Rio is very dangerous!
"Yaofeng" wrote in message
news:1929c39e.0410100807.443f3415@posting.google.com...
> "Brett" wrote in message
> news:...
>> I'm planning a trip to Rio De Janeiro around mid December 2004. The
>> hotel
>> I'm planning to stay in (California Othon Classic) is in front of
>> Copacabana
>> Beach. I'd like suggestions for (with cost in mind):
>
> The last time we went to Brazil was X'mas 2002 so things may have
> changed a bit. The exchange rate then was R3.65 to $1. I see it is
> now R2.8 to $1. It's not as good but your dollar still pack some
> punch. In 1997 when I first went to Brazil, the exchange rate was
> like R1 to $1.1.
>
>> - getting around city
>
> We have five people, the entire family. Although the taxi driver
> would not mind us cramming in it is still not the best solution. We
> end up taking the Metro and bus most of the time. Remember the Metro
> does not run on Sundays. Bus is cheap, R1.30 a ride. It is by far
> the most popular mode of transportation of Cariocas. We bought a very
> detailed bus route guide for R26 at a bus stop. "Ruas Rio de Janeiro"
> is 1 inch thick (in Portugese). It has complete bus and Metro routing
> and 190 pages of city map.
>
>> - best way to get from airport to hotel
>
> Taxi is likely the only mode of transportation from Galeao. Do
> bargain with the taxi driver. BUt if you plan to fly to other cities
> in Brazil, domestic flights are served in Santos Dumont. It is inside
> the city, severd by public transportation.
>
>> - best way to get to Corcovado
>
> We took the bus from Copa with a transfer at Botafogo. And the the
> trolley, naturally.
>
>> - places I shoudn't go because of safety
>
> Maybe we were lucky. I thought Rio safe in general despite people
> said otherwise. We went to the zoo, by bus, where there is a favela
> nearby. We went to Maracanal, the famous football stadium also by
> bus, where it is not considered a safe area. My advise is be yourself
> and be alert. People are friendly and willing to help. None of us
> speak a word Portugese except "Obrigado".
>
>> - general advice on safety
>> - advantages/disadvantages of going this time of year
>
> We love being in Rio during X'mas. It's summer in Brazil. The day is
> long. The weather is hot. Good to get away from the frigid north.
>
>> - anything else
>
> Do not drive in Rio. Traffic is a nightmare. Plus everyone thinks he
> owns the road behind the wheel.
>
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Brett
|