you asking if you need a cab, don't rush, take your time and choose the best option. Of course there will be thousands of people at the airport during the World Cup, but there will be many volunteers as well, who speak many languages, that are there to help you. So, don't hesitate to ask.

Usually the taxi drivers are very familiar with the city, but it is always a good idea to have the address written down, specially because some street names are hard to pronounce.

Useful Apps and Websites:

Easy Taxi

• Easy Taxi - This app is very handy, you can choose your payment method, if you need a big trunk (port-mala grande). You will then receive information about the car such as model, and about the driver, name and phone number. You can also track the car. Cool, right?
• Tarifa de Taxi - This website calculates how much you are going to pay for your ride.
• Amarelinho Barra - This is a good option if you are at Barra da Tijuca or Recreio.

I hope this was an useful post for all the dear tourists who visit Rio.

I hope you enjoy your trip!

Tchau!

Since you are in Rio you can also go to...

Rio is well-known by it's natural beauty, but the cities around it are also amazing places to visit. You have the option of visiting some other beaches or going to higher and colder place and enjoying winter the Brazilian way. Check the closest city from Rio you can visit:

(15km) Niterói: is located just on the other side of the bridge. You can go by boat from Praça XV in the center of Rio de Janeiro or you can cross the bridge Rio-Niterói by bus or car. If architecture is your passion you will love the Niemeyer Way, start from the Museum of Contemporary Art and along the way check the many projects created by thes biggest Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer.

"Curves are the essence of my work because they are the essence of Brazil, pure and simple."

Oscar Niemeyer

(72km) Petrópolis: the city started to be developed after Dom Pedro II, emperor of Brazil, built a vacation home there in 1845, nowadays the home is the beautiful Imperial Museum worth visiting. There are no beaches in Petrópolis and the weather is cooler than in Rio. There you will find many nice restaurants, such as Cocotte Bistro, or Casa do Alemão. Save couple of hours to visit the famous brewery Bohemia which is not only a brewery but also a museum located in a beautiful home from the 19th century, where you will learn about the beverage and have a beer tasting. The Crystal Palace is also a place you can visit to listen live classical music, it was inspired by the Crystal Palace of London. Another option is to visit the  Itaipava brewery, one of the most modern of the country (unlikely Bohemia, this one is not a museum).

(179km) Búzios: If you want to enjoy the beach, Búzios may be the right place for you. Búzios is one of the favorite destinations of Argentinians and Chileans, that's because even during the winter you can still enjoy the sun and the crystal clear ocean. During the day you can visit many beaches around, you can stay in Búzios or go to Arraial do Cabo and Cabo Frio, in the evening you can walk thought the Rua das Pedras where you will find nice stores to shop for decorations, clothes, and after that enjoy some nice restaurants in the city. There are also many nice new hotels in the city.

(256km) Paraty: Located between Rio and São Paulo this charming historical city is perfect for everyone and to be visited all year long. You will enjoy walking thought its cobblestone paved streets, will you fall in love with itsthe architecture, the restaurants, and the many stores where you can buy crafts, liquors and much more. 

If you have more suggestions please share it with us.

Rio de Janeiro: Places to Visit

Hello dear readers!

This week we are talking only about Rio de Janeiro, I have already written about the city, hospitality, restaurants, and today let's talk about places you must visit while in Rio.

I've pointed out few places on the map so let's start with them, but zooming in there is much more! 

 - Ipanema Beach and Leblon: Why? Because Ipanema has a cultural importance on the history of Rio. The famous song 'Girl from Ipanema' was written in a bar across the street from the beach, many other famous musicians started their career there playing samba. Also it is still the beaches where cool people go, also there is a nice bike-path from Leblon to Leme where you can bike and admire the landscape and the cariocas. Besides all that, the beach is beautiful, light sand and blue ocean. In the evening stop by to watch the sunset, cariocas even clap to show how much they appreciate nature.

   
- Copacabana Beach: There is a real beach life in Copacabana, people walk everyday at the famous black and white sidewalk, drink coconut water, natural juices, play beach volleyball, futevôlei, frescobol, beach soccer, it is fun for everybody, you also spot the famous Copacabana Palace Hotel and the fireworks at New Year's Eve.

- Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer): Did you know you can go up to the Corcovado Mountain close to the statue? Yes, you can. The view from up there is breathtaking, it is one of the most beautiful scenario you will ever see in this planet. Before going up ask the tour guide if the visibility is clear (because they won't say if you don't ask). You can take a train that goes up thought the Tijuca National Park, the largest forest within a city in the world. Once you get there you can go up to the top by escalator or you can take the elevator. 

- Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf): Another amazing place from where you can see the whole city of Rio de Janeiro. To go up there you take a cable car. A truly fun experience. If you are a little more adventurous ask your travel guide about hiking up the Sugar Loaf.

- Lapa: Have you read the post about appetizers? If you go to Lapa, you will listen to live samba music, and bossa nova enjoying those delicious appetizers, beer, and caipirinha. If you don't drink alcohol try the natural juices. You can take a cab and once you are there you can walk to the bars and restaurants.   

- Botanic Garden: It was created by the King of United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and Algarves, Dom João VI. It is the biggest Botanic Garden of the country. Usually it takes 1 hour to see everything, just grab a map at the entrance and enjoy it. You won't need a tour guide.

- Santa Teresa: This is a more cultural destination where you can visit museums, buy souvenirs, pieces of art, take many pictures, and go to restaurants. It is a very charming place to visit, the best way to get there is by cab.

- Art Museum (MAR): If you like architecture and arts you can't miss it. The new museum is very beautiful inside and has an astonishing architecture from outside. 


More links about Rio:
Hospitality
Restaurants
Other cool places to visit

Rio de Janeiro: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Hello readers! Today's post is about food. This is a though post because I can't list all the good restaurants in Rio and because usually the food will be good everywhere haha so I will need your help. I will list a few and you will share your opinion too so we have more options. Deal or no deal? 

Breakfast - Many hotels, and hostels include breakfast but if you want to have breakfast somewhere else, or if your hotel don't serve breakfast you can have a delicious breakfast at a bakery. Click here to read the post about coffee.

CONFEITARIA COLOMBO - served on the second floor at Bar Jardim from 9 am to 11 am. On Sundays there's a buffet with fixed price of R$37.00 per person.
Website: Confeitaria Colombo
Location: Centro

BISTRÔ CASA DO PÃO - Sat, Sun, Holidays from 9 am to 1 pm

Website: Casa do Pão

Location: Rua General Garzon, 10 - Lagoa - Rio de Janeiro

LA BICYCLETTE - French Café, excellent coffee. I love the banana and oatmeal cake, and the whole wheat baguette. Detail: the check comes in a cute basket.
Website: La Bicyclette - Portuguese and French
Location: Jardim Botânico

CEREAL - open to public on Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm.
Website: Cereal
Location: Santa Teresa

CONTEMPORÂNEO HOSTEL - Tue - Fri from 7:30 am - 10:30 am / Sat and Sun from 7:30 - 1 pm
Website: Contemporaneo
Location: Botafogo

GRINGO CAFÉ - Open everyday from 8:30 am to 11 pm

Website: Gringo Café

Location: Rua Barão da Torre 240 - Ipanema

Lunch - In Brazil lunch is a bigger meal than dinner, so you will find nice buffets worth trying, restaurants por quilo, that means you pay for the weight of what you put on your plate.

VIENA - per kilo (self-service)

Website: Viena

Locations: Barra Shopping - Barra da Tijuca and many other locations, usually inside malls

RÁSCAL - per kilo (self-service) - Mediterranean cuisine

Website: Ráscal

Locations: Shopping Leblon, Shopping Rio Sul and Casa Shopping

PORCÃO: Steakhouse

Website: Porcão

Locations: Many locations, you can check them all on the website.

Dinner - You can always go out for dinner and later on enjoy the nightlife in Rio. There are many nice bars where you can try out greatest appetizers and beers. 

POMODORINO - Italian Cuisine, they prepare an artisan pasta and serve with meat, fish or seafood.

Website: Pomodorino

Location: Avenida Epitácio Pessoa, 1104 - Lagoa

FOGO DE CHÃO - Steakhouse

Website: Fogo de Chão

Location: Botafogo

FASANO AL MARE (HOTEL) - Seafood

Website: Fasano

Location: Av. Vieira Souto, 80 - Ipanema

PIZZARIA CARIOCA DA GEMA - Brazilian and Pizza - The Pizzaria Carioca da Gema is next to the bar that carries the same name. Ideal if you want to eat and then enjoy the nightlife having few beers with your friends or to meet new people - 18 or older. Remember to make reservation - (21) 2221-0043 / (21) 2508-6952 

Website: Carioca da Gema

Location: Lapa

Sunset by Rodrigo_Soldon via Flickr

Rio de Janeiro: Hospitality

This post will be dedicated to the hospitality in general, it's a post for you who want a nice, comfortable hotel, for you whose focus is the city, for the adventure travelers and those who want to save money. You should as well concern the location. Later on, maybe next year, I will write another post about hospitality because there are many hotels being built for the World Cup and because many people will host the travelers at their homes. But for those who like to plan the trip in advance this is a helpful post. 

