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Barra was once only for lovers

Leer en español    |  Ler em português      Someone once told me, pointing the distance on the other side of the road while we enjoyed drinks and seafood snacks in a group table at one of a rustic line of restaurant and bars at Barra da Tijuca , in the West Zone (do not mistake by the neighbourhood of Tijuca in the North Zone , where what was left of Rio's native Atlantic Forest remains): "By the time I was young, that and these bars were all that existed in Barra ".     It was night, but one could distinguish sleepover motels in the line of modest buildings. She went on: " Barra was a remote place by then. If a young couple decided to have sex, those were the only motels available within the whole city and almost nobody owned a car by this time".     Of course, those were not her exact words, but that's what I recall from this enjoyable evening out in my early teens. By this time, Barra was still a bit remote, but two tall buildings at the shore differ
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Carnival in Rio

Leer en español    |  Ler em português     Carnival offically starts tomorrow, but the street parties ( blocos de rua ) always start a bit earlier, widespread by many neighbourhoods of the city.     It's been a long time since I have last taken part in Rio street Carnival; Downtown there were Cordão do Boitatá , Orquestra Voadora and the traditional, but impossibly crowded Cordão do Bola Preta , among others, while Carmelitas roamed up and down the slopes of Santa Teresa .     In the South Zone , there were Imprensa Que Eu Gamo in Laranjeiras , Barbas in Botafogo , Simpatia É Quase Amor and the tradicional Banda de Ipanema in Ipanema , and many more.     New parties are created almost every year, thus you must visit the official city guide for updates of parties, dates and places.      In the neighbourhood of Estacio , at Marquês de Sapucaí , happens the famous parade of Samba Schools, with tickets bought in advance.
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New Year's Eve in Rio

Leer en español   |  Ler em português      New Year's ce lebrations in Rio include a traditional fireworks display at Copacana's beach so big that it can be seen by some other faraway neighbourhoods in the city, such as Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas , where a big Christmas tree with eletric lights is set up each year, and Gloria .     Last time I celebrated the New Year's arrival was in 2021, at Gloria . The countdown to midnight saw a modest firewoks display. Many people walked by sidewalk alongside Gloria 's beach shore that goes on until to the neighbourhoods of Flamengo , Botafogo , Copacabana , Ipanema , etc.  Street vendors and food carts sell fast food, beer, soda and alcoholic drinks.     At Copacabana , where the big party is located, a live concert usually takes place soon after the fireworks and goes on until dawn, presenting various national artists and bands.     Popular New Year's traditions include rituals such as entering the sea and jumping seven waves 
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Botanical Garden in the South Zone, Atlantic Forest in the North Zone

Leer en español   |  Ler em português      The neighbourhoods of Gávea , Horto and Humaitá are blessed to breath the fresh air from the surroundings of the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden , which holds diverse species of plants and trees.     Visitors, photographers and artists share this place in harmony. Coming from downtown , one can find the City Park (Parque da Cidade) a little ahead.     Years ago, in the North Zone , an old mango tree was put down. I supposed it has been cut to the ground. I've found out recently that a new tree is grown on its place. Or it has possibly regorwn from a dry old log, I can't tell. In addition, wild arbusts let untouched nearby developed into what has the appearance of a piece of Atlantic Forest , making me wonder how easily the surroundings of Tijuca neighbourhood could extend the Tijuca Forest .     Major challenge being a security scheme for those parks, which should involve guards and proper lighting, if the city hall and comunities
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