BEIJA FLOR WINS 2011 RIO CARNAVAL

With 299,8 points,from a possible of 300, Beija-Flor Samba School from the town of Nilopolis was the winner of this year´s carnaval. Beija Flor has now won the championship 12 times (including two tri-championships: 1976/1977/1978 and 2003/2004/2005).

Unidos da Tijuca was second with 298,4 points, Mangueira third with 297,2 points, Unidos de Vila Isabel was fourth with 297 points. Salgueiro was fifth with 296,2. Sixth was Imperatriz Leopoldinense (295,5 points). These schools will parade again at the Sambodromo, (Sambodrome) next Saturday 12th of March at the "Parade of Winners" (Desfile das Campeãs).

The Carnaval continues this weekend with several street parades:on Saturday there will be seven parades (blocos da rua) , such as Bafafa, in Ipanema near Posto 9. There will be a big parade on Sunday at Rio Branco Avenue, where Monobloco will dance from Av.Presidente Vargas until Cinelandia., and 350,000 spectators are expected. On the first day of carnaval, 2 million people paraded on Rio Branco, the city´s biggest avenue.

LINE UP FOR CARNAVAL PARADE AT SAMBODROMO (RIO SAMBODROME )

THIS IS THE ORDER OF APPEARANCE FOR THE 1ST DIVISION SAMBA SCHOOLS AT RIO DE JANEIRO´S SAMBODROMO (sambodrome).

SUNDAY , MARCH 6:

1) SAO CLEMENTE

2) IMPERATRIZ LEOPOLDINA

3)PORTELA

4) UNIDOS DA TIJUCA

5) VILA ISABEL

6) MANGUEIRA

MONDAY, MARCH 7:

1)UNIAO DA ILHA

2) SALGUEIRO

3) MOCIDADE

4) GRANDE RIO

5)PORTO DA PEDRA

6) BEIJA FLOR

PRICE OF METRO TICKET GOES UP IN APRIL

The price of a subway ticket (known as Metro in Rio) will rise from R$ 2,80 to R$ 3,10 as from April 2011; an increase of 9,7%. Last year, since the inflation index was negative, the price was not adjusted. In 2008, the ticket cost R$ 2,60. This price increase was included in the contract signed with Metrô Rio, the company that runs Rio´s subway system.

CHANGES TO TRAFFIC IN RIO DE JANEIRO

As from yesterday, Monday 21st February, the traffic has been changed in Nossa Senhora de Copacabana, one of the main avenues in the district and that is formed by four lanes. The two lanes to the right will only be used for public transport such as buses.The number of buses that will be allowed to transit on the avenue will be reduced by 20%, and bus stops have been reduced to 20. Private cars , taxis and trucks can only travel on the left hand lanes. If a private car transits for more than one block along Nossa Senhora de Copacabana Avenue, it will be monitored by the cameras and fined. From now on, taxis cannot pick up passengers on the avenue, only on side streets. Cars will not be allowed to park on the right hand side during the night, only on the left and only after 9 p.m. No trucks will be allowed to load or unload on the avenue, only in side streets.
This system will also be implemented soon in two other main avenues in Copacabana: Barata Ribeiro and Raul Pompeia. In the rest of the the city, traffic in 21 avenues will also be reorganized.

RONALDINHO SCORES AGAIN FOR FLAMENGO !

Ronaldinho Gaucho scored his second goal since joining Flamengo a month ago. This goal helped Flamengo advance to the second round of the Copa do Brasil. Last night, the RJ team beat Murici F.C, of Alagoas, by 3 - 0, at the Rei Pele stadium in Maceio. Ronaldinho scored after 21 minutes of play, when he headed in the ball from close range. Renato scored Flamengo´s second goal in the 27th minute from a free kick and in the 45th minute, Negueba scored the third.
This Sunday at 4 p.m at the Engenhão Stadium in Rio , Flamengo will face Botafogo, in the semifinal of the Guanabara Cup.

IPANEMA HAS MOST EXPENSIVE SQUARE METER IN RIO

Property prices skyrocket in Ipanema

According to destakjornal , the prices of property in Ipanema have increased by 78% between 2009 and 2010. The district now has the highest price per square meter in RJ, at 13,500 reals, compared to 12,900 reals in Leblon, the second highest, and which is adjacent to Ipanema.

