What is SAMBA?

Wikipedia says that SAMBA is a brazilian dance and musical genre originating in African and European roots.

I am not an expert in Samba, but I can tell you Samba is much more than that. In fact, the wikipedia article continues and gives a very good idea what is samba (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samba). But no matter how good any explanation is, the unique way to solve this question is to live it! Samba is not just a single dance or genre! Samba is a multitude of genres played, singed and danced in Brazil - most traditional to Rio and Bahia.

I could try to write, but certainly the best way to explain that is linking to samba videos in youtube. So there goes some recommendations but keep in mind that there are much other styles.

So, first a Carnaval Samba - which is probably the most known internationally.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YL0mf9UEDYk

Another Carnaval samba

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0wt-NSv2ao

Samba at a bar after some beers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9__x5AUzD-M

And, the best samba, the one born in Rio played by great names as Vinicius de Moraes, Toquinho, Baden Powel among many others.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdStj4D28vY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVCL00o-a2I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZ6F_Lphrho&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZegHk4qDaQ&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmV0TcTNJ3o&feature=related

1 week!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO COME TO RIO!!!!!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!

Tomorrow we will celebrate our first first week anniversary.

Since last sunday we have had 16 unique visitors coming from 5 different countries: Brazil, Greece, USA, Denmark and England. Those visitors viewed around 3 pages each and stayed tuned for almost 8 minutes!!!


Those statistics were taken from Google analytics. Yes, that is true! I know how many you are, how long you stay and where you are. And I know many other things google tell me about your permanence in this blog. I just don't know WHO ARE YOU!!!! No one has written any commentary! Are you guys scarred? You don't need to! Tell me what you though about the posts, about my english, about the city or what you are interested about in Rio! 

One week is also the minimum recommended lenght of stay for someone interested to really know this city!

Keep in touch, tell your friends and lets rock (or, better, samba!!!) this blog

Finding a place to rent in Rio!

By now, it is clear that the most cost/effective way to stay in Rio is rent an apartment!

The question about where to rent it, was also already addressed. Again, my advice is Botafogo, the nearest to the subway. There you will have great views of the beach, like the following.

But we haven't said a word about how you will find this perfect place. Sure that you can always ask me for any great deal through this blog or at studio.in.rio@gmail.com .

However, you can help yourself and look on line at many different specialized web sites. Simply googleling "rent in rio" shows more than 9.000.000 options in 0,39 seconds!!!! There are so many options that you might get lost! For you not to get lost, I am writing this post.

Today I found out a particularly interesting rental site. That is: www.vacationsrj.com. The particular interest: it is made by Rio's people for mainly local tourists. Why is that of particular interest? Easy easy, prices are much better!!!!

A drawback, however, is that international fellows might find some difficulties understanding what is being offered in each case. The URL sent above is a translated version of the original site (which is found at: www.temporadarj.com. In the english version, the site is all in english :)! Anyway, most of the information posted in the rent offers is in portuguese. In any case, you most check it out. Indeed, it is always a great idea to learn a bit of the language spoken at country you are going to.

If you are more interested, the same people that keep this site also have a blog (in portuguese) high-lighting Rio's qualities. You will find the blog at: www.diariodorio.com.

New Year's Eve, there is still time!

Don't have plans for the New Year's eve yet? Have plans but not so exsiting?

Don't lose your time! Book your visit to Rio.

Last year 600 thousands tourists came here to see this amazing fireworks show that costs over US$400 million!!! International and brazilian tourists meet thousands of local people to be part of the biggest New Year's celebration in Brazil. At the very first second of each year hundreds kilograms of firewoks starts to illuminate Copacabana beach in an expetacular 15 to 20 minutes show. Before and after the fireworks, musicians and DJs keep the crowd happy.

The are also many other pictures at google and videos on youtube. I have selected two videos that you can check at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX6oow0xr4E&feature=related and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIABlcggZqU&feature=related.

Sure, prices are more expensive time of the year. Hotels are praticaly full and hostels packed. Again, the best way to enjoy Rio is renting a studio somewhere near to Copacabana (or at Copacabana for some more Reais). My tip: Botafogo. There are also some studios in copacabana that I might be able to help you guys to rent. 7 days packages starts from $1000 (couple). For assistance get in touch through the blog or by the email at the folder below.

Hey, we are almost in December, so hurry up!

See you.

Renting a studio in Rio - the cheapest and funiest way!!!!

Tired? Planning a trip? Wanting to have fun, relax and enjoy a pleasant time at the beach?

Your best choice is: RIO DE JANEIRO!!!!

The city has been for long an international touristic attraction. But now, as Rio is preparing itself to host thousands of tourists coming for the 2014 World Soccer Cup and the 2016 Olympics games, it is getting better and better.
Safety might be a concern for some. However, in the touristic areas (known as the South zone: Copacabana, Ipanema, Botafogo, Flamengo, Laranjeiras, Lagoa etc) that is NOT an issue. This areas has IDH and violence rates comparable to Scandinavian countries (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rio_de_Janeiro)!!!! This wikipedia article (http://wikitravel.org/en/Rio_de_Janeiro_%28city%29) is a great summary of all the city has to offer. Check it and you will wish to come to Rio right now!
The best cost/benefits option for housing in Rio is to rent a studio in your preferred neighborhood. That gives you all the freedom and independence of o hotel while keeping the low costs of a hostel!!!! There are many options in the South Zone! Traditionally COPACABANA is the preferred destiny. However, as prices are getting more expensive other locations have emerged. Of those Laranjeiras, Santa Teresa and Botafogo are the most populars. In Laranjeiras and Santa Teresa you will find not so easy transport to the beaches and other attractions. For me the best place is BOTAFOGO because it is a extremely beautiful neighborhood (Botafogo Bay/Sugar loaf mountain), several bars and pubs for night life and you will stay a few steps away from the subway that takes a tourist anywhere he/she would wanna go! Taking the subway (metro) in Botafogo you will be laid down at Copacabana beach in 10 minutes! You can also go to Lapa at night, downtown and Maracana stadium.

In sum, just come and have some fun!

See you in Rio!