Rio de Janeiro
So you've decided to spend New Year's Eve in Rio. You're already in town (or on the way) and you can't help but hear some people say, “But are you sure?” What about the violence?” Well, it's always been there, the leather is eaten by the militias, New Year's Eve on Copacabana beach is really a riot, there's nothing you can do about it.
Or rather, it has.
Try to enjoy the city without paranoia, but without giving in. Try not to get a tourist certificate too often, enjoy the day and night without fuss and enjoy what the city has to offer and that's no small thing. To make your life easier, here are some nontourist tips and tricks to help you feel more comfortable here. I would say it's a little advice from a friend, you know? Look here:
1) Use the water in the house. While the issue of providing free drinking water to bar and restaurant customers is still being debated in court in São Paulo (and restaurant owners are angry), this friendly law has already prevailed in Rio. There is no shame in asking for “house water”; no one sees it as proof of poverty. This has been common practice since 2016. Order your copy and notice that the retailers place a lot of emphasis on cozy items, including stylized vases and pretty glasses. “Aguers” used to share reviews on the topic on the “Água da Casa” page on Instagram, but the page has not been updated for a long time.
2) The musicians who perform in front of restaurants. How do I handle this? Simply. Respect her. You may not like the repertoire, the volume, or the intrusion of the music into your conversation. But don't frown. The boys are working. If you like it, scratch your pocket and leave a tip. If you don't like it, don't give it. So easy. Drumming on the table and singing along during the performance and then not giving even a little money is, as they say in Rio, the biggest hesitation. Sung? Did you like it? So help the artist.
3) Capoeiristas trying to impress you. Yes, the musicians gave birth to puppies, a different species but with the same philosophy: entertain yourself while drinking a cold beer, especially in waterfront bars. Acrobatics and skyhigh jumps amaze foreigners, but Brazilians are no longer so impressed by this spectacle. How much is the show worth, Lombardi? That's up to you. But in general, all considerations regarding musician compensation apply here too.
4) The Peanut Guy. It can happen when you are at the beach or in a bar. A man appears out of nowhere and places a handful of shelled peanuts on a small piece of paper. He leaves it without saying anything, walks away and then comes back. It was a small sample, and it's up to you to decide whether to order a portion (which usually comes in a brown paper bag) or whether to “save it for next time, bro.” You can also give him a thumbs up sign when he serves it for the first time. It's less work.
5) Hotel towel. The item must be left at the hotel or used at the pool. Don't go to the beach with her. Why issue so many receipts?
6) Video on the promenade. The landscape is beautiful, right? Like I want to take out my phone and make a video. Okay, do it. But stay tuned. Friendly advice.
7) Behave in Uber and taxis. Stepping on sand, wearing wet clothes, vomiting or spilling beer: some world wars started for less money.
8) Tent and beach chair. Depending on how many days you're staying, it might be better to buy a tent (or umbrella, whatever you want) so you don't have to rent one on the beach. Barraqueiros tripled the rental prices (nothing bad; now is the time) and also for chairs. Having your own clean and fragrant sofa on which you can sit and lie without having to worry about catching ringworm or a scallop: That's another good argument for this investment.
9) Keep an eye on the tides. While there won't be a tsunami, keep an eye on the rising tide, especially if you're closer to the water (the best place). Having a sarong, clothes and, oh!, a wet phone because of a stupid inattention is disgusting.
10) Food in Rio isn't just feijoada, fried foods and chicken. There is a wide range of great restaurants in town (including some kiosks, check them out) and Portuguese taverns are proving successful. Cevicherias, Asian, Italian, modern restaurants that aren't too picky… There are so many options, don't be too lazy to do some research and ask for directions when you feel hungry. Galeto, feijoada and cod cake are great, but gastronomically Rio offers much more.