General Info

Can anyone recommend any apartments rented by owner in or near the Centro area? Thanks!

[QUOTE=Bravo]After watchng the UFC last night, it occured to me that there must be thousands of fighters in the Rio area. Does anyone know where I can go to see some UFC style fighting in Rio?[/QUOTE]

If you do not get a specific answer to this, ask at Kise Sucos on the corner of Miguel Lemos and N.S. de Copacabana. They used to sponsor a local fighter.

[QUOTE=Hughdad]... I assume I still should shut off the data updating in the iphone when in Brazil. As it will not be needed for Skype usage. And this will eliminate those high fees.
Thanks again.[/QUOTE]
Definitely. You must switch off the data updating on your iphone, otherwise you would be charged tens or even hundreds of dollars for a few emails, or a few looks to Google maps.
I know ... I paid the damned bills ...
B.B.

Brazil will be in a 'state of grace' if Rio hosts Games: Lula
(AFP) – 6 hours ago

NEW YORK — Brazil would enter a 'state of grace' should Rio de Janeiro become the first South American city to host the Olympics, said President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva here on Tuesday.

The 63-year-old - here for the United Nations General Assembly - said that Rio would try to convince the electorate of 100-plus International Olympic Committee (IOC) members in Copenhagen that they could offer more than their three rivals.

Chicago, Tokyo - the only one of the quartet to previously host the Olympics - and Madrid, third last time for the 2012 Games, are the other bid cities who will learn their fate on October 2.

"Brazil is convinced that Rio de Janeiro can offer just as much as the other three candidates, if not a little more," said Lula, who has been actively lobbying for the Games.

"For Brazil, the Olympic Games will be confirmation of the people's self-esteem.

"The Brazilian people are the most cheerful people in the world. Brazil will enter a state of grace if they are selected to host the Olympic Games."

Lula, president of Brazil since 2002 and re-elected in 2006, said that it would not just be a games for Rio.

"We are guaranteeing the participation of Brazilian society in the organisation of the Games," said Lula.

"We will show our extraordinary potential."

Lula, a twice married father of five whose first wife died, also took a swipe at the fact that the majority of Games had been held on just two continents.

"The Olympic Games should not just be European or North American Games, but for the entire world."

[QUOTE=Saopaulob]The only way brazil gets it is if they pay off the committee more than other countries. It becomes a war of bribes and payoffs.[/QUOTE]And you have been a member of the Olympic Committee for how long?

I think this has been posted before but despite searching can't find the post.

I have made change of plans and having couple uplanned days in Rio, only problem is it falls just before the revellion package deals and I'm going else where for revellion. So can't get hotel (which isn't too much of a problem) But my luggage is, Does anyone know secure lockers or somewhere I can leave my luggage for a couple of days?

I plan to just 'slum' it. In nosso or sinless for a couple of nights.

I've tried my usual hotels in Copa and apartment guys but due to the dates 27th\28th Dec they are saying falls on package, just a rip of and won't be staying in either hotel again, same hotel I checked in 26th and left 31st last year and no package deal issues and regularly stayed for past few years in same place, so appears packages start early now! I was underimpression was from 30th.

If any one had similar problem and managed to get hotel on decent rate would be much appriciated the info.

I'm also figuring trying closer to the date as yes all hotels\apartments will be booked for revellion but if someone booked from 30th or 31st might get lucky for the couple of days I need it. Worth trying for anyone in similar situation.

If all fails with luggage stash and hotel will just have to miss out on some action and go straight to revellion destination. Well a delay for a week or so anyways.

[QUOTE=Saopaulob]So your saying the committee system is not corrupt? The country who gives out the most payolla will get it. Brazil is used to getting bribes now lets see if they like it the other way.[/QUOTE]What I am saying is it is so easy for someone like you that has zero connection to the IOC to make claims about corruption. Yes, there is some degree of corruption in politics everywhere - and certainly the government in Brazil has had its' share.

But I am sure you have no first-hand knowledge or experience in the workings of the IOC. Sure, the bidding countries lavish the committee members with amazing trips, outtings and parties when they are touring their cities in hopes of winning the bid. But, with the heavy oversight of the IOC it would be damn near impossible for a host city to bribe their way to get the Olympic games. There are just so many other considerations. The fact of the matter is that the Rio committee did an amazing job of putting together a stunning master plan for hosting and running the 2016 games. A plan that would transform Rio, and serve to promote the amazing transformation that is taking place as Brazil ascends on the world stage. Perhaps you think so little of the committee's work that you believe the only way they can land the games is to buy them. Or perhaps you never took the time to reveiew their plans. Or perhaps you are simply a conspiracy theory guy that believes everything is corrupt - and there is no place in the world for rewarding those that have vision, work relentlessly hard and look to do things the right way.

