I was just in Rio... Macaraņa stadium can be toured, nice to see how the size of your foot compares to soccer legends like Pele. If itīs not very hot out (and it wasnīt when I was there two weeks ago) and are into hiking, the Tijuca national forest is right there in Rio. I also did a flavela tour and despite the inherent problems, the people were extremely friendly and i learned a lot about the other side of Rio.

Centro also has really nice archetecture, like classical churches and stuff (it was the first settlement) but go on a weekday when itīs busy.. you can hear a pin drop on the weekends.

Nitroi also has a newer art museum designed my Oscar Nimeyer which has an excellent view of Rio as well.

What kinda shopping exactly? Rio claims to have Latin Americaīs largest mall at Barrashopping, in Barra de tijuca. That whole area is just mall laden. For souviners, crafts and the sort, thereīs a street market on the median in Copacobana, and while you can probably get a better price elsewhere, itīs right there.

Food... definately try a churracao I think itīs called, itīs a definate brazilian thing where itīs an all you can eat meat type restaurant where they cut it onto your plate, and itīs excellent.

I thought Rio was pretty safe, especally the southern areas. The police have a very definate presense there and youīll see them in the medians and intersection with their lights on as proof of presense. Copacobana and Ipanema beaches are well lit at night as well. I was out at 4am sitting near one of those beachside snack stands which were open all night with my friend and had no problems at all.

I donīt know about anyone else but I thought Rio was one of the nicest cities on the face of the Earth.

[This message has been edited by civicmon (edited Jan 03, 2004).]