They don't seem to sleep much in Rio - perhaps it's the coffee. They get up early, party late and seem to spend most of their time in the open air, on the 56 miles of beach. There is a tangible sensuality rather than an overt sexuality about the city and the people, it's probably the heat, but it would be safer to say it's just part of their culture. The amount of gorgeous bodies on show (both men and women), and the fact everyone dances so well, (and not just during carnival). There are more than 40 samba schools in Rio, but only 14 of the best get to perform as the city's premier ones during the carnival parades.

The temperature can get up to the high 30s, and to cool down one merely just have to walk down to the beach - well, it's not just one beach, but many. There's Botafogo and Flamengo within the Bay of Rio itself, and along the Atlantic coast, the world famous Copacabana, Ipenema (where the Beautiful People made famous by Tom Jobins song Go), and Barra, the South Beach of Rio. Further is Grumari (to me, the most un-spoilt and least know) where Michael Caine filmed "Blame It On Rio". These are the beaches to see and be seen at.

There are a lot of bodies on show, not because the people are big, but because the bathing costumes are so small. Ironically, women going topless is frowned upon (people have been arrested for it). When you see the guys, well, they don't leave much to the imagination.....but, what the heck, who's complaining. These guys seem to have their thongs sewed onto them. If BUMS are your fetish, then this is your Disneyland.

Barra

There are a lot of interesting things to see in Rio. The Maracana Stadium is one of them, it hold crowds of up to 200,000 and is a must-see. Built for the 1950 World Cup, it has played host to Tina Turner, Madonna, George Michael and even the Pope.
Then there is Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Mountains. The best way to see them is by helicopter, (£26 for 6 mins - £156 for one hour, (www.helisight.com.br). The alternative to that whirly tour would be to take the bus or a taxi.

The rest of the time, stay grounded and do what the locals do - Beach it, party lots and wear little.

UK Flight Schedule & Fares
Special VARIG fares from London to Sao Paulo & Rio de Janeiro.
(All rates exclude Airport/Security taxes. Approx £53.10 per ticket)
Promotional Fares from £565.00

Facts at a Glance
Full country name: Federative Republic of Brazil
Area: 8,511,965 sq km
Population: 158.7 million
Capital city: Brasilia
People: 55% European descent, 38% mulatto, 6% African descent (according to the 1980 census). In reality, these figures are skewed by Whiteness being equated with social stature in Brazil.
Language: Portuguese
Religion: 90% Roman Catholic
Government: Federal republic
Currency: Real (£1 = 2.83)

Economic Profile
GDP: US$921 billion
World GDP ranking: 10th
GDP per head: US$5,675
Annual growth: 10%
Inflation: 16%
Major industries: metal ores & products, transport equipment, soya beans, coffee, sugar
Major trading partners: EU, Central and South America, Asia, USA

Climate:
Most of the country has noticeable seasonal variations in rain, temperature and humidity, but only the south of Brazil has extreme seasonal changes. The Brazilian winter is from June to August, with the coldest southern states receiving average winter temperatures of between 13 and 18 degrees Celsius. In summer (December to February), Rio is hot and humid, with temperatures in the high 30s; the rest of the year, temperatures hover around 25 degrees. The north-east coast gets as hot as Rio but is less humid and stifling. In general, the highlands are less hot and humid, and are prone to summer rainfalls. The Amazon basin is the rainiest part of Brazil, and while it is humid, temperatures average a reasonable 27 degrees.

Visas: A 90-day visa obtained in advance is required by all visitors to Brazil.
Health risks: Chagas' disease, dengue fever, malaria, meningitis, rabies, yellow fever.
Time: Three hours behind GMT in the east, north-east, south and south-east; four hours behind GMT in the west; and five hours behind GMT in the far west.
Electricity: Un-standardised; 110 or 120V, 60 Hz in Rio and São Paulo.
Weights & measures: Metric.
Tourism: 1.1 million visitors in 1993.

by Andrew Prince

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3.20 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."