So, what I am saying is either you present your proof that the IOC will take a bribe to grant the 2016 Games to a city or stop making your claims.

[QUOTE=Saopaulob]Its also easy for someone to defend an organization that is so vile and utterly corrupt. I dont have have to show proof but maybe you can proof they are not. Rio cant even help their own people so what kind of vision is that? A vision to make the undeserving superrich richer. So I really dont accept your labels as conspiracy theory guy because its usually someone that goes along with the status quo aka the good old boy system that makes those kind of snickering remarks.

The ioc is utterly corrupt and vile organization of ruthless corrupt thugs.[/QUOTE]
Superman vs Batman?

Maybe you should read Mitt Romney's book [i]Turnaround[/i] on how he lead the effort to cleanup the IOC.

[QUOTE=Marak5]They also have a beach with escorts but I forgot the name. Search the internet for it.[/QUOTE]
I think it might be Cococabana.
It has been mentioned here before.

[QUOTE=Saopaulob]Its also easy for someone to defend an organization that is so vile and utterly corrupt. I dont have have to show proof but maybe you can proof they are not. Rio cant even help their own people so what kind of vision is that? A vision to make the undeserving superrich richer. So I really dont accept your labels as conspiracy theory guy because its usually someone that goes along with the status quo aka the good old boy system that makes those kind of snickering remarks.

The ioc is utterly corrupt and vile organization of ruthless corrupt thugs.[/QUOTE]I am not defending the IOC, I am taking issue with your claim the Olympics game can be simply sold to the country that makes the highest bribe. It is such a broad and simple statement. There are just too many other considerations - and far more oversight than in the past - factored into the decision. And you also just entirely dismiss all the hard work that the city committees do in developing plans that not only can support the games - but using the preparation for the games to create a long-term better world for its' citizens post-Olympics. If you noticed, I acknowledged in my post that corruption is everywhere in politics. It certainly plays a big role in everyday US politics in the form of PACs, special interest lobbying groups, etc.

But that is not what is really important here. Who cares about the IOC. As far as vision goes - do you not have any vision beyond what you see as you walk the streets of Rio today. Do you not see that the Olympics creates many, many jobs for many years in many sectors (construction, transportation, hospitality, engineering, etc.) Do you not see that the games can create opportunities for many to better themselves if they want. Do you not see that the games can unify and lift the spirit of a city/country, and elevate it even more on the world stage. Brazil is becoming a major player on the world stage - this could be a major catalyst to fostering and accelerating further growth and change. Sure, it will create many more opportunities for the rich to get richer too. And foreign investments will pour in (even more than now.) But I know some guys that had start-up companies in Salt Lake City and LA that put their companies on the map because of the opportunities to work on Olympic projects there. Normal guys that saw the opportunity and made small fortunes.

Yes, Rio would change forever. Change is happening and this would certainly accelerate it. If you looked at the master plan you could see what a post-Olympics Rio would look like - and this could transform it and improve the lives of many. Of course, many of the bargain basement mongers on this site may not like some of the changes that it could bring.

Or you can simply take the position that everything in Brazil is corrupt and poor and why should anyone try to improve anything. What good does that defeatous attitude do anyone? Sure the good ole' boys will always continue to get fatter everywhere in the world. But the opportunities for all will be greatly enhanced. Can we agree on that?

[QUOTE=Marak5]They have the Olympic Committees seeing what's going on.

Chicago needs the Olympics worse. Maybe they would have something like the Terma in Chicago if they get the Olympics in 2016.

Rio is not that bad. I have been there one time, I'd go back.

The termas are good. They have a shower and you wear a robe into the night club area. The girls wear bikinis. Then you buy drinks and chat and you can pick a girl. Some dance and some sit around.

You go to a room for maybe 200 reals. You can pay for more time or get another girl.

Then they have razors.

I have been to Monte Carlo and Centaurus. Monte Carlo is preferred.

Once you get back to the USA it is a *****, you crave more.

They have a night club named Help. It is a regular night club and they have many ladies there. I would be cautious taking the girl out. Maybe go to the hotel instead of your apartment. They might get interested in your belongings, know what I'm saying.

They also have lounges with many ladies available. You sit and get drinks and then negotiate a price. Barbarella's is very good. I think the other lounge I went to was Frank's. They have several others.

They claim to have live sex shows but I have never seen one. I walked into a club, they said it was going on but I didn't catch it.

The hotels are nice. I would ask the girl or taxi to recommend a hotel.

