Rio De Janeiro intrigues. Beautiful and exotic, fast and fun, cosmopolitan, culturally rich, the list goes on and on… We spoke with Juliana Bernardes, a native of Rio De Janeiro, and asked for her impressions of the city.
JEH: What was it like to grow up in Rio De Janeiro?
JB: It was literally paradise. Going to school in the morning, I would either walk by the beach or take the bus which would go around the beach the same way. I loved it.
JEH: What is your favorite thing to do in the city?
JB: Going to soccer games at the Maracanã (stadium). You are part of a fan club, something bigger than yourself and the experience is bigger still. You never drive to the stadium – you go on a bus – and on the bus, everyone is wearing the same t-shirt, people are playing instruments… My team is Flamego (Clube de Regatas do Flamengo), and so our club all goes into the stadium using one entrance. The other team clubs use other entrances and then you are in the stadium. Once the game begins, it’s like under your skin. You hear the music, the cheering, everyone is singing the songs – then the opposite team responds, so it’s like a big rivalry. I was away from home for 20 years and when I came back, I visited my family, my friends, but the only place that I cried at was when I went to the stadium. Then I felt like I was truly home.
JEH: What would people be surprised to know about Rio De Janeiro?
JB: How friendly people are. If you are at the beach and you meet someone, they will say, “Hey, come over to my house – we are having a BBQ today!” Also, we do not do topless. People are surprised by that. And not every Brazilian woman is gorgeous – we are normal people – not out of a magazine.
JEH: Of course, we must talk about Carnival – can you describe the experience?
JB: An out-of-body experience. Seriously, that is what one of my friends said when they saw it for the first time. Carnival in Brazil is kind of like Mardi Gras in New Orleans. It’s for the people who live there. It’s for the whole family. You will see grandparents with their grandkids, moms and dads, families – it’s not like you see on the tv. The parades are for everyone. Of course, there are parades for tourists and crazy parties at clubs, but Carnival for Brazilians is a family event.
When you are on the beach and you hear the drums, you leave the beach and join in, then when it has passed, you go back to the beach. It’s part of our culture. In Rio, people play the samba. On the beach, at the kiosks, you will have someone playing. People might have a can of beer and they are tapping. Before you know it, people are singing. Three things in Rio that are most famous – Carnival, samba, and the beach – you integrate all of them and have them all together.
JEH: What are the top three sites or activities that you would recommend a visitor to see or do in Rio?
JB: Christ the Redeemer. It’s gorgeous and you can see the whole city. There isn’t a better view. Then, I would say Pedra do Sal. It was originally a quilombo village right by the port and is where samba music was born. Every Monday night all the locals go there. They sit around and play instruments. There are no restrooms though – you have to pay the locals 1 Brazilian Real to use their bathroom. I would say to go to a soccer game. Brazil has the most World Cup victories, and soccer is in our blood. And of course, the beach. Spend time on the beach. On Rio beaches, you will rent a chair and an umbrella. When you raise your arm, someone will bring you food, cold beer, and Caipirinhas (Brazilian mojito). But remember, if you are in the sun and drinking – you know what will happen.
JEH: Can you speak a little about the culture of Brazil?
JB: Very family oriented. Brazilians in general are very charismatic and inclusive and very friendly. We want you to join us, and we like to please people.
JEH: If a visitor travels to Brazil, what would you recommend for them to see?
The Amazon. It’s an incredible experience as you are literally in the jungle. It’s amazing to be in the Amazon. Then, I would say Sao Paolo. It’s like New York. There are lots of theaters, restaurants, a great nightlife. Rio is more laid back. It’s more like Miami. Then, if you want more of a European vibe, head to the south of Brazil. Everyone there has blonde hair and blue eyes.
JEH: What are you most proud of as a Brazilian?
JB: The Brazilian soccer team (said laughing)! Look I am a fanatic. I admit it. I gave birth to my child on June 22,1994, and on July 4th, I left my daughter with my mother so that I could see the World Cup game. We won!
JEH: What do people need to know about the people of Brazil?
JB: My advice for someone going to Brazil is to not be showy, don’t go showing off money. You will be taken advantage of. Be discreet. Also, Brazilians like to help and as I mentioned before they are very friendly. Brazil is just a very friendly and welcoming country. Of course, like any other place though, there may be jerks.
JEH: Any last advice that you can give to our readers?
JB: Try the local food and go to the little restaurants. The food is delicious. Also, go to Brazil with an open mind and enjoy it. Eat. And walk. And drink coconut water on the beach. And watch out for the Caipirinhas!
