Ok so Rio... it is very unique within Brazil and the world. It's way of life, the climate, the mix of cultures, their strong Rio accent and unique slang. One of the most interesting things of Rio is the situation of poverty, the famous favelas, the contrasts of rich and poor areas. The huge gap between rich and poor is right in your face. Everyone knows about it, everyone acknowledges it, yet it's accepted. The informal system of the favelas (which are governed...

Ok I decided to first write about what I´ve done so far then in another blog explain Rio de Janeiro in general (the little I know and have observed so far). My first day here it was raining so it was a very relaxing day, spent a lot of time writing messages, a blog and Paulo (my Brazilian dad) took me to get a phone. Im using an older one of theirs and just had to buy a chip and get a prepaid plan. Then he showed me where the metro stop is, the supermark...

Well I arrived to Rio!!! 25 hours on the bus really wasn't bad at all. I read (finished The Alchemist for the second time, very fitting since it's by a world famous author from Rio and about a boy traveling alone learning other languages and cultures), listened to music, studied more Portuguese... Slept. Then at one of the bus stops when we had a break a guy who was sitting behind me started talking to me fast in Portuguese. As usual when I don't understand I nod...

Ok I better write about this in the moment otherwise later I'll feel better and feel it unnecessary. But I wanna look back and remember the hard times too... I'm still loving Brazil and had another great day with Ana. She took me 2 hours (3 in her car) up to the mountains where there's a nice touristy town which is having a film festival right now, called Gramado. This place is also known for their chocolate :-). Then also nearby is Canela, a small town in the ...

I've been wanting to write since I arrived but I was too busy enjoying myself. I think the Gods heard me in Uruguay because since I arrived to Porto Alegre, it's been sunny and according to the people here, it hasn't been like this in a while. The 8 hour bus ride but better than fine, the lounge chair was more comfortable than my bed in Punta del Este and better than first class on a plane. They give you a pillow and blanket, some food, water, coke and in the mor...