The mystery is over: The 2014 FIFA Brazil World Cup is now officially known by all. The emblem submitted today by the local organization committee today, has an obvious reference to the FIFA Cup itself. The event was held in Johannesburg and marked the kickoff for the competition at Brazilian soil.

The 2014 FIFA Brazil World Cup logo is an outline of an image of the World Cup trophy being formed by three hands. The colors are predominantly green and yellow, just as Brazil s Flag with the number 2014 painted in red. Below we see the drawing, which says "FIFA World Cup (FIFA World Cup) in blue and" Brazil "in green.

Below we see the image of 2014 FIFA Brazil World Cup Logo / Emblem.




The choice of this emblem, officially printed on the shirts of all teams which will participate in the World Cup qualifiers and also at the competition to be hosted by Brazil, was put together a committee of notables:
• Ricardo Teixeira: the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF)
• Jerome Valcke: the executive secretary of FIFA,
• Oscar Niemeyer: Legendary Brazilian architect
• Paulo Coelho : Brazilian best seller author Paulo Coelho,
• Ivete Sangalo: Brazil´s pop singer from Bahia
• Gisele Bundchen - model
• Hans Donner: Brazilian Designer

The 2014 Fifa Brazil World Cup Emblem was selected upon suggestions of several design agencies.

2014 Fifa Brazil World Cup Emblem official launch took place at the Sandton Convention Center in Johannesburg, and was attended by the President of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Ricado Teixeira, Brazil Football Confederation (CBF) President also attended the event, who heads the local organizing committee and FIFA president Joseph Blatter.

Congratulations Rio de Janeiro on 2016 Olympic Bid effort!


The Carnival Community in Brazil thanks everyone who has participated in this gigantic effort!

More than 500 people worked on this tremendous task to convince the IOC members that Rio and Brazil has the capacity of organizing the 2016 Olympic Summer Games!





Background Info:

The 2016 Summer Olympics, Games of the XXXI Olympiad, are a major international sports and cultural festival to be celebrated in the tradition of the Olympic Games, as governed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The host city of the Games will be announced at the 121st IOC Session (which will also be the 13th Olympic Congress) to be held in Copenhagen, Denmark, on October 2, 2009. The 2016 Summer Paralympics will be held in the same city and organized by the same committee.






The bidding process for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games was officially launched on 16 May 2007. The first step for each city was to submit an initial application to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) by 13 September 2007, confirming their intention to bid. Completed official bid files, containing answers to a 25-question IOC form, were to be submitted by each applicant city by 14 January 2008. Four candidate cities were chosen for the shortlist on 4 June 2008: Chicago, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro, and Tokyo (which hosted the 1964 Summer Olympics). The IOC did not promote Doha to the Candidature phase, despite scoring higher than selected candidate city Rio de Janeiro due to their intent of hosting the Olympics in October, outside of the IOC's sporting calendar.


Nawal El Moutawakel of Morocco headed the 10 member Evaluation Commission, having also chaired the evaluation commission for the 2012 Summer Olympics bids. The commission made on-site inspections in the second quarter of 2009. They issued a comprehensive technical appraisal for IOC members on 2 September, one month before elections the final selection will be made by the 115 voting members of the IOC membership on 2 October 2009, in Copenhagen, Denmark.



There are many restrictions barring the bidding cities communicating with or influencing directly the 115 voting members.

Cities can't invite any IOC members to visit them and they can't send them anything that can be construed as a gift. However, bidding cities invest large sums in their PR and media programmes in an attempt to indirectly influence the IOC members by garnering domestic support, support from specialist sports media and general international media.





Jon Tibbs, a consultant on the Tokyo bid, was recently quoted as saying “Ultimately, you are communicating with just 115 people and each one has influencers and pressure groups but you are still speaking to no more than about 1,500 people, perhaps 5,000 in the broadest sense. It is not just about getting ads out there but it is about a targeted and very carefully planned campaign.”

The IOC report cited Rio as embracing the "potential power of the games to transform a city, a region and a country" and said the Olympics would leave "a lasting and affordable legacy."

The Rio bid is the most spread-out and most expensive of the four, with a budget of $11.1 billion for capital investments associated with the games.

"The commission is confident that the growing Brazilian economy would be able to support the necessary infrastructure development needed for the delivery of the 2016 Games," the IOC report said.