By the way... while I'm writing this post I'm surprised to find out that many hotel already don't have vacancies for the World Cup. So hurry up! 

$$$$$ COPACABANA PALACE - Copacabana Beach 

Website: Copacabana

Breakfast not included

$$$$$ HOTEL SANTA TERESA - Santa Teresa

Website: Santa Teresa 

Breakfast not included

$$$$$ SOFITEL - Ipanema

Website: Sofitel

Breakfast not included

$$$$ WINDSOR ATLANTICA - Leme

Website: Windsor

Breakfast included

$$$ IPANEMA PLAZA - Ipanema
Website: Ipanema Plaza

Breakfast included

$$$ TROPICAL BARRA HOTEL - Barra da Tijuca

Website: Tropical

Breakfast included

$$ IBIS SANTOS DUMONT - Centro

Website: Ibis

Breakfast not included

$$ .OZTEL - Botafogo

Website: .Oztel

Breakfast included 

$$ CASA AMARELO - Santa Teresa
Website: Casa Amarelo
Breakfast included

$ ADVENTURE HOSTEL - Ipanema

Website: Adventure

Breakfast included

$ LEBLON SPOT DESIGN HOSTEL - Leblon

Website: Spot

Breakfast included

$ BOSSA IN RIO HOSTEL - Santa Teresa
Website: Bossa in Rio
Breakfast included

$ CONTEMPORÂNEO HOSTEL - Botafogo
Website: Contemporaneo
Breakfast included

*Dear readers, I couldn't list all the hotels located in Rio, so if you need any help please contact me and I will do my best to help you. Hope you have an amazing trip!

Maracanã Stadium: Rua Professor Eurico Rabelo - Rio de Janeiro, 20271-150, Brazil ‎

Brazilian Football

Hello dear readers!
You all know that the amazing Spain has won the last World Cup in South Africa, and that Italy has won the 2006 World Cup in Germany... 
Take a look on the most recent FIFA's ranking*:

1. Spain
2. Germany
3. Argentina
4. Colombia
5. Belgium

*updated on October 18, 2013

Brazil is not even on Top 10... so what makes Brazil always a favorite? What makes Brazil so special when we talk about soccer / football?

Brazil is the only country to win the World Cup 5 times, the only country to be present in every single edition. On Fifa's all-time ranking Brazil is still the number one, followed by Italy and Argentina. Have you heard names such as Ronaldo? Rivaldo? Kaká? How about Pelé? Yes you sure have, and you have heard many other names because Brazilians have always been among the best players in the world. Football is by far our biggest passion, our most popular sport. Our players are serious about winning, but not so serious after every goal scored! They love to perform dances, create different choreographies to each game, they are always smiling, showing the world the beautiful game. Football has the power of uniting people from different backgrounds, it reflects the happiness that is always present in our lives. 

Brazil has always been a happy place on Earth, and lately it has shown that is also synonym of progress, opportunity, and stable economy. Brazil is modern, and diverse. We are ready to host amazing events starting next month up to the following years and you are invited to come to our country and celebrate with us.

Friendly Games:

Next game: June 3rd, 2014
Brazil x Panamá at Serra Dourada - Goiânia

Next game: June 6th, 2014
Brazil x Serbia at Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro
Buy your tickets at totalacesso.com.br

The video below shows how Brazil got their famous uniform.

 

Catholic Churches Worth Visiting

On July 22nd the Pope Francis comes to Brazil on his first official international travel for the Apostolic Journey. In Brazil over 120 million people follow the Roman Catholic religion, more than any other country in the world. Today I will show you the amazing churches you can't miss.

Rafael 1984 on Flickr

National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida - Every year over 9 million people visit this Shrine which is the second biggest of the world, smaller only than the Saint Peter Basilica at Vatican. in 1717, when the city was lacking food, three fishermen fished, as a miracle, the image of Virgin Mary from the Paraíba do Sul River, a sign that the city of Aparecida would be blessed. From that time on Aparecida became a religious destinatination for Brazilians and international tourists.  Address: Av. Júlio Prestes, Aparecida - SP. Distance from São Paulo: 188 km, from Rio: 269 km.

