Rio de Janeiro
What did you do? Studied Portuguese, and
researched and wrote a dissertation on the Landless peasant Movement
Where did you live? I rented a flat in Copacabana, approx. £400 a month between
4 of us, but you need to pay a massive deposit (about 3 months rent) and
Brazilian landlords can be even dodgier than those in Liverpool!! PUC-Rio
university have a family/home stay programme
What was the accommodation like? Fine, only 5 mins from the beach, shops, and 24
hour security
What was the cost of living like? Only slightly cheaper than England, but other
parts of Brazil are much cheaper, especially the north-east, but not Salvador
What was the transport system like? Brilliant, regular buses, only 20p - can be
dangerous after dark, taxis are expensive though
How was the social life? Amazing, all that Brazil is cracked up to be. Try Lapa,
Santa Teresa and Botafogo for nice bars, live music, and dancing on the streets.
At Carnival, there are samba bands all over town. The Jornal do Brasil newspaper
has excellent listings on a Friday
Favourite place to eat? Any restaurant in Santa Teresa or Urca, very
picturesque. Also you must try the Carretao all-you-can eat carvery in Ipanema
Favourite place to drink? Carioca da Gema bar in Lapa, or on the street under
the Lapa arches
Favourite place to visit? Modern Art museum in Niteroi; Climb up the Pedra da
Gavea, or Corcovado; Ilha Grande (2 hours down the coast)
What not to miss? Catch the tram up to Santa teresa, and stay all afternoon and
evening there, before coming back down to Lapa for some dancing. Iguazu falls
are also amazing, but far away
What to avoid? Wandering through favelas, only if you are doing voluntary work
there. Wandering the city centre after dark - very dangerous indeed
Any advice to students? Don't be over paranoid about Rio's reputation. You'll
miss the best of it if you are. Just don't carry anything you can't afford to
lose, and you'll be fine.
Oh…and make sure you buy some Havaina flip-flops - they are the ultimate Rio
accessory!