| Getting
Around Town: Be cautious in Rio and use cabs
called by the hotel bellman. Be extremely wary of
pickpockets and street crime. It is best to travel
in groups and avoid late nights unless traveling in
groups. |
| Restaurants
We Like:
- Typical Brazilian churrascarias
- Artigiano's - Av. Epitacio Pessoa - two blks from
the beach, on the street which borders the canal
separating Ipanema and Leblon - good variety - fancy,
yet inexpensive.
- Garota de Ipanema - cafe where the song "Girl
from Ipanema" was composed.
The local mixed drink "Caipirinha" is
a concoction of sugar cane liquor (Cachaca), sugar,lime
and ice. There is no "mix" in them to
dilute them, in otherwords they are straight liquor.
They look pretty and tempting like a Margarita,
but pack a much stronger punch - people have been
known to do some very weird things after enjoying
a few of these. They are cheap, potent and deliver
a nasty hangover, so watch out...don't say we didn't
warn you.
Tipping:
- A 10% service charge is likely already included
in the bill. In bars and cafes, 10% tipping is also
normal if the service charge has not been already
added.
|
Shopping
Finds:
Coffee. Gem stones. Shoes, shoes, shoes. Native wooden
crafts. Handloomed knitwear. Swimsuits.
|
|
What
to See:
| 125'
statue of "Christ the Redeemer" |
Famous
Beaches - Copacabana and Ipanema and Leblon |
| Sunday Hippie Market at Copacabana Beach- blvd on beach is closed, great for runners and walkers! (Thanks, Joan!) |
A tour to H. Stern (jeweler) - check with the store in the hotel lobby and courtesy transportation will be arranged. (Thanks, Satwant) |
| Have a leisurely lunch at "Fellini's" - great food |
|
|
| What's
On Around Town: CARNIVAL! Saturday, Feb 20 - Tuesday, Feb 24, 2009. Party On!
If you want to see the parades - buy advance tickets online. |
| Travel
Time to the Hotel: 45 min.+ |
| Flight
Time from IAD: 10 hours (+ or -) |
| Nearest
ATM : |
| Nearest
Grocery: |
| Closest
Gym: There is a good gym in the hotel. Pool. |
| Best
Place to Run: In the gym |
| Good
Walks: There are local parks close to the hotel, but
we have to emphasis situational awareness here. |
| Easy
Day Trips: |
| Safety:
***ALERT*** Dengue (mosquito) fever is a serious concern! See our sister site Realworldsafety.com
and check the US State Department Travel Page at www.travel.state.gov |
| Hotel:
Pool |
