Over my birthday week last month, your dallasDECORUM blogger was plucked from the design district to partake in a travel itinerary that consisted of hopping over a pond to another continent...South America, and to be more precise Rio de Janiero. While the trip did consist of design related work, I was able to get out and explore one the city that Jesus himself keeps an eye just in case you have a few too many Caipirinhas - the national cocktail.
Girl From Ipanema The classic 1960's song that introduced the cool, casual sound of Bossa Nova to the world...
LYRICS
Tall and tan and young and lovely
the girl from Ipanema goes walking
and when she passes
each one she passes
goes "Ahhh!"
When she walks she's like a samba
that swings so cool and sways so gently
that when she passes
each one she passes
goes "Ahhh!"
Oh, but he watches so sadly
How can he tell her he loves her?
Yes, he would give his heart gladly.
But each day when she walks to the sea
she looks straight ahead
not at he.
Tall and tan and young and lovely
the girl from Ipanema goes walking
and when she passes
he smiles
but she doesn't see.
She just doesn't see.
No, she doesn't see....
LYRICS
Tall and tan and young and lovely
the girl from Ipanema goes walking
and when she passes
each one she passes
goes "Ahhh!"
When she walks she's like a samba
that swings so cool and sways so gently
that when she passes
each one she passes
goes "Ahhh!"
Oh, but he watches so sadly
How can he tell her he loves her?
Yes, he would give his heart gladly.
But each day when she walks to the sea
she looks straight ahead
not at he.
Tall and tan and young and lovely
the girl from Ipanema goes walking
and when she passes
he smiles
but she doesn't see.
She just doesn't see.
No, she doesn't see....
Vintage 1930's PostcardsThe cars, the clothes, the chivalry...the clothes again! Movie stars flocked to Rio - filming the likes of The Road to Rio, That Man from Rio, and of course some James Bond thrown in for good measure.
What you need in your travel bag...just wait and get your Haviainas in Brazil...you can even customize them. The fashion regime is very casual. Most women do not wear any makeup - they don't really need to, they all have perfect skin! - and every one dons a pair of the national flip flop. In the evening, it is all about staying cool and the least amount of clothing you can get away with so you can samba the night away! Bandeau tops are au rigueur.
Copacabana Hotel
The day I went to pay homage to one of the 7 wonders of the world, it was a beautiful 85 degree day. I caught this shot just in time before the sun crept over, and would have otherwise made it a total blackout of a shot.
View from the heavens above....
Keeping watch over the city...if you start to have TOO much fun, just look up. He's always watching...
HI FIVE!
The view from Sugar Loaf, (see him above???) another famous peak in Rio reached by cable lifts.
MR. MONKEY - He lives on these high peaks of Sugar Loaf, pictured below...actual photo from my trip. Very National Geographic...I can't take credit though.
Vintage Postcard from Sugar Loaf
To get to Sugar Loaf you ascend to one peak in a cable lift and then to another. They are very adamant about checking your tickets from one peak to the next....even stating on the ticket one must have ticket to return. I am glad I kept mine...it is a pretty treacherous climb down it looks like.
To the top
Classic Vintage Poster
Ah...and of course the Carnivale girls! Unfortunately I missed the boat and had to leave before Carnivale, the WORLD's Best Party according to Guinness Book of World Records.
A Copacabana girl... although this is from the New York Broadway, I am sure there were many of these in Rio back in 1930's. I am loving those gloves...and the feather! 
We checked out LAPA in Rio - I would amount it to Austin's 6th street and Miami's Ocean Drive on steroids. I have never seen that many people spilling onto the streets - there was not enough room in the bars and clubs so people make their own in the street, after street, after street....you get it. It was amazing to see impromptu performances with people simply using a handmade drum and a pair of drum sticks. 
Artwork in LAPA
Ipanema Beach - My Last Day :( 
Street Market 
Ah...yes and of course, the national drink, a Caipirinhas, which simply constitutes for large amounts of rum, sugar and lime. You can pick these up on the beach for less then two reais $.
Great street food
Ipanema Beach...the water was freezing but refreshing. I found it interesting that most Cariocas can not swim, staying only to where their feet are firmly planted
Um...Speedos, lots of them. Brazilians are definitely the athletic lot, both men and women, you will see them on the beach at the break of dawn playing volleyball...with their feet...