The IOC also cited Rio's vision of using sport as a "catalyst for social integration" and said the bid had strong public support, financial guarantees from all levels of government, and knowledge and experience from the city's hosting of the 2007 Pan American Games.

Below, Bianca Salgueiro from Salgueiro:

Many of may friends have asked me to post some additional photos of Rio do Janeiro from early 20´s century. It is really incredible how Rio grew so fast in terms of population and infra-structure. In 1910 for example, Rio already had a population of 1 million, two hundred thousand people. Famous beaches like Ipanema, Copacabana were practically virgin. Nature overall was barely untouched. If someone asked me in which period you would prefer to live nature wise, I would certainly chose those days!

The architecture as you will see followed much of the European with some oriental lines. Life in those days was definately NO STRESS. People could walk at the sidewalks, parks and beaches in peace with nature.

On another note, finding these Rio do Janeiro old school photos is not an easy task. Unfortunately, some of the "owners" of these pictures keep them locked in a safe. What good does this make to overall population in the world. Do these people really think they will make money on copyrights, even if they are 100 years old??? Makes n sense to me at all. Some of Rio´s government museums also hinder these initiatives to promote old school Rio photos. There are museums which have digitized more than 10,000 pictures of Rio but keep them unpublished!! I hope these 'policies' change and one day the Internet would be able to see what was Rio all about 50, 70, 80 years ago.

Enough of talk and politics! Let´s take a look at these amazing shots!





Above, Old Photo of Botafogo Bay circa 1910






Above, Old Photo of Copacabana Beach circa 1930 - what a trip!






Above, Old Photo of caopacabana beach 1940





Above, Old Photo of Gloria circa 1910





Above, Old Photo of Vending Kiosk circa 1900





Above, Old Photo of Leblon Beach circa 1910! Beautiful!






Above, Old Photo of Copa & Ipanema circa 1910, view from sugar Loaf!





Above, Old Photo of Copacabana Beach circa 1910 - what a trip!

Today Belavista-Rio will talk about one of Rio-de-Janeiro´s true beach classics: the legendary Globo biscuits, or “Biscoitos Globo”, as they are called in Portuguese. To make sure you have the right idea of the importance of these biscuits, not eating them when visiting Rio is similar to going to Mykonos and not trying the Greek gyro. If you have ever been to any of Rio hot beach points, you will surely see locals of all ages eating something. There is a good chance they are eating these crunchy biscuits that crack apart when upon your mouth.



The history of the Globo biscuits or donuts goes back to 1953, when two Brazilians entrepreneurs ironically from São Paulo (and not Rio-de-Janeiro) moved to live in with their cousin who owned a bakery. At this time, the two brothers learned to make the manioc flour donut, which started to be sold at São Paulo streets. In 1954, knowing that huge crowds of people would travel to Rio-de-Janeiro for a Catholic Eucharist Congress, the Ponce brothers decided to try to sell their donuts at the wonder city. The biscuits became an instant success, and based on the enormous sales and characteristics of the biscuits, the Ponce brothers decided that Rio do Janeiro would be the ideal market for their product.



They decided then the manioc flour biscuits needed a name, which was branded with the name of the bakery which at first hired them and ordered the first lot of new biscuit. The name of the bakery was “Padaria Globo” - so they decided for Globo Biscuits. This was 1955, and soon the Globo biscuits started to be sold in other 7 bakeries in town and by independent vendors. What they didn´t expect was that the flour donuts would become a fever at Rio do Janeiro. Suddenly at the Rio beaches, everyone who was hungry, before or after a swim, would end up asking for the Globo donuts at Copacabana, which were sold by independents beach vendors. The biscuit would be preferably accompanied by the Mate herb tea, which added strength and vigor to the snack.
Up until this day, the biscuits are a great success amongst locals and tourists alike.



The air puffed donuts come in two flavors, salty (with a green wrapping) and sweet, (with a red wrapping). Both are really interesting; specially do to its texture. To enhance and eternalize evermore the Globo donuts frenzy, during the last couple of years, several artists developed their creations using the biscuits distinct wrapping design as their inspiration. Towels, beach bags, beach umbrellas and even bikinis were produced with the famous logo. (Please see below:)




As a gift to all of our readers, we will be publish below the official recipe of these mysterious biscuits. Next time in Rio, make sure you don´t miss them!

Polvilho (Manioc flour) Globo-Biscuit Recipe:

3 glasses of sweet manioc flour
A pinch of • salt
• 6 eggs
• 1 oil glass

Preparation: In a pot, mix 1 glass of water, the oil, the salt and light to the fire. Let to boil for 2 minutes and remove. In a big bowl, put the manioc flour and, on him, spill the oil mixture, still hot, and go mixing with a wood spoon. Let to cool for 30 to 40 minutes. Increase to the mass already cold the eggs, one to a, and manipulate for 15 minutes. The mass should be easily a little. Transfer the mass for a confectioner sack with fine beak and make the cookies in an anointed baking pan. Light to roast in very high oven for 15 minutes, or until that it are very dry and slightly gold.



Above, the two wrappings and flavors.

That Rio-de-Janeiro is one of the most marvelous cities in the world, nobody questions. Several architecture, nature and aesthetics prizes and awards have been give to the "city of wonder" or "City of Lure" as been commonly called.



Today, Belavista-Rio will post a series of pictures taken by Harriet Chalmers. For those who aren´t aware, Harriet Chalmers Adams was an American explorer, writer and photographer. She travelled extensively in South America, Asia and the South Pacific in the early 20th century, and published accounts of her journeys in the National Geographic magazine. She lectured frequently on her travels and illustrated her talks with color slides and movies.



Above, a sensational view of the Copacabana beach...just a paradise waiting to be discovered...

She visited Rio-de-Janeiro an took several fabulous pictures in 1919 of the spectacular nature, architecture and daily routine of the Cariocas, name given to those born in Rio.

Harriet Chalmers was described by The New York Times as "America's greatest woman explorer. As a lecturer no one, man or woman, has a more magnetic hold over an audience than she."




Some of the pictures taken by Harriet Chalmers in 1919 were made in tourist locations that are famed until today such as the Sugar Loaf, Copacabana Beach, Lagoa, São Conrado, and Rio-de-Janeiro´s city center.

Below, a fantastic shot of the old days of Brazil




The images surely makes us travel back to those days where streets were peaceful, nature was even more exuberant, and modus vivendi surely European.




Above, another extraordinary photo of the City´s center: Elegance and Beauty.

Rio do Janeiro´s Short History:

Rio was discovered on January (Janeiro) 1, 1502 by Portuguese navigators who mistook the entrance of Guanabara Bay for the mouth of a river (Rio). Sixty years later because French traders in search of pau-brasil (Brazilwood) were routinely "visiting" the area the Portuguese crown established the city of Sao Sebastiao do Rio-de-Janeiro.





After 2 years of bloody conflict the French were expelled and settlers began to cultivate the surrounding fertile lands. In the beginning of the 18th century the city's importance and population increased immensely as it became the main shipping port for gold and diamonds that came from Minas Gerais.





In 1763 the colonial capital of Brazil was transferred from Salvador, Bahia to Rio. In 1808, as Napoleon's armies began the invasion of Portugal, the decision was made to transfer the monarch and his court to Rio do Janeiro, where he would remain until 1821.

Below, a beautiful picture of the Botafogo Bay: This scene was depicted by at least 30 famous painters from Europe and Americas.



During this time Brasil was elevated in status from a colony to United Kingdom with Portugal. With the advent of Independence Rio became the capital of the new empire. The city prospered economically, and by 1891 it had a population of over 500,000 inhabitants ranking it one of the largest cities in the world.



As the city grew in prominence mountains were removed, bay water reclaimed, and skyscrapers constructed.

Below, the Rodrigo Freitas Lagoon...amazing picture.




With the inauguration of Brasilia in 1960, the city of wonder ceased to be Brazil's capital. Even today discussion is rife concerning whether Rio was improved or hurt by the transfer of the government.

Below, an ice-cream vendor of the early century called Ya-Ya. Great design!




In any event, this second largest city in Brazil is still a major cultural capital and, to some extent, its "emotional" capital as well. Rio do Janeiro has a majestic beauty, with built-up areas nestled between a magnificent bay and dazzling beaches on one side and an abruptly rising mountain range, covered by a luxuriant tropical forest, on the other.

Below, Sao Conrado view in the beginning of the century.





