Rebirth in Rio
You know the locals in Rio joke that they don’t have a “political system” for solving problems. Instead they have a “party system.” According to local TV star Regina Casé, Rio solves its problems by inviting everyone to a big party and letting them all dance together. What a lovely thought.
It has to be said that there is something very energizing about traveling to a place where the economy is booming. The reason is simple. Everyone is feeding of the energy of the economy towards their pleasures.
Rio de Janeiro is just such a place. Having been selected to host the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics, the city is experiencing a renaissance. It seems that the whole city is engaged in a collective celebration for entering the world stage. Yet, the city itself remains a remarkably real place. Here you will witness the lives of the rich and poor intersect. The joys and struggles are apparent. The city is not trying to fool you into thinking that there is not poverty here. But, who wants to be willfully blind to the reality around you.
Well, deluding myself is certainly not my reason to go on vacation. In Rio you see the wealthy homes in low-lying Zona Sul district, basking in the glory of the world-famous Ipanema. Yet, the real Rio emerges from the densely packed poor settlements called Favelas. I say “real” because much of what we think of Brazilian culture originated from there Rio favelas, form samba to funk carioca, from soccer stars to supermodels.
The streets of Rio are now much safer than they use to be. The almost constant rhythm of music and dancing keeps the soul of the city alive, where strangers are friends and friends are already dancing with you.
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