There is an unwritten rule that if you’re going to Brazil, you must spend some time in Rio. If you ask most people, Rio has a magical allure and a reputation that precedes itself. Well, this traveler made his obligatory visit to Rio. I would like to share you some thoughts and observations.

RIO IS BIG Many travelers don’t realize that RIO is an enormous city. With a population of about 10 million people, it is about the same size as Bangkok, Thailand. Like most big cities, it has many different and distinct neighborhoods.

CARIOCAS LOVE TO PARTY At the end of the work week on Friday evenings, many people – mostly professionals - will set up an impromptu bar on street corners in the upscale neighborhood of Leblon. Using just a wood carton or a small folding table (with or without chairs), they will enjoy beers and mixed drinks with their friends and coworkers.

Located just down from the hill from Santa Teresa is Barrio Lapa, a middle class neighborhood with many bars and upscale nightclubs popular with the University crowd and young professionals. I went there on a Thursday night, and the cariocas were out in force.

RIO BY CABLE CAR An interesting and very cheap way to see Rio de Janeiro is by cable car. The cable car starts in downtown RIO and climbs through several neighborhoods including the very bohemian suburb of Santa Teresa. Along the way, you’ll see some of the very exotic and colorful graffiti that grace the retaining walls of Rio’s tree lined streets. Brazil - Rio in particular - is famous for its graffiti artists