The Social Anthropologist

Fast Forward to 2009, a few years older, a few years wiser and traveling with two boys makes a hell of a difference. We came to Brazil for Carnival in Salvador, Bahia with 15 friends and spent the week prior in Rio de Janeiro warming up for the big event. We stayed at the Arpador Inn on the cusp of Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches opposite Arpador, a surf beach. The first few days we spent unwinding on the beach sipping caprinhias and playing soccer. We then made our way to Corcavado Mountain to see the immense statue of Christ The Redeemer overlooking Tijuca Forest National Park. From this vantage point there is a spectacular view of the entire city. We took a cable car up to the twin mountains of Sugerloaf followed by a self guided tour of Santa Thersea which offers a more urban/Bohemian experience and the opportunity to hear some fantastic samba. We explored downtown, the markets, the street stalls and the gardens and stopped regularly to try traditional Brazilian food consisting of barbequed meat, farofa, beans and rice. For your first visit I suggest going over to the Riotour office in Copacabana (183 Avenue Princesa Isabel) and grabbing some maps and doing a self guided walking tour. Do your research before you leave so that you can be sure of the festivals, events and attractions so you don’t miss out because you’re there at the wrong time.

Without the benefit of knowing any locals we went on recommendations from friends abroad of where to venture at night. Whilst nothing can compare to an authentic Brazilian dinner at one of the local establishments Sushi Leblon and Porcau were our restaurants of choice. In the chic Leblon district Sushi Leblon as it namesakes suggests offers the best sushi in town accompanied by delicious cocktails of ginger and lychee. Porcau on the other hand is a Brazilian steakhouse ( chuhascaria) which offers an all you can eat buffet. Aptly named the stuffed pig you are provided with a small disc with a pig at the beginning of your meal that sits atop your table. When you are literally stuffed,  you turn the disc over so that you are not accosted by waiters offering endless supplies of meat and sausage. 

The bar at the Philipe Stark designed Hotel Fasano, “Battero Londres”, was our late night go to. Filled with gringos and cariocas ( local people from Rio) alike Londres always had great DJ’s spinning tunes till the wee hours of the morning. We also ventured to Lapa many a nights where there were constant street parties and numerous bars offering caprinhia’s in every flavor as well as shots of Brazil’s deadly Cachaca.