This unique landscape makes Rio one of the most beautiful cities in the world, justifying its title of "Marvelous City" (Cidade Maravilhosa). Rio's cultural life is intense and varied. Perhaps at no time is the city's festive reputation better displayed than during the annual carnaval which enlivens the city for 3 solid days with music, singing, parties, balls, and desfiles (street parades of brilliantly-costumed dancers performing the samba.)





Lapa picture above, was already a hot spot of town, with thorough commerce.

Economically it is a service industry center, a key financial center, and the producer of foodstuffs, building materials, electrical equipment, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and textiles. But it is in the pursuit of leisure that Rio is outstanding.



Above, a picture of Leme Beach, with no construction almost.

With its world famous beaches free to all (such as Copacabana and Ipanema), its splendid bay, one of the loveliest in the world, and its wonderful climate, a blend of summer and springtime, Rio do Janeiro is a city that lives in and for the sun. Its population is around 5,750,000 inhabitants.




Street Vendor where already common those days...Many of them came as immigrants from several countries.





Av. Niemayer in 1985, very old picture and car too! It was probably an expedition those days to go to Sao Conrado!




Below, another great photo of street vendor early century...

Dear Belavista Readers,

Starting this month, Belavista-Rio will start a new series on Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup. We will be describing most of the 2014 Brazil World Cup developments such as stadium renovations, investments in infra-structure and historical facts. Brazil hosted the 1950 FIFA World Cup which was historic, but sad for us Brazilians since we lost at the Final for Uruguay by 2 X 1 in a legendary game.

We believe most soccer fans all around the world are eager to know what goes on at the backstage of Brazil 2014 World Cup. At Belavista Brazil Carnival Blog, this is what we promiss to deliver so when the Cup finally arrives, you can have all data you need.

In the first article, we will write a full retrospective about all the Official FIFA World Cup Posters from 1930 to 2006. The post in under research and should be posted next week. For now, please read the about FIFA South Africa´s 2010 World Cup Official Poster Ceremony:



The official 2010 FIFA World Cup™ poster was unveiled on 23 November 2007 following a board meeting of the Local Organising Committee in Durban. The poster was designed by the South African creative agency Switch, who also created the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ emblem. The design beat three rivals in a public vote held throughout South Africa from 11 September to 30 September 2007. As the lucky winner in a lottery among all of the voters, South African Marilyn Rhoda was presented with a prize of two 2010 FIFA World Cup™ tickets provided by official sponsor MTN.

"Portraying a country in the shape of a man heading a ball is a new idea with potent symbolism. For me, football is all about emotion and passion, which is why I was particularly attracted to this poster. It invites the world to join in the celebration of the greatest football event on earth, while highlighting the pride and passion of the African continent and her people. It represents the African dream come true. The South Africans made a good selection for the poster, which will represent their country all the way up to 2010," said FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter.



For the first time in football history, the FIFA World Cup™ will be hosted on African soil from 11 June to 11 July 2010. The artwork depicts a celebration of the African continent as well as everyone who calls it home. The simple and yet iconic rendering is symbolic of the relationship between football and Africa and captures a sense of excitement, awe and aspiration. It also reflects the positive impact that the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ will have on Africa. Africa is the "hero" of the official event poster. The unique shape of the continent almost naturally lends itself to the shape of a man's profile, while the face represents every single African supporter from Morocco in the north, Gambia in the east, Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia in the west to South Africa in the south.



"The official poster symbolises the important role of football in the history, tradition and culture of the African continent. It's also a recognition that football has always been an inspiration for a better future and a generator of hope in Africa. It recognises that Africa has a football face and a football heart," explained Danny Jordaan, CEO of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee.

Bright, vibrant and celebratory, the colours of the poster are inspired by the South African flag, but also draw upon the African continent. The strong yellow background symbolises the sun as the source of warmth, energy and life.

From a total of 16 creative entries, all submitted by South African-based agencies, three proposals had been pre-selected for the public vote by South African residents. The jury was made up of FIFA General Secretary Jérôme Valcke, CEO of the 2010 South African Local Organising Committee Danny Jordaan, Minister in the South African Presidency Essop Pahad, Deputy Finance Minister Jabu Moleketi, South African playwright and author Wally Serote, and artist and director of the Vega School of Brand Communication Gordon Cook. Following on from the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ in Germany, this was the second time that residents of the host country have been actively involved in the selection of the official event poster.

