Bus to Prainha

If you want to get away from the crowded Rio beaches, how about visiting Prainha? Situated about 60 km south of the center, it is a heaven for surfers and nature lovers. In addition it has the only restaurant directly by the water, see other post.

I only just now discovered, thanks to my friend Monica, that there is a bus, leaving from the Largo do Machado, but stoppable in front of the major hotels along the beaches. What a great idea, no longer will I have to look for a place to park.

check out the link:
http://www.rio-de-janeiro-travel-information.com/surf-bus.html
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Quinta da Boa Vista

I confess, to my shame, that I have only now discovered this great place. Well, I had been to the zoo already but not really to the park or the museum.

The museum (Museu Nacional) is now a museum of natural history, though it used to be the palace of the Portuguese king Dom Joao VI and the home of our emperor's.

Unfortunately none of the rooms is furnished to show the splendor of the court (to see that you would have to go to Petropolis), On the right is the ceiling of the throne room.


There are plenty of dinosaurs, meteorites and indian scenes to enjoy.

The surrounding park is beautiful as well. However, the sign below tells you specifically that it is forbidden to wash your clothes in the lake.

chorinho na praça

Should you happen to go up to the Corcovado by the little train which leaves from Cosme Velho (it is suggested that you get tickets in advance, especially in the summer, as the lines can be quite long) and it is a Saturday, you might consider going down the Avenida Laranjeiras a bit more and turn into Rua General Glicério. Soon you will get to the open market (feira) and in the square there will be music, chorinho to be precise, a type of Brazilian popular music. Chorinho means ´little lament´ but in fact the music is quite happy.

This neighborhood is off the usual tourist track and quite charming. Make sure to try a pastel, a deep-fried pastry filled with usually cheese or meat or hearts of palm

The market and entertainment happens every Saturday until about 2pm

Need to add pics

La Gondola

A long-time favorite restaurant, I finally decided to add it to the blog as it really is an experience and delight.

 Right by the Lagoa in the Parque dos Patins, right next to the helipad, if offers great italian food, great Brazilian music (singer Jorge Guedes plays Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays) and a great view over the Lagoa.

1-17-2014

The restaurant continues to be one of our favorites, the food is consistently good, and so is the music, now with Daniel Lemos

Next to the restaurant is a lawn that stretches sort of along the pathways.

It is fascinating to observe the road system that the ants have established from and to their home and how hardworking they are. They carry all kinds of material on their backs, often many times bigger than they are themselves.

Go have a look and admire