Rio de Janeiro Reports

[QUOTE=Christopherd]Hats off for that fabulous series of reports, Gfe Finder!

On the road to VM thing, you might not need this if it's not, after all, quite your thing. But who knows, you may give it another shot. Or for others who need the info -

Although Cristóvão is supposed to be the easiest, I rarely use it (buses drop you much closer or the Afonso Pena walk** is nicer and the same distance). However, I cut my teeth on it so to speak. For what they're worth, here's some ideas -

Remember the direction the train is travelling in when you get off at Cristóvão. Face that direction along the platform. Turn left across the footbridge to the main road station exits.

Here's a [url="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=rua%20ceara%2C%20rio%20de%20janeiro&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl"]google map[/url] *

As you can see, it's possible to walk from either side of the station (at least now the rail crossing by Francisco Eugenio has re-opened) but I've only gone that way (the north exit) at night once. There's often taxis at that exit. But on the south (more usual) exit on the other hand, there's reassuringly lots of people. Get off the north side during the day to visit the park, the museum or take pictures of the glorious Apollo temple in the middle of the lake (or the cruddy zoo). This is where North Zone carioca families go to chill and it's usually ok during the day. Sounds like you went much further though. If you go to VM that way, you have to take a [b][i]sharp[/i][/b] right as you exit, not follow the road next to the park which is maybe where you went(?) You get to Francisco Eugenio - a wide street that becomes dual carriageway. Big official-looking buildings on your left and an unkempt railway line on your right. There used to be a footbridge into VM that way but it was closed and demolished and they reopened the level crossing (on the map, it's just a continuation of Rua Ceará.)

Crossing the footbridge in the station to the south, left from your direction of travel, you might even hear the roar of traffic before you go out through the ticket barriers. Unlike the other side, you're coming out onto a very big, very busy, very fast freeway with many lanes. The traffic will be whizzing past you from left to right as you descend from the station.

As you come down the (southside) steps from the station, you'll probably see popcorn and other stalls selling cheap snacks and drinks.

There's also many buses screeching to a stop, but not going the way you want to go.

When you descend to the pavement, turn left. This means you are looking at the traffic as it rushes towards you. You are going parallel to the metro track, back along the way you came. The pavement gets very narrow. Don't let that freak you out.

[url="http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.tsfr.org/~efbrazil/saocristovao_metrorj_nc.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.tsfr.org/~efbrazil/saocristovao_metrorj_nc.html&usg=__81Wzpk
Lw2zQ5KOH_24NJHvDK46A=&h=540&w=720&sz=162&hl=en&start=2&sig2=p-L6MCt16_hLwfVaqmpUGA&um=1&tbnid=pPSHeXYv6Q-9rM:&tbnh=105&tbnw=140&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsao%2Bcristovao%2Bstation,%2Brio
%2Bde%2Bjaneiro%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26client%3Dfirefox-a%
26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1&ei=UZVj
SvbpGYKwjAenqPEN"]Here's[/url] a picture taken from the bridge in the station looking west towards Maracana. The south exit with the busy freeway and lots of people is to the left (though you can't see it in the photo). VM is behind you.

[i][color=gray]*I've centred the map on Rua Ceará rather than on Sotero dos Reis (Mimosa), simply cos that way it includes Cristovao and VM quite nicely. Hopes it comes out ok on other folk's computers.

**[url="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=mariz%20e%20barros%2C%20rio%20de%20janeiro&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl"]via Mariz e Barros[/url], and cross the footbridge over Praca da Bandeira. This is a nice walk with some reasonable restaurants. Saves changing Metros as well. But as you can see it's less straight forward, so helpful if you keep a map - or sense of direction - with you the first time[/color][/i][/QUOTE]


Christopherd,

Thanks for your prompt reply. Now that I see your maps, I should mention that when I got lost I was taking the south exit and thus walking along Avenida Osvaldo Aranha. I never did see the underpass, bridge, or whatever that becomes Rua Ceará-- this is what I was asking about.

Interestingly enough, the taxi went in the north entrance which one would get to from São Cristóvão's north exit. If there's a next time, maybe that's the way to go.

I don't ask so much for myself-- there will be other intrepid first timers who will walk in my shoes and may want to know this. As for myself, I may return if I can find that marijuana stall again. ;)

[QUOTE=Gfe Finder]Christopherd,

Thanks for your prompt reply. Now that I see your maps, I should mention that when I got lost I was taking the south exit and thus walking along Avenida Osvaldo Aranha. I never did see the underpass, bridge, or whatever that becomes Rua Ceará-- this is what I was asking about.

Interestingly enough, the taxi went in the north entrance which one would get to from São Cristóvão's north exit. If there's a next time, maybe that's the way to go.