Today we will talk in about one bird in Rio-de-Janeiro considered as one of the city´s favorite icon: the frigate bird or man-o'-war bird. Since the discovery of Rio-de-Janeiro, the frigate birds of Rio de Janeiro, here called as “Gaivotas”, have been drawing attention by naturalists, biologist, adventurous, and nature lovers in general. Please read below a scientific excerpt of the Frigate Bird from Columbia Encyclopedia.

Man-o'-war bird or frigate birds most aerial of the water birds, found in the tropic seas. The man-o'-war bird's wingspread (7 1/2 ft/228.5 cm) is the largest in proportion to its body (3-4 lb/1.4-1.8 kg) of any bird. It can soar motionless by the hour and has been recorded in flights lasting nearly four days, spending most of that time several hundred feet or more in the air. It is awkward on land and in the sea, where the feathers quickly become water-logged. Here in Brazil, the frigate birds of Rio de Janeiro are translated into Portuguese as “Gaivotas” and inspired several composers and Brazilian Poets.



Above, great photo of a man-o-war bird taken in Rio by Netmark from Flickr.

These frigate birds of Rio de Janeiro can be seen regularly at most beaches like Ipanema, Leblon, Flamengo, Copacabana and Urca to the amusement of locals and tourists. Its name derives from its grace and swiftness in the air and from its piratical tendencies; it harasses boobies, pelicans, cormorants, and gulls until they drop their catch. Man-o'-war birds feed chiefly on fish but also prey on the young of sea birds and on jellyfish, squid, and young turtles. They have long hooked beaks and forked tails; the male has an inflatable orange throat pouch that becomes red at courtship. Amongst Brazilians and ,native Cariocas and surfers, the frigate birds of Rio de Janeiro are also a symbol for liberty and freedom.

Please see below this fantastic photo of a Gaviota taken in Rio by Rafael Sieber from Flickr.



The purplish black magnificent frigate-bird, Fregata magnificens, 40 in. (100 cm) long, is found from the Bahamas and Baja California S to Brazil and Ecuador; the great frigate-bird, F. minor, is found in the Indian Ocean. Other species, e.g., the Ascension and Christmas Island frigate-birds, are named for their habitats. The lesser frigate-bird, the smallest (32 in./80 cm) of the family, is found in the South Pacific and on the islands off Brazil and Madagascar.



Above, a picture of a flock of Frigate Birds taken by CSERFATY within Rio-de-Janeiro State. This photo shows us the gaivotas can also fly in a large group!

The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition | 2008 | The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Copyright 2008 Columbia University Press.

Last week, I visited one of the most famous historic landmarks of Brazil, the omnipresent Sugarloaf Mountain and its cable car inaugurated in 1912 in Rio-de-Janeiro. I hadn’t been there for quite a few years, so the experience would be extra special, since it would be the first time I would see it with eyes of someone working on the tourism field at the wonder city, like myself. It would be sort of a review of the “SugarLoaf experience" itself.



Sugar-Loaf Entrance:

The visit was planned on a Saturday, and it was not really packed, but sunny. There were many tourism buses, but no crowd at the Urca neighborhood in Rio. At the very entrance, I was glad I wasn’t approached by anyone selling me stuff, although I have the “gringo” look. The ticketing booths were relatively well displayed; the cue organized and looked very clean. Although I had problems with my half-price entrance ticket, (native Cariocas are discounted, but have to show ID + proof of residency), I was happy to hear so many different languages and accents at ticketing booth.


Sugar-Loaf Station I: anxiety for everyone

As soon as you pay and have the ticket in your hands, you get to see a very well made mock up of the Sugar-Loaf and Urca Mountains. I saw many people already flashing their cameras and being amazed with the project. Right after, I could see a nice souvenir shop, selling all kinds of well made design Rio and Sugar-Loaf products. ( If you are anxious to see the view, there is also a second souvenir shop at Station III).


The shop is well decorated and has English speaking salesmen. Prices of Sugar Loaf gifts were reasonable and creative. I was then directed to the first cable on to the Urca Mountain, and from the platform, we could see already the massive rock in front of us. The cable car that lifts us to the first stop takes approximately 3 minutes moving at a speed of 21.6 km/hour or 6 meters ( 18 feet ) per second. It has a capacity for up to 65 people, but had less than 30 this day.



