Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The tunnels carved into the mountains open up unto a jungle of concrete and tropical green trim; civilization contrasted with paradise. It’s hard to tell what may grab your attention first, the city’s mountainous surrounding or the beautiful people. Your first destination, the beach, of course!
While Brazil is undergoing severe flooding mainly on the outskirts of tourist areas, don’t let that stop you from going for an adventure to one of South America’s most vibrant cities….Rio de Janeiro. The best way to describe locals: Yes Please! It’s clear the exotic beauty of the Brazilian is due in part to their mixed Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Native and African heritage. The combination is quite exquisite and so is their charm.
Gay Life in Rio and Posta 9
Gay life in Rio is thriving, but open a certain degree. Perhaps the most open out of all the Latin American countries, public PDAs are not considered acceptable except in bars, during Carnival or Gay Pride festivities. Not much different than most other places. The most popular gay bar, "The Week", is a chain with sister clubs in Florianópolis and Sao Paulo.
Warn your female friends who travel with you, however, as it costs three times the price to get into The Week for anyone without a penis; just promise to pay for her drinks in exchange for this misogynist mishap. Once inside, there is a great time guaranteed and the vibe is very welcoming.
Feel free to frolic all you want at Posta 9, the gay section of the beach in Ipanema. Great for people watching or to be seen, there are beach bars available where you can enjoy Cachaça (Brazilian rum) to loosen you up before you venture along the shore wearing square-cut swim trunks for the first time...or perhaps that's just me.
The Favelas, otherwise known as the poorer parts of town make up some of the hillside landscapes. The juxtaposed life of stylish living and poverty is common in South America, not unlike the United States, but with a greater divide between rich and poor. It’s known for some dangerous spots and there are sections you will be discouraged to visit. It is said that stopping at certain red lights are optional at risk of encountering a car jacking or mugging, again not unlike some places in North America, so don't let that dissuade you.
The trick is to not look like a confused or arrogant tourist. We simply recommend not flashing your digital cameras and over-privileged Western life in the poorer areas. A little common sense goes a long way. Don’t hesitate to make friends with the cariocas (the locals), not everyone is out to get ‘ya.
The most memorable part of your trip will be the view of the sun setting beside the Dois Irmaos Mountains (Two Brothers mountains), get a front seat on the beach where people literally applaud the breathtaking show. No wonder this beautiful city was chosen for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Olympics. Check out these sites for more information on how to make your trip to Rio an awesome one:
