http://www.belavista-rio.com/blog/ Brazil Carnival Culture: Rio Carnival Dates, Sambadrome Map, Samba-Schools, Carnival Parade Tikets. Traditional Samba-Schools: Mangueira, Salgueiro, Portela, Unidos da Tijuca, Beija-Flor, en-us Nucleus CMS v3.31 � Weblog http://backend.userland.com/rss http://www.belavista-rio.com/blog//nucleus/nucleus2.gif http://www.belavista-rio.com/blog/ http://www.belavista-rio.com/blog/index.php?itemid=410 Mocidade Samba School has recently disclosed that a new wing was created for 2010 Carnaval in Rio. The Gay wing will rely on gay merrymakers parading down Rio´s Sambadrome.

Below, a wing member of Mocidade Independente Padre Miguel Opening wing:

Coreography_of_the_front_liners_of_Mocidade_Independente_1.JPG

However, the school informs that it is not mandatory that the person is gay to be a part of the wing. All it takes is attending rehearsal at school court every Wednesday between 8:30 P.M and 10 P.M. According to Diguinho Mocidade and Maurício D’Paula, responsible for the wing, selection will take to consideration enthusiasm, attendance amongst other requirements. The costume to be used by wing members is very irreverent: a Leopard.

This is the first time a Rio Samba-School dedicates an entire wing to the gay community, and it came in great time since Rio is now recognized as one of the best destinies for gays in the world.


As a reminder, follows below the Official 2010 Schedule for Rio´s Carnaval Parade:


2010 Carnival Parade Schedule for the “Special Group” in Rio de Janeiro:


Sunday, February 14th Rio Samba-Schools Schedule:>

1st Approximate Time: 9:00 PM - União da Ilha Samba-School
2nd Approximate Time: 10:05 PM - Imperatriz Leopoldinense Samba-School
3rd Approximate Time: 11:10 PM - Unidos da Tijuca Samba-School
4th Approximate Time: 00:15 AM – Viradouro Samba-School
5th Approximate Time: 01:20 AM – Acadêmicos do Salgueiro Samba-School
6th Approximate Time: 02:20 AM - Beija-Flor Samba-School


Monday, February 15th Rio Samba-Schools Schedule:

1st – Approximate Time: 9:00 PM - Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel
2nd Approximate Time: 10:05 PM -<b> Porto da Pedra
3rd Approximate Time: 11:10 PM – Portela Samba School
4th Approximate Time: 00:15 AM – Grande Rio
5th Approximate Time: 01:20 AM – Vila Isabel
6th Approximate Time: 02:20 AM – Mangueira Samba School
]]> Backstage Carnival http://www.belavista-rio.com/blog/index.php?itemid=410 Sun, 6 Dec 2009 10:47:08 -0200 http://www.belavista-rio.com/blog/index.php?itemid=409 Carnaval in Rio, but Rio de Janeiro has a new Carnival Queen, Shayene Cesario. The muse we have described in the past has just been elected yesterday, October 9th, the new Official Rio de Janeiro 2010 Carnival Queen. The contest occurred in Rio´s Samba City.

When the Official Rio de Janeiro Queen and Princess Contest was over, Shayene Cesário could never imagine she would be crowned the Official Rio de Janeiro Carnival Queen, winning over 12 other contenders. The decision was made by a judging panel that considered several attributes for the final scores, including samba dance abilities, overall charisma, sympathy, body elegance and facial expressions. Members of the judging panel included: Sidney Rezende, Selmynha Sorrisoz, Viviane Araújo, and actor Davi Pinheiro.

Shayene_2010_Queen_1.jpg

Let´s get to know this Carnival Goddess a bit more: Shayene Cesario is a 24 years old model and law student born in Rio de Janero. The lovely Brazilian brunette has indigenous, European, and Afro-Brazilian roots, which clearly constructed that extraordinary look. The Carnaval Goddess was raised in the traditional São Carlos neighborhood and started to parade at the early age of 8 with Estácio de Sá Samba School in Rio.

