Forget the circus.... THIS is the greatest show on EARTH!

Carnival!

Surreal and out of this world! An inspiring show that has creativity coming out of its pores. A massive effort of thousands and thousands of people that will bring happy tears to your eyes. Goes to show what we as a community are capable of when we wish to spread love through art, music and dance.



Yes! even Robocop was there!

Papparazzi-ing the Papparrazi

Throwing a little TMZ.com your way.
As it turns out Madonna was also in Rio for Carnival, staying at the ultra-chic Fasano boutique hotel, with her 20-something, male-model, native Carioca boy-lover.

His name is Jesus, weird, right? Jesus and Madonna.... She could be his grandmother really.

As Lady Gaga would say: "Pah.Pah...Pah.Pah-rrazzi..."
I gave the Pah-Pah's a taste of their own medicine!

Rio Sights through Snoop Dogg's eyes

I'm not going to lie, I roughly based my Rio trip from Snoop Dogg's "Beautiful" music video. Edwin laughed at first but then he was concerned when he realized I was serious. Don't judge, its an awesome song and a even more awesomest video!

Unlike Snoop, we didn't go into the favelas (brazilian ghettos). Tourists do have the option to go on a favela tour (I sort of found that to be morally repulsive) however, reading about it later I was a bit curious. Anyways, the video does show a lot of THE sights around the city.

I posted a link of the video for kicks (and for those who have no idea what I'm talking about) stay tuned for minute 4:35, my favorite part!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FE194VN6c4

Here are our own beautiful sights. World famous Cristo Redentor blessing the city from its highest peak Corcovado, Pão de Açúcar a natural wonderland and Escadaria Selaron, impressive mosaic, always-changing, art project.

Between Edwin and I, who would be Snoop Dogg and who would be Pharell?

Carioca da Gema

As part of the Carnival celebration, people organize themselves in what they call "blocos".
These "blocos" are scheduled around the clock for 4 days in a row and go around the city.

How it works:
1- Find the Carnival "bloco" schedule, a brochure, probably in your hotel front desk.
2- Pick a "bloco" from the hundreds listed (Yes, I said hundreds)
3- Purchase their T-shirt, this works as your VIP ticket.
4-You will meet your "bloco" at point A. You will find them because you will see hundreds matching your Tshirt, you will also find a big sort of parade floating vehicle with dancers, singers and musicians.
5- You will follow this vehicle to Point B.
6- Don't forget to dance, sing and drink!
We hung out in Lapa (near to hostal). Lapa claims to be responsible of bringing Samba back ( i hardly believe it went anywhere before) It is a street full of run down colonial buildings ( I say that in a very charming way) full of bars and restaurants. Unlike anyplace I know, in Brazil you are very much allowed to drink in the streets and this is what people do in this street.

We went to Carioca da Gema (http://www.barcariocadagema.com.br/bar.htm).
We sat down to have dinner while live Samba music was playing, I had a bolinho da arroz (fried rice ball) and I was in love. That same night we bought their "bloco" Tshirt. We ended up returning to this place like 3 more times, besides the food, the music was just as delicious.

Jardim Botânico

Over 6,000 different species of tropical plants. Check out the awesome sun-dial!!

Graffiti Rio de Janeiro

Praia Ipanema e Copa Cabana