Cathedral of Brasilia

Cathedral of Brasilia - one of the most famous projects of the architect Oscar Niemeyer, the Cathedral has 16 columns that meet in the center and separate again on top. It started to be built in 1958 and was finished in 1970. 
Part of the Cathedral was built bellow the ground level, so from inside it looks bigger. Address: Esplanada dos Ministérios, lote 12 - Brasilia, DF. Hours: Mon - Fri 8 am to 6 pm / Sat 8 am to 5 pm / Sun 8 am to 6 pm

Cathedral of Sé - The beautiful Cathedral in gothic architecture style is located in the centre of São Paulo city, it's construction started in 1598 and finished in 1612. The dates are impressive considering that Brazil was discovered in 1500, but in 1954 the Cathedral was totally remodeled. Address: Praça da Sé - São Paulo, 01001-000 Hours: Mon - Fri 8 am to 7 pm / Sat 8 am to 5 pm / Sun 8 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm. For more information visit: Catedral da Sé.

Mosteiro de São Bento

Mosteiro de São Bento - The first construction is dated 400 years ago, but this beautiful, huge construction you will see is the forth one, from 1922. The project was made by Richard Berndl, professor at the University of Munich, one of the best architects in Germany. On the last Sunday of each month, after the mass you can stay for brunch, the food is prepared by the monks and good chefs from São Paulo. To buy the tickets please call +55 (11) 2440-7837 talk to Silvia. You can also buy bread, pastries at the Mosteiro's bakery, or online, check the website: Bakery   Address: Largo de São Bento (Centro) - São Paulo.

São Francisco de Assis

Church of São Francisco de Assis - At Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, both the church and the region are worth visiting. The chuch was projected by the famous architect Oscar Niemeyer in 1940. Inside you will admire the paints of Portinari. Address: Avenida Otacílio Negrão de Lima, 3000 - Pampulha - Hours: Tue - Sat and holidays from 9 am to 5 pm. Sun 12 pm to 5 pm. Sunday mass: 9:30 am.

Catedral Basilica - It is said that the city of Salvador, Bahia has over 365 churches. The Basilica Cathedral is the most impressive of the city, it has golden altars on the side, rich in details. Pay attention on the celling made of tridimensional images. Address: Terreiro de Jesus (Pelourinho) - Hours: Mon - Sat 8:30 am to 11:30 am / 1:30 pm to 5 pm. On Sundays it's open only for masses, at 9 am and 6 pm.

Church and Convent of Sao Francisco

Church and Convent of São Francisco - this church impresses for the amount of gold it has all over the place. It was build with the financial help of the Portuguese King and Christian followers. The church has a baroque style, very rich in details; the marble floor imitates rugs. Avoid visiting the church at mass hours (Tue at 7, 8 am and 4, 6 pm / Wed and Thu 7:15 am and 6 pm / Fri 7:15 am / Sat 7:30 am / Sun at 8 am), it's free but it's not allowed to walk around and take pictures. 
The church is open on Mon from 9 am to 5:30 pm / Tue 9 am to 2:45 pm / Wed - Sat 9 am to 5:30 pm, on Sundays is necessary to book a visit. It costs R$ 5.00 (around US$ 2.50). Address - Largo Cruzeiro São Francisco - Pelourinho - Salvador

São Francisco da Penitencia - Creative Commons/Enrique Lopez Tamayo Biosca

Igreja de São Francisco da Penitencia - If you are in Rio, this is a church worth visiting. When you look from outside you can't tell how impressive it is inside. 
The church has a baroque style, from the front door, you can take a nice a picture. Address: Largo da Carioca - Centro - Rio de Janeiro. Hours: Mon - Fri 9 am - 12 pm /  1pm - 4 pm.

Nossa Senhora do Carmo da Antiga Sé - Also in Rio, this church has lot of historical importance. It was there that occurred the consecration of Dom João VI as King of Portugal in 1816, and Dom Pedro I and II as Emperors of Brazil. 

To learn more the Sound and Light click here, screw the page down to read it in English. Address: Rua 7 de setembro, 12 - Centro - Rio de Janeiro. Hours: Mon - Fri 7 am to 4 pm / Sat and Sun 9 am to 12 pm.       

Nossa Senhora do Carmo da Antiga Sé - Flickr: LL Silva