As part of her attributes of 2010 Official Rio de Janeiro Carnival Queen, Shayene Cesario will participate in a series of carnival balls, visit several samba rehearsals promoted by traditional samba schools like <b>Unidos da Tijuca, Mangueira, together with the other members of the carnival court in Rio: Talita Martins and Suellen Pinto, the two Carnival Princesses, and Momo King Milton Rodrigues. Those who think this marketing pampering campaign is just posing may be unadvised: The carnival promotion marathon is extremely strenuous and fatiguing. As an example of a classic Carnaval promotional event, the Rio de Janero Mayor hands the “city´s keys” to Carnival court and officially opens the carnival festivity.


Shayene_Desfilando_2010_1.jpg

But who said this astonishing muse is only appealing to the eyes? Shayene is finishing her Law School and will become a full lawyer in one year. The new Rio Carnival Queen worked for two years as an intern at the Public Attorney in Rio, where she had a good chance to learn a bit of the profession’s routine.

To maintain the amazing fit, Shayene Cesario works out every day and also practices martial arts. Shayene Cesario has nearly perfect measures: 5.74 feet (1, 75 m ) and 143 pounds ( 65 kg) in a proportional waist line. Apart from parading in Rio´s Sambadrome, Shayene also paraded in São Paulo, where she enjoyed great success.

I am sure the new Carnaval Queen Shayene Cesario will be one of Brazil´s 2010 next celebrity for everything she represents: her simple ways, her friendly smile, her colorful ethnic background and spontaneous personality.

Below, a great shot from Marcelo O´Reilly:

Shayene_Marcelo_O__Reilly_1.jpg

Good luck in 2010 and congratulations for your samba roots!
]]> Backstage Carnival http://www.belavista-rio.com/blog/index.php?itemid=409 Sat, 10 Oct 2009 15:57:52 -0300 http://www.belavista-rio.com/blog/index.php?itemid=408 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!


Brazil_Samba_dancing_Show___Unidos_da_Tijuca_16_1.jpg


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.



ThankYouLanguage.jpg


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.

brazil_flag.gif

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.


_rio_2016_1.jpg


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:


Bianca_Salgeiro_Chiquita_Banana_Estacio_1.jpg


]]> Rio de Janeiro http://www.belavista-rio.com/blog/index.php?itemid=408 Fri, 2 Oct 2009 13:51:13 -0300 http://www.belavista-rio.com/blog/index.php?itemid=407
Alves, Juliana is the next Carnival Muse we will portray in our Goddess of Brazil Carnaval Gallery. The 27 years old Brazilian actress is the new sensation on the entrainment scenario and is a long enthusiast of the samba and Carnaval. Let´s understand how this passion was born. In an interview, Juliana Alves stated she began listening to classic samba composers like Cartola, Paulinho da Viola, with her father called Sebastião. According to Alves, Juliana the samba was so embedded within the family that they even had a kind of ‘family anthem’, which was late Gonzaguinha´s famous song called “O que é o que é?" .


Juliana_Alves_Muse_photo_Perola_Negra_1.jpg

Above, the Juliana Alves, Carnaval Queen as Perola Negra Samba-School Drum Queen from Sao Paulo

Juliana is a passionate samba fan and has been literally to all samba-schools ‘quadras’ in Rio, where she practices her samba routines. (The Brazilian Muse actually lives two blocks away from Unidos da Vila Samba-School premises. ) Some of these quadras include Unidos da Tijuca, Portela, Mocidade Independente, Império da Tijuca, and Salgueiro. Important not to forget Juliana started her professional life as a true dancer, so she naturally has rhythm, specially samba, running thorough her veins.

Below, a special photo shoot made by Yuri Garnero of Tudo de Samba / Sambarazzo team:


Juliana_Alves_Yuri_Garneiro__Sambarazzo_1.jpg


In 2004, Alves, Juliana was invited to parade as Carnival Muse for traditional samba-school Salgueiro. Also during that year, she enjoyed great success as full Queen of Drums for Império da Tijuca Samba-School, a coveted position in Brazil Carnaval.

Finally last year, in 2008, Juliana had a chance to present herself in two other samba-schools: Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel and Renascer de Jacarepagua. Even though the Carnaval Diva has rehearsed her samba routines in many samba-schools and joined the parade in at least 6 different samba-schools, when asked which one she supports, Unidos de Vila Isabel is the answer!

Congratulations for supporting the Carnaval in Brazil and making sure its culture is spread all over the world.

If you want to see Juliana, try one of the Samba practices in Rio...

Juliana_Alves_in_carnaval_samba_dancer_costume.jpg


Alves Juliana Short Life Biography:

Juliana Alves is a Brazilian actress & model, born May 3rd 1982. Juliana started her professional life as a dancer. Later, she gained famed after participating in a reality show in 2003. She was then invited to join a Globo Network as contract actress. She participated in a many TV series and soap operas.


• "Chocolate com Pimenta" - 2003.
• " Mano a Mano". – 2004
• " Prova de Amor" - 2006
• " Amazônia, de Galvez a Chico Mendes" & “Duas Caras" - 2007
• " Faça sua História", " Casos e Acasos" “A Grande Família" - 2008
• " Caminho das Ìndias" – 2009


JulianaAlves_in_Samba_Rehearsal_by_Leila_Folino_1_1.jpg


Beautiful picture of Alves Juliana by Leila Fiolino


We would like to thank Alice & Tudo de Samba/ Sambarazzo, and Yuri Garnero, which provided photos and text inspiration.


ALVES_JULIANA_perola_01g_1.jpg

The beautiful Brazilian Muse in samba rehearsal in Sao Paulo, above]]> Drum Queens http://www.belavista-rio.com/blog/index.php?itemid=407 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:15:32 -0300 http://www.belavista-rio.com/blog/index.php?itemid=406 Rent brand new Rio apartment with 97 m² at Rua Bento Lisboa, within Quartier Carioca Complex. Designer made, with total comfort of a residence, decorated with rustic furniture and contemporary. NEW Construction with extensive leisure area and total infrastructure (swimming pools, pool, tennis courts, sauna, Internet café, playground with toys, barbeque, cafeteria, etc..) Near Flamengo Park and Catete Palace. Fully furnished.

Description of the Rooms and Bathrooms

Large room with 30 m², with recess plaster with two rooms, and dining room with rustic square table for 8 places and with different niche wall mirrored. The living room has two super comfortable sofas and modern, side table, coffee table rustic chair with ottoman from Indonesia, rack wall panel with 29 "TV.

New_Apartments_Rio_Brazil_for_rent_2_1.jpg

The apartment has 3 bathrooms, 1 being the entrance of the building, with other social and mirror box blindex and third in the suite with mirror and blindex box.

• Description of Kitchen

Kitchen clear, comprehensive and complete with armchairs and table with the vertical table for quick meals has duplex refrigerator, microwave, 4 burner stove, heater Lorenzetti, closet for cleaning supplies in the service area overlooking the forest.

Description of Rooms

SUITE-1, has closet, double bed box, panel to the ceiling with mirror and two bedside tables, ceiling fan, low stool with 3 Futons and workbench for micro;

2-Bedroom has closet, 1 bunk bed, ceiling fan, stand for micro with decorative shelves.

New_Apartments_Rio_Brazil_for_rent_3_1.jpg

Balcony Description

Balcony and spacious with 16 square meters, has set chairs for outdoor area with two chairs, coffee table for support and a flirt, had 2 pots with ornamental plants and a view to the forest and mountains.


Flamengo Neighborhood

Situated in the prime of Flamengo, one block from the Flamengo Park and Praia do Flamengo, 2 minutes from the Palace of Catete, a block from the metro to Largo do Machado, 5 minutes to downtown and Copacabana. Area full of shops, restaurants, churches, supermarkets Sendas 24 and transport 24.

