Hi all,

We just returned from a week long vacation to Rio de Janeiro. Rio is indeed magic and it's impossible not to fall in love with her. If you have any questions about Rio, post a note and I'll answer them the best I could.

-JH

One more to the list, no doubt it is magical. You should comment in here about the safety of the city and how with precautions everything is so smooth.

tell us about your digs in Leblon.

I posted a message on this forum before the trip about the safety. We took the advice very seriously (thanks miguelgcuadra). During the visit, we felt the city was very safe. However, we didn't want to take a chance. When we went out, we only carried some cash and 2 credit cards and never put our camera on display. In some way we were a bit overly cautious but it's better this way. Thankfully we did not encounter any problems. It may be because we stayed in Leblon/Ipanema area most of the time. We stepped in Copacabana beach only once. Leblon is a great neighborhood. We enjoyed the restaurants (Devassa, Zuka), julice bars (Polis Sucos), markets (Hortfruit) and stores.

You are welcome XYmox, glad you enjoyed trip to brasil and all it was uneventful. Now let everybody know that news are not always accurate and Brasil still a beautiful country to enjoy.

We are scheduled to attend Carnival in Rio the first of February. It will also be our first trip to Brasil. Any tips on safety, security etc. Much appreciate your input

We will be in Rio for Cranaval this year. It looks like most people have good views about Ipanema in general and so thats where we intend to find a hotel (hopefully soon).
Any suggestions on what to do for Carnaval (besides drinking? What is the diff between Sambadrome vs. Street Carnival?

Traman, Sambodrome is like a stadium outside of the beach area more near centro where the Carnaval parades happen, you need tickets to attend. Street Carnaval is where just some bands or local samba schools parade through the streets during carnaval time and have a good time. Its already January and your asking about a hotel, I dont know if there is anything left but better hurry.

How is it for people like me, who speak only English?

For you and millions more...it is the same... you will always find someone that speak English...and if not available at that minute, old sign language will do it.
Keep in mind that Brazilians are very friendly and special people, not matter what they will try to help you...and if not able they will grab any other person walking by and ask him/her to help you.
I think way of living and interacting with people has lot to do with weather, with warm to hot weather, Brazilians and more Central and South americans spend lots of time outside the homes mingling,this create the custom of chatting to whoever walks by with no hesitation.

I am flying into rio but also have 3 wks of holiday time to kill. What other cities would anyone recommend to goto. Also what is the best way to travel it seems like flights all around south america are very expensive. Any recommendation on cheap airlines or ways to travel?

Cheers!

My son is on a study abroad and will be in Brazil in April. He and his friends are looking for a cheap flight from Salvador to Rio (if there is such a thing!). Any suggestions for them? Also any suggestions for a moderately priced hotel? Thanks