MUST SEES
Copacabana
Copacabana is a district located in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Its beach-shaped half-moon is also known as Princess of the Sea, by its poetic aura, famous since the 30s. Copacabana beach has led to many songs, books, paintings and photographs. Today is a tourist reference in Brazil.
Ipanema beach
The main attraction of the neighborhood, the Ipanema beach is a favorite of Rio de Janeiro, losing in popularity only to the Copacabana beach, where the city’s New Year happens every year. The place is frequented by people day and night going for a walk, play sports, cycle by its bike path and enjoy the sensuality and beauty of who frequents the place. Kiosks sell various foods and drinks, but the basics are the coconut milk and sandwiches. The boardwalk to the Ipanema beach is bordered by an extensive bike path.
Sugar Loaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar)
One of the most popular tourist attractions of Rio de Janeiro, Sugar Loaf Mountain (in portuguese: Pão de Açúcar) is a place where you have the most beautiful views of Rio de Janeiro. Of the Sugar Loaf can be enjoyed several city beaches, the dense Atlantic Forest vegetation and historic buildings such as the Fort of “Santa Cruz”, the “Fiscal” Island and even downtown.
Christ Redeemer statue (Cristo Redentor)
One of the New 7 Wonders of the Modern World, Christ Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) statue in Rio de Janeiro attracts thousands of tourists all year.
With his arms outstretched over the city, the Christ Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) is the most beautiful symbol of Rio de Janeiro and the most famous postcard of Brazil. Located on top of the Corcovado hill, 710 meters (2319,4 ft) above sea level, up there what you see is pure bliss: Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Botanical Gardens, the Jockey Club, the Lagoon, in short, a Rio de Janeiro with his breathtaking scenery and unique.
SHOPPING
BarraShopping
The BarraShopping became a reference for the Rio de Janeiro since it was inaugurated in 1981. Besides having the most prominent shops in town (almost 600 different shops), highlight the space “New Yor City Center” offering a distinctive entertainment, restaurants that are a benchmark in food and other services.
Address: Av. Das. Americas, 4666 – Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro
Tel: +55 21 4003 4131
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Leblon Shopping
A special place that brings together all that Rio has to offer: fun, food, entertainment, culture, natural beauty and, of course, lots of fashion. More than 200 shops, where you find the best brands, the most delicious restaurants, cinemas comfortable and modern, and many cultural options, an integrated area for nature, with the right of the finest views of the city.
Address: Afranio de Melo Franco Ave., 290 – Leblon, Rio de Janeiro
Tel: +55 21 2430-5122
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Praia Shopping, Botafogo
This mall has the attraction that offers a breathtaking view to visitors. On the one hand the Christ, and in front of the most beautiful panoramic views of Sugar Loaf. Its eight floors house 170 stores with a complete mix of shops. The best of the cuisine is also here. Every day dozens of tourists visit the mall balcony to take the most beautiful photo with the Sugar Loaf in the background.
Address: Botafogo Beach, 400 – Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro
Tel: +55 21 2259 9880
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Rio Design Leblon
Located in the neighborhood of Leblon, Rio’s Zona Sul, is a shopping district has adopted the neighborhood, making it an extension of your home. Cozy and stylish, the mall brings together the best of Rio fashion in its 71 stores. Rio Design Leblon has nine restaurants, which brings together the cream of the cuisine of the South Zone.
Address: Ataulfo de Paiva Avenue, 270 – Leblon, Rio de Janeiro
Tel: +55 21 2430.3024
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Rio Design Barra
Situated in one of the most exclusive districts of Rio de Janeiro, Rio Design Barra, Barra da Tijuca, bringing together the best of fashion and food in a clean environment, spacious and quiet. With over 140 establishments, including 11 restaurants and 5 cafes, which are among the best in town, Rio Design stands out from the shopping district attracting selected audience, which enjoys haute cuisine.
Address: Américas Avenue, 7777 – Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro
Tel: +55 21 2430.3024
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Rio Plaza Shopping
Located in Botafogo, in Rio de Janeiro, Rio Plaza Shopping focused home furnishing stores and interior architecture. Moreover, it is also the place where some of the hottest restaurants in town.
Address: Rua General Severiano, 97 – Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro
Tel: +55 21 2542-5693
