I have been to Rio de Janeiro maybe five times and what amazes me the most, after the greatest opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, is the great choice of restaurants and different kinds of food.

My last visit to one of the most spectacular cities in the world was last July and exactly like every time, I spent my way back to Europe thinking that, sooner or later, I will go to live there. With deep trust on indigenous, I started asking everybody where I could find a good place to eat and every time the answer was a prompt: at Marius of course!

Curious by such enthusiasm I decided to give the so-called top restaurant of the city a try. Beautifully set in front of Leme Beach, adjoining to the worldwide famous Copacabana, it's by no means the run-of-the-mill example of a five-star restaurant.

As soon as you reach the longed spot after a battle in Rio's traffic, you'll find yourself facing the first hard choice of your adventure: fish or meat? In fact, apparently for the endless variety in the menu, there are two versions of the same restaurant, one beside the other. In a typical Brazilian style, your journey will start with a never-ending buffet with all sort of appetizers, starters and dishes.

While you are enjoying the best "Farofa" you have ever had, charming waiters will succeed each other with traditional and brand new choice of spit-roasted churrasco in the "meat-version" of the restaurant.

If, instead, you've chosen fish, after tackling a swordfish-based 'muqueca' and a 'catupiri' with small, delicious prawns, I feel compelled to mention the toilets: they definitely are worth a visit. Ground and sinks filled with mock-precious stones, characteristic fish-shaped taps and heady incense perfume. Miles far away from the classic conception of restaurant, Marius is the latest generation of luxurious holiday destinations.

But Rio de Janeiro offers an impressive range of restaurants, for every taste, pocket and style. One of my favourite lunches is in the typical "Galletos" places that you can easily find all over the city. The last one I visited is in Ipanema, precisely in Rua Visconde de Pirajà. It's in a corner and in its simple façade a big menu is shown. Basically, you will have half chicken well spit-roasted and a consistent side course at your choice.

The choice is various and colourful, where we can match the chicken with farofa, rice, beans, salad and so on. My drink is of course Guaranà. The price is around eight reals per person, which means around three euro for a portion I had hard time to finish. I go very often to Brasil and its galletos are for sure on my to-do-list.

From luxurious restaurants to simple bistros, from genuine 'lanchonetes' to 'coconut stands', all over the city the possibilities to get refreshed are countless and everywhere the warmth of brazilian weather and people will make you feel at home.

By: Angela Corrias
Angela Corrias was born in Ghilarza, a small village in Sardinia. Small enough to be a pleasant corner of peace and big enough to be the place where Antonio Gramsci lived and used to come to get round the dark days of Italy ruled by the Fascism.

Maybe because part of a migrant family, at the age of nineteen she left Ghilarza for Rome, where she graduated as a journalist and published some work.

After seven years she decided time had come for her to get to know the world. In 2005 she left her country with a single ticket to Dublin, where she spent the last two years. Restless footloose, she is currently in London, working as a freelance journalist and studying International Relations.

Submitted by:
Rebecca Thornton
Law - USA

The unofficial start for Carnival in Brazil is during the New Year celebration. After midnight, and long into the new year, what Brazilians will be dancing to all sorts of Carnival music until early Ash Wednesday. In some places even a month after that.

Carnival is, by far, the most important Brazilian festival. It is joyfully celebrated in the four corners of this big country. The music, the tradition and costumes vary depending on different religions and heritage nevertheless, it is celebrated everywhere in Brazil. From small villages, medium towns, to the mystic Afro-Brazilian Salvador da Bahia, the megalopolis São Paulo and the temple of Carnival itself: Rio de Janeiro.

Carnival in Brazil is an experience like no other and it is unique each and every year. It is not about the costumes, the themes nor the music. It is much like a feeling of renovation, a celebration of life only the way Brazilians can do so well. No matter what challenges the country may be experiencing, and there are many, Carnival is a special time. And one doesn't have to be in the posh boxes of Rio's Sambodromo to celebrate, to dance, to feel the joy. Anybody can celebrate dancing and playing with friends on the streets without a fancy costume. There is only one requirement: be ready to party!