I don't ask so much for myself-- there will be other intrepid first timers who will walk in my shoes and may want to know this. As for myself, I may return if I can find that marijuana stall again. ;)[/QUOTE]

That's interesting - not sure I can figure out where you went to . . . maybe someone else can though . . . you say, [quote]I reversed course, heading east from the south exit. If one continues on the north side of that road, eventually you have a military base on your left and a favela on your right[/quote] I'm twisting my brains trying to think where you'd be. I can't remember a military base offhand anywhere between Cristovao and the other end of Vargas (where there's lots of military stuff but that's miles away). Def can't think of any favelas although I'm not keen on the area around Praca Onze late at night personally. It's not the nicest of walks. At least not until you get up to the markets on Vargas some way before Uruguiana.


If we leave by the south exit and head east we get to Rua Ceará. So ok let's do that bit . . .

The tacky yucky smelly two inch pavement that has room for one person and a set of lorry tires eventually stops. The freeway lanes have spread out to take in a garage on your right, while on your left are some street sellers, a bus stop, and usually some motorbike taxis (unofficial guys on bikes that will undercut a taxi fare). There's shops over to the right (about 6 traffic lanes over to the right).

You can see the railway bridges overhead to your left, Maybe get a whiff of the stagnant water in a canal beneath. There are several big iron bridges to your left too (the ones we walk under to VM). But before you turn off the main road you can see a blue footbridge crossing all those lanes of traffic. Over the other side there's a chemist and a mini-market and a few places you can eat if you want. Also a taxi stand and buses to Copa.

If you go any further along Osvaldo you hit the big spaghetti junction. A few street walkers too (not doables). Some beggars at the bridge and a fire station if I'm right?

I've just measured it on googlemaps and that says it's a 12 minute walk up to the bikers bar on Caera from the Metro.

If you get a taxi from Cristovao, north is much cheaper cos of the one way system.

[QUOTE=Christopherd]That's interesting - not sure I can figure out where you went to . . . maybe someone else can though . . . you say, I'm twisting my brains trying to think where you'd be. I can't remember a military base offhand anywhere between Cristovao and the other end of Vargas (where there's lots of military stuff but that's miles away).[/QUOTE]
There is one military base at Praca Pedro II, but that´s on the north side of the metro.

I dozed off on the bus to VM once. Woke up bloody miles beyond Maracana and staggered off still rubbing sleep out of my eyes and disorientated and going, am I supposed to be worried, anyone want to mug me or, even worse, is it gonna rain? VM seemed so mainstream suburbia by the time I got myself behind a reassuring bottle of beer, friendly bunda shakin to the musak and so on. I firmly believe getting lost - or rather the getting un-lost that follows - to be a very healthy experience.

At least you explored lol! More people should.

She is a cool chick. She has been in Copa for years.

Back in the day she did a porno. She is in Help every night.

My wingman gets to "know" her every time we are in Rio.

[QUOTE=Kcrl01]She's a real nice girl. Nice rack. I kinda' got the impression she prefers tall American black guys...not that there's anything wrong with it!

Do you need her email address or fone numbers?[/QUOTE]

Hi guys,

I did it! After spending the last seven months reminiscing about my first perfect trip to Rio (owing in no small way to the brilliant Reports of Distinction) I thought,' sod the family, I need more than brussels sprouts and turkey to keep me going this December'.

So I've just booked my flight for Christmas and New Year. Three weeks in Copa! Just need to find a place to stay now. If anyone has a spare room going (buddy cancelling etc) or wants to share the cost of an apartment, let me know. (I couldn't find an appropriate forum to post this on, so apologies if it's the wrong one.) Feel free to PM me if you prefer.

Cheers,

Dazzler

[QUOTE=Rastaman]Kcrl01,

I'm a tall, Black American guy, and I would appreciate you sending me the email address for Julianna. Muito obrigado.

BTW, your PM box is full.[/QUOTE]

I'm a short white guy and I would appreciate you sending me the email address for Julianna. Muito obrigado.

Just kidding

She's in Help every night, I told her I enjoyed her porn movie, she played to be embarrassed, she is a good girl, never been with her, I'm afraid of that fat stomach but she is probably ok.

[QUOTE=Christopherd]
If we leave by the south exit and head east we get to Rua Ceará. So ok let's do that bit . . .

The tacky yucky smelly two inch pavement that has room for one person and a set of lorry tires eventually stops. The freeway lanes have spread out to take in a garage on your right, while on your left are some street sellers, a bus stop, and usually some motorbike taxis (unofficial guys on bikes that will undercut a taxi fare). There's shops over to the right (about 6 traffic lanes over to the right).

You can see the railway bridges overhead to your left, Maybe get a whiff of the stagnant water in a canal beneath. There are several big iron bridges to your left too (the ones we walk under to VM). But before you turn off the main road you can see a blue footbridge crossing all those lanes of traffic. Over the other side there's a chemist and a mini-market and a few places you can eat if you want. Also a taxi stand and buses to Copa.

If you go any further along Osvaldo you hit the big spaghetti junction. A few street walkers too (not doables). Some beggars at the bridge and a fire station if I'm right?

I've just measured it on googlemaps and that says it's a 12 minute walk up to the bikers bar on Caera from the Metro.

