Oi JB. Yes, there might be a bit of truth to this. I was born a cynical New Yorker, but Rio has now enchanted my outlook and weltanschauung. Of course, like most places, it has its problems, but I think that these are vastly overstated in relation to the magnificance of this place. I am a New Yorker by birth, but a Carioca by choice -- I assume like you -- and there is no place I would rather be. The bonus is that Rio gets better and better with every passing day. Valeu!