The Most Famous Carnivals

The Big One: Carnival in Rio de Janeiro

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro doesn't really need any introductions as it is the most famous in the world. The two-day Special Group parade is broadcasts to dozens of countries, and the "Samba Enredos" CD of the year is sold around the globe. It is a magic show of lights, costumes, huge floats carrying Brazilians beauties and celebrities who do the samba with mastery on the floats.

There are several parades, but the most famous and luxurious are the ones of the the Special Group, which is divided into two groups. Seven clubs parade on Sunday and the other seven on Monday. Both parades begin at 9:00 PM.

There are fireworks before every "Escola de Samba" (schools of Samba, as Brazilians call them), announcing the show. It is breathtaking. A wave of color and energy shines through the path of samba, dancers of all ages singing and executing artful dance steps. When the drumers stop in front of you, you feel the beat inside your body, your feet beat move without any conscious thought onyour part. At this point, it is the dominion of the Samba.

The Sambodrome (parade stadium) offers a good infrastructure with food kiosks and shops, but you are free to take your own food if you want. You can take up to two plastic bottles with beverages and two food items(fruit or sandwich). It does help if you want to avoid lines. The Sambodromo complex is divided into boxes, individual chairs and bleachers. There are seats in all price ranges.

The Magic of Salvador da Bahia

In Salvador, in the state of Bahia, the beat is a different one. Here "Axé" is what puts the crowds into motion. "Axé" is a very African beat, born in Bahia, and it has become extremely popular throughout Brazil. The musicians go on top of a huge truck, called "Trio Elétrico", playing and singing and the crowd follows along dancing.

Salvador has become one of the favorite Carnival destinations in Brazil in the last few years. It carries the romanticism of a Carnival that is celebrated in the streets. The city closes some of the main avenues (called "Circuitos") and the "Trio Elétricos" do the rest, that is, luring thousands of people behind them, like a magnet.

Due to its extreme growth in popularity which has been attracting lots of foreign and Brazilian tourists alike, it is a very organized event. There are boxes along the streets, hotels, bars and restaurants use their balconies as boxes (you pay a fee and can enjoy the festival in a more "tranquil" way).

The thrill in Salvador da Bahia is to follow along behind the "Trio Elétrico". It is extremely fun and that is the true spirit of the Carnival: a peoples party! You have to be in shape though. It takes a lot of energy to keep up with the dancers and Axé is a fast, demanding dance style.

Carnival in Recife and Olinda: Plain Upbeat

Recife and Olinda are cities in the state of Pernambuco, in the northeast Brazil. Two charming cities replete with historical buildings, where you can see such an excellent display of Brazil's Colonial past. It is an amazing experience to go dancing between the historical buildings

Recife and Olinda are only 7 km apart from each other, so you can enjoy Carnival in both of them and have a great taste of what has become the best destination for Carnival in Brazil.

Carnivalin Recife and Olinda have all the components of a true peoples Carnival: they arecelebrated on the streets, organized by the people and they are free and spontaneous. To top it off, "Frevo" is an exhilarating rhythm which makes this an unforgettable Carnival experience to anyone who experiences it. Maracatu", "Coco" and "Coboclinhos" are also very popular rhythms in Recife and Olinda. The rule is to have fun, dance, make friends and celebrate Carnival in a free spirited way.

Carnival in Brazil Tips

Carnival in Brazil is a big event. Brazilians travel around the country and foreigners travel to Brazil. So make your travel arrangements early. Tickets to Rio de Janeiro's samba parades may be booked as early as November and they sell out quickly. In order to find good hotel deals, the earlier you book, the better.

It is a good idea to get to Brazil a few days before Carnival and leave a few days after because airports, bus stations, roads, etc. tend to be congested at this time.

It is summer in Brazil and very hot, therefore pack light, comfortable clothing. Carnival is an informal event, unless you are going to one of the Gala Balls - and then you had better get a nice costume. For the parades, shorts and a T-Shirt are perfect.

Have Fun!

