Rockin’ Rio de Janeiro this Olympics

Oh Rio Rio Rio, the Cidade Maravilhosa, the Marvelous City, one of the most beautiful cities in all of South America and the world. The beaches, the food, the dancing, the people, the beautiful winter summer like weather and of course soccer. There simply is no place like Rio. Not only is the city on a constant vibrant vibe, this summer (northern hemisphere) or winter (southern hemisphere) is made even more special with the Olympics starting this Saturday. The Olympic torch was lit on April 21 at the Greek town of Olympia and is still in its world tour until it reaches its final destination and will finally be lit at the Maracana stadium by none other than the Brazilian soccer legend Pele. The torch represents a message of shared humanity, it’s a symbol that unites countries and tests their strengths in the best way they could in an event that is anticipated by all every four years. What better way to celebrate the unity in a city that was built by numerous ethnicities making it the Rio that is known today.
The city is blessed with one of the most beautiful natural settings for a growing metropolis. The area known as Lagoa is one of the most exclusive and expensive areas of the city, the neighborhood sits on a lagoon known as Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, bordering Copacabana and Gavea districts. The postcard worthy area has some of the most beautiful beach fronts with great areas for outdoor outings with friends, the kids or simply on your own. There is an abundance of restaurants and cafes on the beachfront to enjoy Rio 2016 canoe sprint event and rowing events next to the Lagoa Stadium.
Alright I have to admit, Barry Manilow’s song “Copacabana at the Copa” is stuck in my head and it just won’t stop. The beautiful turquoise and emerald green waters off the city are breathtaking. Beach goers head down to relax, catch some sun or catch a game of soccer or volleyball. Cariocas love their beaches and visitors can take a stroll along the long promenade checking out some of the kiosk stands selling everything from coconut juice to smoothies, to delicious Frutos do ma a provencal (salmon dish with vegetables and special sauce), meat kabobs to pizza rolls... lots of options to choose from. For a more settled meal, Copacabana is not short of restaurants, you have churrascaria (traditional barbecue restaurants), empadas, quiejo coalho, sacole and so much more. Some of the games will be held at the Fort Copacabana, just a few minutes walk from the beach area where you can catch the cycling road event, marathon swimming and triathlon competitions. There will be large viewing screens spread about the area to enjoy while lounging on the beach.
Brazil gave the world Pele, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Kaka, Romario, Roberto Carlos and so many epic soccer players the world will never forget. Brazil, the land of football, will hold its soccer events at the Olympics and Marcana stadiums, Corinthains Arena, Forte Nova Arena, Mane Garrincha Stadium and Mineirao. One of the most anticipated events of the Olympics has to be the soccer events, there is mutual love for the game from almost every participating country and what better than having them in Brazil! Brazilians practically live for samba and football.
A trip to Rio isn’t complete without a visit to Lapa neighborhood located in the downtown area of Rio known as Centro famous for its historical architecture and monuments dating back to colonial Brazil in the mid 1800’s. Centro is a major hub for Brazilian artists and where intellectuals would meet in an area known for its lively cultural community with a bohemian flare. The Escadaria Selaron is one of the most famous attractions of the area, you might’ve picked it up from Michael Jackson’s music video “They don’t really care about us,” a series of steps of ceramic tiles collected from over 60 countries of the world was designed by Jorge Selaron, a vision he constructed and described it as a “never complete” work of art that will never end until the day of his death.
Fevalas or slums might sound a bit shady to visit but the steep hills of Rio are riddled with them. There are some so tight knit with residents living in colorful painted wood or brick houses built in such close proximity to one another that cars can’t drive through. The fevala have gone under intense structuring making it safer for residents and tourists alike. The most populated fevala is Roncinha, over 70,000 people live in the area with one main road passing through the steep hilly neighborhood. The Santa Teresa neighborhood is considered an upper class borough where many intellectuals, academics, politicians and artists’ studios, galleries and residences are located, a very fashionable area with a lot of art influenced cafes and community centers.
In between attending or watching your favorite events, Rio de Janeiro offers more than just beaches and beach front restaurants, there are many sightseeing excursions within city limits. Sugarloaf Mountain rises about 1,300 feet above Guanabara Bay and has a breathtaking 360 degree view of Rio de Janeiro, the bay, the city of Niteroi and deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The ascent to the mountain top isn’t for the faint hearted. Visitors crest via a glass-walled cable car known as a “bondinho” from the base of Babilonia hill and heads up to Moro da Urca hill that’s about 700 feet above sea level. Visitors then continue on from Praia Vermelha to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. The best time to visit would be sunset of course for an amazing view of sunset above a city full of life by daytime and even more by night with the last of the rays hitting the surrounding waters and forests that surround the city.
The carioca spirit (known only for natives of Rio de Janeiro) is loud, colorful and musical. Music is the lifeblood of Rio, it’s the city of samba, the fast beat fire style music is the heart of Brazil and no street is ever clear from samba dancers and the heavy beat of drums. There are so many samba schools here, it’s hard not to find someone who doesn’t samba. An old folk dance believed to originate from Africa, the samba evolved to many different dances, it’s hard to keep up. With Carnival being the most important event in the city, it’s a huge industry. To watch a samba show, it’s best to watch a rehearsal take place at one of the samba schools’ home grounds, request information from your local tour guide or concierge office on the best schools to check. You can also catch a show at Samba City (yes they have a city of Samba, it’s Rio!) there’s plenty of entertainment provided all year long. Watch as dancers practice, artists creating the most outrageously colored parade costumes being intricately made and stitched not to mention the magnificent Carnival floats being designed and built by engineers. Samba shows are held daily to the delight of tourists. Everything here is big, loud, and just over the top, it’s the cariocas’ pride.
If you love dance, this year’s Olympic Rhythmic Gymnastics, Trampoline Gymnastics and Artistic Gymnastics will be held at the Rio Olympic Arena. Gymnastics are always one of the most anticipated events of the Olympics; the most dominant teams have to be Russia, Ukraine, Romania, USA, China, Japan, Germany, South Korea and the UK. There’s also the men’s Swimming Individual Medley and Freestyle Relay and of course the Track and Field Men’s and Women’s dash. These are merely some of the most exciting games to look forward to, Rio is certainly looking more appealing.
For all event listings, check with your local tour provider for tickets, you’ll also be able to enjoy the city and events just as you would inside one of the indoor or outdoor arenas. Rio de Janeiro is wild with a sophisticated side to it, it’s large but humble, it’s vibrant and loud but it truly is Cicade Maravilhosa.