New_Apartments_Rio_Brazil_for_rent_1.jpg

* Characteristics

Garage

Refrigerator

Microwave

stove

Heater

29 "TV

utensils

Balcony room with 16 m²

Ceiling Fan

Panoramic
In • Condominium

Workout Gym

Grill

Deck

garage

Landscape and Garden

pool with wet deck

Swimming with the streak of 25 m

Quadra football

Indoor Volleyball

Restaurant

Playroom

dry sauna and steam

Cable TV

Lan House

Cinema

Home Offfice
]]> Apartments in Rio http://www.belavista-rio.com/blog/index.php?itemid=406 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:37:03 -0300 http://www.belavista-rio.com/blog/index.php?itemid=405
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!



Boatafogo_bay_Rio_Old_School_1910___1_1.jpg

Above, Old Photo of Botafogo Bay circa 1910



copa__beach__rio_in_1930_3_1.jpg


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



copacabana_beach_in_1940_50_4_1.jpg


Above, Old Photo of caopacabana beach 1940


gloria_e_santa_teresa_old_school_pictures_5_1.jpg


Above, Old Photo of Gloria circa 1910


Kiosk_old_Rio_phtos___early_century_6_1.jpg


Above, Old Photo of Vending Kiosk circa 1900


leblon_beach_in_1910___rio_old_school_7_1.jpg


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


leblon_gavea_view_corcovado___rio_old_school_8.jpg



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


Old_Rio_Picture__Copacabana_in_1911_10_1.jpg


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


PAISSANDU_street___rio_old_school_pictures__11_1.jpg



rio_branco_1930_12_1.jpg




rio_old_school___leblon_beach_photo___15_1.jpg



rio_old_school___city_center_14.jpg
]]> Rio de Janeiro http://www.belavista-rio.com/blog/index.php?itemid=405 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:11:12 -0300 http://www.belavista-rio.com/blog/index.php?itemid=404 Roche Ellen Carnival Experience: Ellen Roche started to parade in 2000 at the Brazilian Carnival and believes this grandiose festivity is an excellent way to maintain her body, soul and spirit. The Brazilian muse established herself in São Paulo entertainment business and for this reason decided to participate at the São Paulo carnival, with Rosas de Ouro Samba School.

Ellen_Roche_2009.jpg

Above, a pose of Roche Ellen

At first, she would dance just like any regular merry-maker, on “the ground.” Then, the celebrity and model was invited in 2006 to become the Queen of Drums, one of the most disputed posts within a very traditional Samba-School of Sao Paulo.


This goddess of Samba was always enchanted by the luxurious samba costumes, the vibes and energy of the Carnival spirit.

Roche Ellen states: "It is important to enjoy and give the deserved value to the good things in life. Of course it is essential to have responsibility, but it is also important to live for today without thinking too much about tomorrow.” She also emphasizes the importance of having a true connection with the percussionists and the samba-school community as a whole.


Ellen_Roche_Rosas_de_Ouro__2008_1.jpg


When asked to reveal some of her tricks to shine at Carnival, the Brazilian goddess recommends a “balanced diet and exercises”. She says the entire carnival dance routine is ideal way to lose weight, since samba-dancing is very energy consuming. She also told us another secret to help maintain her dazzling beauty and avoid toxins: She drinks two cups of purple grape juice every day, one in the morning and one at night.

Ellen Roche is a perfect example as to how Carnival can also be of great help in developing a healthy and enjoyable life. Muse Roche, Ellen> is truly a master on how dance samba should be! Way to go!


