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

RIO has 4th highest commercial rentals in the world

According to an article published in DestakRio , a local newspaper, Rio de Janeiro has the 4th most expensive commercial rental prices in the world, only Hong Kong (1) , London (2) and Tokyo (3) have higher prices. According to CB Richard Ellis, RJ has another record: only 2% of the offices were not rented during the last quarter of 2010. Big industries need offices of an international standard, and Rio is receiveing a lot of investment before the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympics, said Leo Schneider ,VP of the local real estate association. Also Rio appears in another segment, the most expensive rentals for commercial property (outside the city center): these are 1) Hammersmith (London) and 2) Barra da Tijuca (Rio de Janeiro) 3) South East Paris 4) Greater Geneva (Switzerland).

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.