Suspense in Sugar-Loaf Station II

Impressive and breath taking this first leg, where you can see the Red Beach - Praia Vermelha, the green and blue color tones of the Guanabara Bay & Rio-de-Janeiro shore. More flashes all around the cable car and much amusement could be seen during those lively 3 minutes. Once we reached the Urca Mountain - Station II, we could see everyone was already thrilled with the spectacular sight. At 721 feet we could see almost all of the wonderful city view: Niteroi, Christ the Redeemer Statue, Flamengo and Botafogo Beaches, Santos Dumont Airport, Rio-de-Janeiro ´s downtown, and part of Santa Teresa neighborhood…amazing!


The Sugar-Loaf´s general infrastructure has improved a lot, with visible security, Sugar Loaf workers in uniform, boards and signs indicating directions, trash cans, and water fountains. At the Urca Mountain station, where the “Station II” is located, there is also food kiosks, diapers' corner stands, and clean bathrooms. At this level, you can also check out a very interesting film that tells the story of the construction and evolution of the cable car ride, in wide amphitheater. For those real adventurous, there is a helipad too at Station II.

After watching the film, I directed myself to the second platform in order to take the cable car to Station III, where the SugarLoaf Mountain is located at 396 meters ( 1 300 feet ) above sea level. Just before I arrived at this platform, there is also an interesting spot worthwhile stopping by, which is old open-air cable car on display that was used in the '30´s. Many tourists entered this “antique cable car” imagining how it would be those days. This vintage cable car area was just a great location for the taking pictures.



As I embarked for the final up-wards stretch, I observed one procedure that could be perfected at the Pão de Açucar. Someone in my group lost the entrance ticket, which should be kept all the way until the end. The ticket is used in all turnstiles when entering the cable car. I remember someone telling me to keep the ticket, but I saw no sings re-emphasizing this necessity. I am not sure either this observance was stated in all languages…So just as a reminder, keep your Pao de Acucar ticket all the way until your exit!

Amusement in Sugar-Loaf Station III

At a reasonable speed of 10 meters per second, 31 km p/ hour, our cable car then rose to the final stop at Rio´s Sugar Loaf Mountain. The view on the way up was even more spectacular, as we could now see Copacabana, Leme, Ipanema beaches and Rio-de-Janeiro Oceanic Islands as we approached the tremendous mountain top. We could also see several mountain climbers on the face of the giant Pão de Acucar mountain, which impressed all tourists aboard. As we felt the cool breeze entering through the window shaft of the cable car, the bulky mass seemed even bigger and bigger. As soon as we finally landed, the sense of astonishment and awe was visible at the faces of all tourists.


Walking around Sugar-Loaf´s Station III was thrilling! The 360º Rio-de-Janeiro view points from this historic landmarks of Brazil was unimaginable to all accents. I could now see the many mountains that circumvent the wonder city, including Teresópolis´ “Dedo de Deus” peak which lies at the Órgãos Mountains at 2,959 feet, most of the Guanabara Bay, Niteroi´s shoreline, apart from the Oceanic Islands in front of Copacabana beach and Ipanema. Simply wonderful!




At Pão de Açucar´s Station III, there were also several shooting platforms perfect for your favorite photograph at this unimaginable scenery, as well as kiosks, an ecological park and an extra souvenir shop. Tourists and locals simply couldn’t avoid demonstrating their state of ecstasy; magical indeed: Many couples showing their love, children with their parents, friends just hanging out…The wind was blowing cool, the fantastic view of Rio-de-Janeiro in sunset, and my soul replenished...Do you want to know more, come to Rio! I felt then my mission had been accomplished. This Rio-de-Janeiro beauty could be then reviewed in a full article.



Below, I reproduced some factual information about this Rio-de-Janeiro classic:


Sugarloaf Mountain (in Portuguese, Pão de Açúcar), is a peak situated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from the mouth of Guanabara Bay on a peninsula that sticks out into the Atlantic Ocean. Rising 396 metres (1,299 ft) above sea-level, its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of concentrated refined loaf sugar. However, it is believed by some that the name actually derives from Pau-nh-acuqua (“high hill”) in the Tupi-Guarani language, as used by the indigenous Tamoios.