It is usually better for an hourly hotel.

Maybe in Chicago they would have the same for 2016.

You can set up sex parties with 8 or 10 girls or more. I do not know the price, I have never done it. You rent a room and order the girls from the escort services.

They also have a beach with escorts but I forgot the name. Search the internet for it.[/QUOTE]"And you - Lee Harvey - that story about the sheep. I want to party with you cowboy...."

[QUOTE=Marak5]They also have a beach with escorts but I forgot the name. Search the internet for it.[/QUOTE]

Praia das Putas??

I keep on posting something that maybe it is not new for the expert here, but that can be good for the others.


Aipo Aipim
It is food for weight, there are 2 or 3 in nossa senhora de copacabana, I was used to eat there daily. For me it has great food and if I remember well it is 3,2 reais every 100 gr, so far as I eat from 1 till 1,2 kg, with drinks I ended to pay something close to 40 reais. I thought it was the best one till my buddy did not show me the second one:


Monchique
It became my favourite one, cause you pay 22 reais and it is all you can eat. Basically it has the same food of Aipo, despite the fruits, but you have also churrascaria included, it means all the meat you want and good ones. I went there daily and I always spend something about 26-28 reais, so much cheaper than Aipo and think that if you stay in Rio one month you will save about 300 reais for same stuff....


Siqueira Grill
The same as Aipo, but a bit more expensive for same stuff.


Capricciosa
High price, but it is where I got the best pizza in all the Brazil, so I will surely go there again next time.


Porcao
Very famous one, at the entrance you see many photos of famous people that maybe went there. Tom Cruise, Ronaldo and many others.
All you can eat churrascaria and buffet without dessert you pay 69 reais ( at least the one in Ipanema ), but it is pretty overcharged cause even if inside looks really nice, basically you end to eat the more or less same stuff as Monchique for almost 350% higher price.
Yes maybe the food looks a bit different, but once you taste, it is the same.
I went there just for curiosity and it was my first and last time, unless I will have to go out with a girl.


Marius
I love fish, so even if it is very expensive, all you can eat fish with all included but drinks is 166 reais, it worth to see at least once.
Now last week it really disappointed me, in january I went there twice, cause the buffet of fishes was much smaller and also the fishes the take to your table were very little choice.
My bill was 166+ 5 reais (1 beer ) + 4 reais ( one coffee ) + 21 reais for service and this really pissed me off !!!
So the bill was 196 reais, it means with the same money of Marius you eat almost 8 times at Monchique.
I am not cheap when I am in holiday, but I prefer to save money with everything but pussy and I guess next time I will cook fish in my kitchen, spending much less and maybe for even better results.


I hope it helps :)


P.S. Two questions:

-Now a question, when you see service in the bill, as the 21 reais at Marius, you can easily avoid to pay it or not ?

-If I want another option where to eat fish, good fish, where I can go, so far at Marius they will never see me again ?

[QUOTE=Lukasek]Marius,

I love fish, so even if it is very expensive, all you can eat fish with all included but drinks is 166 reais, it worth to see at least once.

Now last week it really disappointed me, in january I went there twice, cause the buffet of fishes was much smaller and also the fishes the take to your table were very little choice.

My bill was 166+ 5 reais (1 beer ) + 4 reais ( one coffee ) + 21 reais for service and this really pissed me off!

So the bill was 196 reais, it means with the same money of Marius you eat almost 8 times at Monchique.[/QUOTE]Yes, Marius is really expensive. I went there for lunch with a special GDP friend. They also tried to pad my bill for the bread they brought out first (which we did not eat.) The atmosphere was nice and fun (the bathroom is really funky). My lady friend had never been there and always wanted to go so I surprised her one afternoon. She was so happy and she slowly savored every bite. She ate more lobster than I ever witnessed one person eat during one setting. (How do some of these slim, sexy ladies eat so much?!) It was such a turn-on just watching her eat (it helped that she was rubbing my crotch with her foot). She enjoyed herself so much she hung out with the rest of the day and night. So while I spent nearly R$400 for both of us with drinks and dessert for her, I ended up having a great GFE situation and having tons of great sex. I swear her pussy tasted like lobster with drawn butter (I should have wore a lobster bib I did DATY so long!)

A few months ago, a dinner at Monchique gave me the runs. It was f#$king bad. I was to leave that night, however, the plane had mech problems. Good thing! It hit me at the hotel where the airline put me up. Man o man, if i would have flown, my seat assignment would have been WC.

It has been 4 or 5 years since I last visited Marius. I do remember spending approx. R$400 for myself, and date. That was back when we got R$2.5+ per USD. Love the seafood there. Nice place.