Other areas that border with Ipanema have the following prices:

Lagoa - 10400 reals psqm.

Gavea - 9100 reals psqm.

Jardim Botanico - 8700 reals psqm

A 100 square meter apartment now costs over 1 million reals in Ipanema or Leblon.

Benefits of renting a short term apartment in Rio de Janeiro

Short term apartments in Rio de Janeiro

Renting an apartment to stay in can be a great way to save money while you visit Rio de Janeiro. Not only can apartments more easily accommodate larger groups; you can often prepare simple meals in the apartment and do laundry in the building, yielding even greater savings. Short-term apartment rentals also offer visitors the chance to get an idea of what it's really like to live in Rio de Janeiro -- away from the concierge and crowds of hotels.

1. Understand What You're Getting
Hosted apartments may or may not include breakfast, and you also might have a bathroom you share with the host. Many hosts are interested in meeting visitors and share great tips and insight with their guests -- others are most interested in the financial gains of hosting. Know the condition and amenities available in whatever property you rent. It's important to request references and recent photos.

2. Ask About Pets, Children and Smoking
If you have pets or children traveling with you, check with the agency to ensure that you get appropriate accommodations. With most apartments, young children are not a problem, but they may be in hosted accommodations. Apartments tend to be non-smoking, but ask to be sure. If you're a smoker ask about appropriate properties. Many Copacabana, Ipanema and other Zona Sul apartment buildings do not accommodate pets, but again, clarify when you reserve (& be aware you will probably be asked for a security deposit.)

3. Book Ahead for the Best Choices
While there are frequently apartments available on short notice, you'll have the most options for location and amenities the further out you reserve your accommodations.

4. Know the Cancellation and Payment Policies
Cancellation policies vary widely, so be sure that you understand the policy and charges associated with canceling your reservation or changing the dates of your visit. Even if you reserve with a credit card, payment for your accommodations may be required in cash or Traveler's checks -- clarify when you reserve. Some services charge a cleaning fee when you leave, and others include the cleaning fee in the cost of the apartment.

5. Get Details in Advance
Unlike a hotel where there is always someone at the front desk, you might have a shorter window of opportunity to get the keys to your apartment. Be sure to confirm where/when you'll be picking up the keys, and bring along contact information in the event that your flight is delayed or your plans change.

6. Maid Service
Short term apartment rentals rarely include daily maid service, though you can often pay extra if this is essential to you. This means you'll need to make your own bed and you might need to reuse the towels provided for several days before they are replaced. Ask when booking to find out the specific policy.

7. Apartments Might Need to Be Juggled
"A hotel has hundreds of rooms in the event that a room number needs to be changed or client needs to be moved. Approximately 25% of the time the original apartment number which is booked needs to be changed within a building. Approximately 10% of the time a client needs to be relocated to another building. Often long term clients extend and the short term bookings are the ones which need to be juggled."

8. Save Money With Self-Catering
You can save quite a bit of money by staying in an apartment -- particularly if you choose to have breakfast or lunch in your apartment. This is a great chance to check out some of Rio de Janeiro´s fantastic supermarkets and gourmet stores and save money at the same time.

9. Be Courteous
Keep in mind that you'll often be staying in apartment buildings where many people live full-time. In Brazil, and Rio especially it is very important to get along with the doorman (or doormen). These people can help you in case of a problem. Greet them when you leave and arrive at the building. Try your best to keep walkways clear if you're waiting in the lobby and don't crowd yourself into elevators with all your luggage when they are full of tenants. Also, keep in mind that folks have to go to work in the morning, so keep your voices down in hallways and other common areas.

Majority of tourists approve of Rio de Janeiro

According to Destakrio, a local newspaper, 88% of tourists will be returning for holidays in the city. The majority of tourists that visit Rio are from Europe (45%) and North America.

a) 40% of the visitors approved of the local hospitality.

b) 30% liked the natural scenery of the city

c) 5% approved of local food

The most visited places where:

1) Pão de Açucar (Sugar Loaf) (36%)

2) Corcovado and Christ Statue (32%)

3) Beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema (27%)

PRICES OF APARTMENTS IN RIO DE JANEIRO (DECEMBER 2010)

AVERAGE PRICES BY DISTRICT:

COPACABANA:

1 BEDROOM APART: R 1600

2 BEDROOM APART: R2600

3 BEDROOM APART: R3000

IPANEMA:

1 BEDROOM APART: R 1700

2 BEDROOM APART: R3450

3 BEDROOM APART: R6990

LEBLON:

1 BEDROOM APART: R 3230

2 BEDROOM APART: R4480

3 BEDROOM APART: R7325

CENTRO:

1 BEDROOM APART: R 600

2 BEDROOM APART: R800

3 BEDROOM APART: R1500

FRENCH COUPLE BUSTED WITH "MACONHA"

FRENCHIES ARRESTED BY POLICE OFFICERS AT Chapéu-Mangueira FAVELA
by Dan RJ

A year ago the Mayor of Rio had a great idea: set up police stations in the favelas. They are called UPPs (Police Pacifying Units in the Portuguese acronym). Since then all the favelas on the border with Copacabana are relatively peaceful. Before the UPPs were established, it was frequent to hear shots fired by automatic weapons, and the noise of fireworks being set off . There were two reasons for the fireworks to be exploded : 1) to warn the trafiickers that the police were to enter the favela 2) to alert buyers that the traffickers were selling maconha, cocaine or crack. One of the most troblesome favelas was that of Chapeu-Mangueira, near Princesa Isabel Avenue in the district known as Leme, on the northern side of Copacabana. On January 17, 2011, EXTRA, a local newspaper,informed that the cops from the UPP at Chapeu-Mangueira, arrested a French couple, identified as Rolse Antony Fransos, (34 years old )and Maria Cristalli Marcadon, (23). They were living at the Favela , and after searching their home, the cops found that they had 400 grams of "maconha" (marijuana, cannabis sativa) hidden in the fridge.

To make matters worse, Rolse had a great idea and offered the officers a payment of R$250 in order to be left free. Both were taken to the 13th Police Station at Ipanema and jailed accused of drug trafficking. They will go on trial in a few months.

RIO´S ECONOMY IS BOOMING AS URBAN VIOLENCE DECLINES

BY DANRJ:

According to "O Globo" , a local newspaper, the industrial production in the State of Rio de Janeiro increased 5,5% in November, while the national average went down 0.1%. This is just one sign of recovery for the Rio economy, that had been lagging behind for decades compared to the rest of Brazil. After being chosen to host the 2016 Olympics de 2016 and the final of the 2014 Fifa World Cup, Rio has become the center of global attention. There has also been a drastic reduction in urban violence urbana and a more optimistic atmosphere for business. For example in October 2010 there were 317 murders in the city, while in the same month of 2008 there were 454 violent deaths. In a recent Global Metro Monitor report published by the London School of Economics and the Brookings Institution. of the 150 main cities in the world, Rio has seen the biggest leap in the rankings, from the 100th position to 10th.

NEW YORKER FOUND DEAD IN RIO DE JANEIRO

A 24 year old american tourist, identified as Victor Vincent, was found dead in his apartment at Viveiros de Castro Street, Copacabana, on Wednesday morning (29).

According to police from the Homicide Division, Vincent may have been the victim of an overdose since they found stones that appear to be crack, empty beer bottles and sexual stimulants and condoms.

However, only an investigation by the Legal medical Institute (IML) ,that will be ready in one month, will reveal the cause of death.

The firemen were called after neighbors from the building reported a very bad smell in the apartment rented by Victor.According to the police, the american arrived in Brazil on December 20 and had rented the apartment for a short term. It seems that Victor died shortly after arriving in Rio de Janeiro. The apartment was located next to a famous nightclub called Cicciolina.

http://braziltravelcenter.wordpress.com/2010/12/30/update-american-dead-in-rio-de-janeiro-brazil-apartment/

Major Infrastructure Projects for Rio de Janeiro

By DanRj on November 12, 2010.

According to Rio´s main newspaper, O Globo, there are several projects planned for the city from now until 2016. The Federal government will grant Rio a total of 20 Billion Reals in order to modernize the city for the 2014 Fifa World Cup and the 2016 Olympics.
The most important projects are:
1) Expansion of subway from Ipanema to Barra da Tijuca: 5 Billion reals investment.
2) Maracana: The world´s most famous football stadium will be host to the final match of the 2014 World Cup. The project will modernize the area according to FIFA standards.
3) TRANSBAIXADA: This new highway will connect the Via Light ( a 10,5 km highway ) with the Rio-Petropolis road.