Visitors can watch rock climbers on Sugarloaf and the other two mountains in the area: Morro da Babilônia (Babylon Mountain), and Morro da Urca (Urca's Mountain). Together, they form one of the largest urban climbing areas in the world, with more than 270 routes, between 1 and 10 pitched long. Some classic routes in Sugarloaf are:

• Italianos, 5.10a, 2 pitches. Beautiful and well protected face climbing. Can be connected to other routes, in a total of 6 pitches to the top.

• Stop Chimney, 5.6, 7 pitches. Classic runout but easy chimney.

• Lagartão, 5.11c, 7 pitches. First two pitches are traditional climbing, the rest is bolted.

• Ibis, 5.10d A1, 10 pitches. Runout and committed. Some parties climb it in one day, sleeping on one of the ledges in the first half of the route.


The mountain is only one of several monolithic morros of granite and quartz that rise straight from the water's edge around Rio de Janeiro. A glass-paneled cable car (in popular Portuguese, bondinho - more properly called teleférico), capable of holding 75 passengers, runs along a 1400-metre route between the peaks of Pão de Açúcar and Cara de Cão every 20 minutes. The original cable car line was built in 1912 and rebuilt around 1972/1973 in its current form. The cable car goes from the base, not the peak of the Babilônia mountain, to the Urca mountain and then to the Pão de Açúcar mountain.



The mountain may be known for its memorable scene in the 1979 James Bond movie, Moonraker, in which the villanous henchman Jaws attempts to kill 007 and the agent's ally, Dr. Holly Goodhead, on a tram, but instead is defeated at their hands when he comically flies through a 7 Up billboard by accident. So familiar is this peak, the mere sight of it in a film is considered sufficient to establish the setting as Rio de Janeiro.


Candidate to be one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. The Cable Car connects the base to the Morro da Urca, and then Morro da Urca to Sugar Loaf Mountain. Several personalities as Kennedy, Einstein and Lech Walesa have already enjoyed the trip and several other international celebrities.

Rodrigo Freitas Lagoon: History From 16th Century to today’s charm!

That Rodrigo Freitas Lagoon is one of the most charming districts in Rio-de-Janeiro, everybody knows. But what about its history? I bet few ( even amongst native Cariocas) know how the Lagoa District became the glamour spot as we see currently, with many restaurants like Mr.Lam Rio, Braz Pizzaria, Katmandu Sushi Lounge and the lovely Lagoa Kiosks. So let´s get to know a little bit of the district’s history and origins:

In the XVI century, there were some farms and mills in Jardim da Gávea, comprising the current neighborhoods Gávea, Jardim Botânico, and Lagoon itself. This area presented good lands for sugar cane plantation, which activity interested very much to the settlers in the beginning of Carioca’s life.
At the lake borders, which were known by the Indians as Sapopenipã - meaning lagoon of flat roots in Tupi-Guarani, and by the Portuguese people as lagoon of the socós, since there were loads of such birds in the region, it was settled the Engenho Del Rei (King’s Mill) by the Governor Antonio Salema, right after having expelled the French corsairs from Baía de Guanabara in 1575.


Rio-de-Janeiro old picture see below:



At the beginning of the XIX century, D. João VI when moving to Brazil, in 1808, arrived at Rio-de-Janeiro and, the first thing he did was to built a gunpowder factory so that his army and navy were able to protect the wonder city against possible French invasions. The location chosen to build the factory was within the lands around the lagoon, which was already named Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. In order to such construction to be done, D. João VI reimbursed Rodrigo de Freitas family, and the factory was built this year. In 1826, the gunpowder factory built by D. João VI exploded and was, then, moved to Raiz da Serra on the way D. Pedro II used to make do get to Petrópolis, which was called Fábrica da Estrela (Star Factory). From half of XIX century, sugar cane production starts facing a crisis making some mills in the rural regions to become small farms.




On January 1, 1871, Jardim Botânico Railway Company, a company that got the first concession of mule trams in Rio-de-Janeiro, extended its railways to where today is Jardim Botânico neighborhood. Two years after, on December 17, 1873, the Company launched Gávea extension, which became “Freguesia" next year. Freguesia da Gávea, which comprised the current neighborhoods of Lagoa, Jardim Botânico, Gávea, Ipanema , Leblon, Vidigal, São Conrado, and part of Barra da Tijuca, reached in 1890 a population of 4.712 people.