Ellen_Roche_1.jpg

Short Biography: Ellen Roche is another beautiful Brazilian actress and model also present at the Carnival festivity. She was born in Ibaté, July 19th 1979 and started her career as a TV show host assistant, called “Qual é a Música”, from a major TV channel and network called SBT in 1999. She instantly became novelty in TV especially due to her impacting beauty, charming smile and specially her “American look”, very different from the typical Brazilian women who are mainly brunette. In 2001, Roche, Ellen would then gain national exposure and star on a reality show based on the Dutch Big Brother, called “Casa dos Artistas”. At this show, which title could be translated as “House of Artists”, famous artists like models, musicians, actresses, would be locked together in a mansion and eventually voted out by the public?

Ellen_Roche_Samba_Practice_by_Mateus_Mondini_g1_1.jpg

Because of her symmetrical measures, blue eyes and slim body, model Roche, Ellen personified Lara Croft´s Tomb Raider in several promotional events of the computer game in Brazil. In 2002, Roche Ellen was elected the “World´s Most Sensual Woman”, by VIP Magazine in Brazil. She is married with actor Ricardo Macchi. She participated in the following shows and star on theater plays:


* 2003 - A Turma do Didi – Globo TV Network - Elfei
* 2004 - Metamorphoses - Kelly Madeira
* 2006 - Um Menino Muito Maluquinho - Fada Madrinha do Consumo
* 2007 - A Turma do Didi - Globo TV Network - Lena
* 2007 - Zorra Total – Globo TV Network - ET
* 2008 - Beleza Pura - Globo TV Network - Gleyce
* 2008 - Ciranda de Pedra - Teodora
* 2008 - Dicas de Um Sedutor - Globo TV Network - Sabrina
* 2008 - Faça sua História - Stefany
* 2008 - Malhação - Globo TV Network - Juju
* 2008 - Negócio da China - Globo TV Network - Laura

Another close up of the Rosas de Ouro Muse Roche, Ellen

Ellen_Roche_Rosas_de_Ouro_2008_1.jpg]]> Samba Glossary http://www.belavista-rio.com/blog/index.php?itemid=404 Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:50:52 -0300 http://www.belavista-rio.com/blog/index.php?itemid=403 www.twitter.com/brazilcarnival and have found it very useful. TwitterScore rates Brazil the 4th country with the greatest numbers of active accounts, only losing for United States, UK, and Canada.


Tess__lia_Twittess.jpg

Above, Tessália as Natalie Portman, the second largest Brazilian beauty account at Twitter.


Another study published on the web by Sysomos Library Resource include Brazilian Twitterers as fast growers and already represent 2% of all Twitter activity, ahead of rich nations such as Germany, Netherlands, France, Italy and Japan. (See full report at http://www.watblog.com/2009/07/21/twitter-stats-by-sysomos-an-analysis/).


Below, the Brazilian model and comedian Sabrina Sato is constantly Tweeting too!

sabrina_sato_twitter.jpg


And just like in America, where celebrities have a gigantic influence in trending topics and media in general, Brazilian Twitter accounts with the largest number of followers are entertainers. Here, nobody has yet reached the coveted magic number of one million followers; however some accounts are getting close. The number 1 Twitter account in Brazil belongs to a famous Brazilian soccer coach called Mano Menezes ( @manomenezes ) with approximately 650K followers, which makes since we are supposedly the “country of soccer”.

thayla_ayala_twitter_brazil.jpg


Above, the picture of the cute Brazilian actress Thaila Ayala


To make sure our readers have a taste of what does the Brazilian Twitters are about, we will providing you with a special reason to visit this Latin flavor.

We posted below the Top 10 Hottest Women at Brazilian Twitter >, ranked by the number of followers. No joke!! A real gift to all of our readers since we published both the name of the celebrity and address of these marvelous babes so you can follow them!


Below, another model and actress at Brazilian Twitter: Tânia Oliveira.


tania_oliveira_brazil_celebrity.jpg


The numbers were taken by the excellent service called TwitterCounter.com which provides real-time statistics of Twitter accounts all over the world. The numbers of followers considered August 4th 2009 statistics. Have fun and follow me to learn more of the Brazilian Carnival News!!