By: Marcia Crowell
To learn more about Carnival in Brazil, go to http://brazil-travelnet.com.
Marcia Crowell is a Brazilian Journalist and the editor of Brazil Travelnet. She has lived, studied and travelled around Europe for 11 years and now lives in the USA. Above all, she is passionate about her country with all its beauty, contrasts and challenges.

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The Carnival of Rio is one of the most popular annual parties in the whole world. The exuberant floats, the beautiful samba dancers, and the contagious joy of its people make Brazil the ideal spot for those searching for excitement and unique experiences. In fact, once you hear the rhythmic beating of the drums, your feet will start moving turning you into another participant of this great celebration that takes place in Samba schools, on Avenida Marques de Sapucai, or in the street blocks. But Brazil offers much more - It offers natural beauty and green areas like no other place. It's a place injected with life. From the Amazon rainforest to the Iguazu Falls, there is definitely plenty to see and do in Brazil.

What to do?

Looking for exuberant nature? Head north to the Amazon rain forest where you will find thousands of unique species of plants and animals, and also indigenous tribes. Make sure to book a tour, so you can get the most out of this experience while staying safe. Manaus is the capital of the Amazonas State and the best place to go to visit the Amazon Forest. Belem is the second largest city in the Amazon region with religious festivals and traditional markets.

Looking for beautiful beaches? Head northeast to Salvador (Bahia), Olinda, Recife or Natal. It is considered the country's sunniest region with colonial architecture and street parties all year round.

Looking for cosmopolitan cities? Head southeast to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. In Rio you will find beautiful beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema along with the famous open arms statue - Christ The Redeemer. The statue is a symbol that represents the culture of the people from Rio (Cariocas) and their welcoming hospitality. Cariocas are known for their easy-going, laid-back culture in contrast to the more reserved people from other cities. Sao Paulo is Brazil's largest, richest and most cosmopolitan city defined by a diverse cultural and business life. Sao Paulo is so diverse that is home to the largest Japanese population outside of Japan. It also has strong Italian and Arab influences. The people of Sao Paulo are known as hard-working and industrious people contrasting with the Cariocas and the people from other regions.

Where to eat?

Brazil's national dish is feijoada, a hearty stew made of black beans and pork. It's a heavy dish, so take your time before eating it. Excellent seafood can also be found in the coastal towns of Brazil. Brazilian snacks called lanches include a wide variety of pastries such as coxinha, empadinha, and pastel. If you are in the mood for good barbeque, try the Brazilian "Churrasco" served at many restaurants. A restaurant meal with a drink usually costs $10 making eating out a very feasible experience for those on a budget. Fast food is also available and you will find as many Bob's (a famous fast-food chain in Brazil) as McDonald's in the big cities.

Where to stay?

In the Pantanal region - a place full of wild like and wetlands - tourists usually stay in fazendas, which can be described as big ranches. Boat hotels are also a popular option for tourists who want to have a relaxing time fishing and watching the Pantanal wildlife. In the big cities, you will find 5 star hotels as well as pousadas (guesthouses) and hostels.

Visas & Documents

* Citizens from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay may enter the country with a valid ID card and stay up to 90 days. * Citizens from the following countries are required to present their passports for stays of up to 90 days: South Africa, Croatia, all EU countries (except Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania), Israel, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bulgaria, Colombia, South Korea, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Philippines, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong SAR, Iceland, Macau SAR, Malaysia, Morocco, Namibia, Panama, Slovakia, Slovenia, Malta, Surinam, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Venezuela. * Citizens from the following countries currently need a visa for Brazil: Australia, Canada, China, India, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, United States, El Salvador, Nicarágua, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Armenia, Lebanon, Siria, former soviet countries and others not listed above. * United States citizens are required to pay 100 US Dollars for a 5 year visa.

By: Denisse Romero
Study Abroad and Travel Portal
http://www.macquil.com
Denisse Romero is the founder of MacQuil.com, a study abroad and travel portal. She also enjoys teaching foreign languages and advising students from all over the world.

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For travel jokes, humor and satire see Travel Jokes and Humor from Resources For Attorneys.