Above, old photograph of the Lagoon.

At the end of the century, Freguesia da Gávea started to be filled by textile factories, and then, fast increasing population. In the first decade of XX century, in the urban reform program implemented by the Mayor Pereira Passos, it was performed Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon sanitation. In 1919, Mayor of Rio-de-Janeiro Paulo de Frontim, aiming at solving the lagoon sanitation problem decided for its salinization, but it was during Carlos Sampaio’s administration that such area started to be effectively urbanized, integrating, thus, the new and large "noble area" to the city. (In 1920, although the groundings, the Lagoon area were still closed to Humaitá and Marquês de São Vicente streets) . In 1922, the lagoon border was rounded by a beautiful avenue, which was used for building houses for the carioca high-society, this avenue was called Epitácio Pessoa Ave., honoring the President of Republic that time, Mr. Epitácio Pessoa. In 1926, it was founded the Brazilian Jockey Club, which remains in the same area until today.

Below, the elegance of Brazil´s Jockey Club, in the early century.



In the 50’s, the textile factories ‘Carioca’ and ‘Corcovado’ were closed in Rio-de-Janeiro, and their areas were urbanized, thus ending the industrial phase in the Neighborhood. At the same time, the shantytowns were withdrawn from the region where the poorest lived. During Governor Carlos Lacerda’s administration, the Rebouças tunnels were opened, which links Lagoon to Comprido, thus linking North to South.


At the beginning of the 70’s, the real state speculation occurred in a more aggressive way in the neighborhood which was targeted by the Construction Companies, which started to ground, even though they had no authorization from the City Hall, the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon in order to build residential buildings. Thus, the Lagoon, which had already been suffered from the groundings since 1808, lost almost half of its original area. Several protests from people who lived there and architects like Oscar Niemeyer and Lucio Costa came out in order to make the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and its border declared historical patrimony.

Below, we see Gavea Rock from the Lagoon:



In the 80’s, the attentions in Rio-de-Janeiro, were to Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon waters clean-up, where several projects were presented and some of them, having the private initiative help and international capital, were performed. However, only in the 90’s, Cariocas could appreciate the water mirror less polluted. It was in the last three decades of the century that the neighborhood got a good participation in Carioca’s nightlife with bars, discos and restaurants for all tastes.

Credit for Rio-de-Janeiro old school photos to Rio Passado from Flickr.

Hippie Fair Ipanema Rio

But Ipanema Rio is not only about eating and drinking. This district is home to several tribes that live in a harmony: the tourists, the surf crowd, the rich and famous, the new hippies, the jocks, the Rio gay friendly and the typical local resident. Maybe one of the reasons of Ipanema district success is exactly this heterogeneous environment that captivates mainstream and alternative vibrations. One of the greatest examples of this peaceful coexistence is the legendary Ipanema´s Hippie Fair.


Originally known as “Ipanema´s Handcraft and Arts Fair”, the Hippie Fair used to be a spot at the General Osório Square Rio where locals gathered to display their art in the late 60´s. By 1968, the Ipanema Hippie Fair established itself and became the world’s largest handcraft open art gallery and fair. Today, “Ipanema Hippie Fair” opens every Sunday from 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM and is definitely the best place in Rio for you to find that quintessential souvenir gift. Another great of shot of Ipanema Hippie Fair of Renato Sil, below:




At this Ipanema Hippie Fair , you will be able to find several kinds of Brazilian Native craftwork techniques including: wood, stone, canvas, clothing, leather, paper, metal, semi-precious gems, metal, bones and straw. One of the reasons why the Hippie Fair became “Hype” is exactly because of this heterodox atmosphere and constant evolution of its products in terms of fashion and glamour. Some example of this fashion products are the leather Franciscan sandals bought by Giorgio Armani, artsy-fashion ladies bags and real life Samba instruments.


Important notice: Don’t forget to bargain, as it is part of the culture, just like in many street markets around the world. Visit Rio, Visit Brazil!

Below, a classic picture of the famous Girl of Ipanema in the sixties. She has probably visited this Hippie-Fair several times...