If you get a taxi from Cristovao, north is much cheaper cos of the one way system.[/QUOTE]


Thanks again Christopherd for your detailed and helpful walkthrough-- this answers my (and hopefully others') questions. So if I hit that spaghetti junction, I've gone too far. I vaguely remember going past it. I agree Rio mongers ought to explore VM at least once to earn their stripes.

[QUOTE=Gfe Finder]Thanks again[/QUOTE]
No probs. Thanks for sparking off the need for info - like anything, too easy to forget it wasn't always second nature. And also when you posted such a full account of your trip - and a bit of getting lost makes it more human and easier for first timers to identify with I reckon.

[QUOTE=Kcrl01]She's a real nice girl. Nice rack. I kinda' got the impression she prefers tall American black guys. Not that there's anything wrong with it!

Do you need her email address or fone numbers?[/QUOTE]How good was her session?

What does do or not do?

I would like her info as well.

[QUOTE=Gfe Finder].

[b]BA 85 3rd floor: [/b]

. But there was another hottie there. She was a slim frosted blonde in a black & red bikini. The bottom barely covered her snatch. After watching her and being mesmerized by her beauty I tried to wave, wink, get her to notice me, but no dice. So I went up to talk to her and she turned around and walked away from me. Finally, I rubbed her ass and all I got is an ice-cold look directed my way.[/QUOTE]Well that sucks. It's a brothal, right? I mean, she's there to sell sex?

If so, I sure hope I won't be traveling thousands of miles to suffer much of that!

How often would you (or any Rio vet) guess this happens, i.e. an aging gringo gets rejected by a top tier provider in any given terma?

It's bad enough to admit I have to pay for it. But if my money won't help?

Shoot, the fat lady is signing!

Damn, and I don't even like frosted hair!

[QUOTE=Sangue Bon]I'm a short white guy and I would appreciate you sending me the email address for Julianna. Muito obrigado.

Just kidding

She's in Help every night, I told her I enjoyed her porn movie, she played to be embarrassed, she is a good girl, never been with her, I'm afraid of that fat stomach but she is probably ok.[/QUOTE]She has packed the pounds on over the years. She is quite short herself.

[QUOTE=Dazzler72]Hi guys,

I did it! After spending the last seven months reminiscing about my first perfect trip to Rio (owing in no small way to the brilliant Reports of Distinction) I thought,' sod the family, I need more than brussels sprouts and turkey to keep me going this December'.

So I've just booked my flight for Christmas and New Year. Three weeks in Copa! Just need to find a place to stay now. If anyone has a spare room going (buddy cancelling etc) or wants to share the cost of an apartment, let me know. (I couldn't find an appropriate forum to post this on, so apologies if it's the wrong one.) Feel free to PM me if you prefer.

Cheers,

Dazzler[/QUOTE]Try a few rental apartments listed in the apartment and hotels thread. Do you really want to share an apartment with someone that you don't know over x mas for 3 weeks? I'm sure you could find a cheap studio where you have your own space and can entertain the garotas on your own.

[QUOTE=Pelongera]Well that sucks. It's a brothal, right? I mean, she's there to sell sex?

If so, I sure hope I won't be traveling thousands of miles to suffer much of that!

How often would you (or any Rio vet) guess this happens, i.e. an aging gringo gets rejected by a top tier provider in any given terma?

It's bad enough to admit I have to pay for it. But if my money won't help?

Shoot, the fat lady is signing!

Damn, and I don't even like frosted hair![/QUOTE]

Pelongera,

Getting flat out rejected is pretty rare in my experience. I can't recall it happening to me in Rio and very rarely if at all elsewhere. I would guess that this is particularly true in the termas where the girls stand to gain a very significant amount of money from you for a session, as opposed to BA85 where the girls get some fraction of R$15. The bigger issue for me has always been that the one I want is either busy or not around.

There's two reasons why I'm not significantly hurt by these rejections (and you shouldn't be either.)

1. Were she to suppress her dislike for you, you would have a bad session and be out a bit of money.
2. Whether she's interested in me or not, there's a roomful of other girls who want me as well. The big challenge is to determine who "the one" is and whether that interest is mutual.

[QUOTE=Pelongera]Well that sucks. It's a brothal, right? I mean, she's there to sell sex?

If so, I sure hope I won't be traveling thousands of miles to suffer much of that!

How often would you (or any Rio vet) guess this happens, i.e. an aging gringo gets rejected by a top tier provider in any given terma?

It's bad enough to admit I have to pay for it. But if my money won't help?

Shoot, the fat lady is signing!

Damn, and I don't even like frosted hair![/QUOTE]
Errm, Pelongera, he was talking about BA85, not a top class terma. I personally think any girl has the right to refuse any customer she wants and without giving a reason - though I respect that you may disagree. But at 1R a minute she'll reject who the f she likes and not worry about his feelings. And no, no-one should take offence. Maybe you smell bad ( to her), maybe you have hairy nostrils. Or maybe, the most common reason, you ain't Brasilian and she really can't be bothered shaking her fat ass for someone who doesn't talk her lingo properly and isn't from the class of 'normal' working class people she likes to service.