To followthese beauties profiles, you can either click on their names in bold or at their pictures.

JAQ_KURY_FOTO_1_1.jpg

Above, a picture of Muse Jaque Khury, who now works for RedeTV! in a show called Irado. She is beautiful as always!



Top 10 Hottest Twitter Accounts in Brazil by Belavista-Rio


1) Ivete Sangalo – Popular Singer - @ivetesangalo # of followers: 56, 560


2) Tessália Serighelli – Internet Activist & Model - @twittess - # of followers: 54,682


3) Luciana Gimenez – TV Host & model - @lulusuperpop - # Twitter of followers: 24, 159


4) Sabrina Sato – Comic Actress - www.twitter.com/sabrinasatoreal - # of Twitter followers; 23,929

please observe there is a fake sabrina sato profile out there!

5) Stefany Cury – college student - www.twitter.com/stefanycury - # of Twitter followers: 15, 308

Below, the gorgeous, classy and elegant Luciana Gimenez at a fashion photo shoot.

Luciana_SuperPop.jpg



6) Thayla Ayala - TV Actress - www.twitter.com/Thailaayala - # of Twitter followers : 13,624


7) Tania Oliveira – TV Host & Model - www.twitter.com/taniaoliveira - # of Twitter followers: 10,040


8) Jaque Khury – Model & TV Host -www.twitter.com/jaquekhury - # of Twitter followers: 10,031


9) Priscilla Pires – Reality Show Celebrity - @priscilapiress - # of Twitter Followers; 7,890

Above, the interesting Brazil model Priscila Pires who became famous after participating at the Reality Show Big Brother, the 9th largest Twitter Account, considering Brazilian muses...

priscila_bbb_9_twitter.jpg



10) Marcia Brazil – TV Host & Model - @marciabrazil - # of Followers – 5,943



Below, the VH1 Host Marcia Brazil: She is at Twitter too!

marcia_brazil_twitter_1.jpg]]> Girl of Ipanema http://www.belavista-rio.com/blog/index.php?itemid=403 Fri, 7 Aug 2009 12:32:10 -0300 http://www.belavista-rio.com/blog/index.php?itemid=402 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.

Biscoito_Globo.jpg

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.

Globo_Biscuits.jpg

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.

Globo_Street_Vendor_1.jpg

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:)

Globo_1.jpg


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.

Biscoito_globo_wrapping.jpg

Above, the two wrappings and flavors. ]]> Rio de Janeiro http://www.belavista-rio.com/blog/index.php?itemid=402 Tue, 4 Aug 2009 16:56:38 -0300 http://www.belavista-rio.com/blog/index.php?itemid=401
1___Rio_de_Janeiro_Old_School_Sugar_Loaf_Mount_1.jpg

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.

2_Copacabana_Beach_Old_School_RIo_do_Janeiro_1.jpg

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."


3_Old_School_R_de_Janeiro_Classic_1.jpg

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

4_Ouvidor_Old_School_2_1.jpg


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


6_Ouvidor_Old_School_1.jpg

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.


8_Rio_de_Century_Photos_1.jpg


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.


9_Old_School_Rio_Photos_Botafogo_Bay_1.jpg


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.

10_Rio_de_Janeiro_Old__Botafogo_Bay_1.jpg

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.

11_aneiro_Old_School_4_1.jpg

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

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


Old_School_the_laggoon_part_II_1_1.jpg

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!


12_Old_School_Street_Vendor_1.jpg

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.


13_Old_School_Sao_COnrado_1.jpg


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.)


14_Old_School_Lapa_1.jpg


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.

15_School_Leme_1.jpg

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.

16_Photo_Street_Vendor_1.jpg


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


18_Rio_Antigo_part_II.jpg


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


19_Av._Niemeyer__part_II_1.jpg

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

Ambulante_Rio_Antigo_part_II.jpg

]]> Rio de Janeiro http://www.belavista-rio.com/blog/index.php?itemid=401 Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:03:17 -0300