ferrar

But what they didn't brief you on are your hefty monthly ALIMONY payment obligations in that case. Which is one of the few things in Brazil that are actually legally enforced. Ex-husbands are routinely jailed for failing to pay court-imposed alimony and child support. Nothing else in the justice system seems to work. All sauna boys know this because many or even most of them have had to pay this or deal with those consequences. So they may be counting on your future spousal support to pay their own spousal support while with their current girlfriends LOL. Only in Brazil.

First of all, we're all glad you're safe and sound. The problem in these situations is what you DON'T see! Almost always, there is someone giving that guy cover. It could be the driver, with a concealed weapon. It could be another (armed) passenger lying on the floor. It could be the car right behind theirs. In any case that guy would immediately and violently retaliate if you tried to react in any way whatsoever, including a refusal of his colleague's demands. Placing a coveted object back in one's pocket and then stepping back would end up giving them ample time to respond. We locals here read about courageous reactions from outraged victims all the time. Unfortunately, it usually ends very differently.

Fair enough, I posted from the perspective of a long-term resident in Rio. As mentioned I go to Santa Teresa every week. As far as a newbie is concerned, I agree that while he should probably not actually stay there on his maiden trip(s) to Rio, that he should still absolutely visit Santa Teresa during the day, in particular the Largo de Guimaraes area.

Don't want to go too far off topic here, but Santa Teresa is great, if a little isolated, panoramic views of the city, I head up there every week to do laps in some friends' pool LOL, or for the high quality local cuisine at restaurants in the Largo de Guimaraes area. New B & B's are coming to market all the time, with folks opening up their distinctive homes. Fairly close to 117 as you head down to Gloria by way of Candido Mendes, but a ways off from the Zona Sul (Copa/Ipanema).

Nice report. Tell us about the samba school.

Secured tickets together with a sold-out crowd of over 60,000 for the decisive Flamengo - Palmeiras matchup in Maracana Stadium Saturday night. In an exciting second half the second-place home team eked out a tie with the leader, with the support of its fanatic fan base. Incredible energy at these matches. Take a break from the usual routine. Get out there, go accompanied, and immerse yourself in the culture.

Very true. The Workers Party has only itself, and Lula's megalomaniacy, to thank, for the victory of Bolsonaro. And Ciro said today that he would never support the PT, so the schism from within the Left looks definitive.

It's now official, and here on the ground in the Zona Sul of Rio, there is widespread cheering, and honking, in the streets.

If you didn't have the good fortune to be born a Carioca, then you're right, it is more of an ideal to aspire to. But all is not necessarily lost. I've found that the more time spent with certain Cariocas, the greater the potential for this ideal to rub off on you.

You made a mistake, handled it well, cut your potential losses, and had the balls to share it here before a critical audience so others would benefit. Clearly, a net gain.

In a word, extremely. LOL But I'm a confessed futebol fanatic, and so is just about everyone I hang out with down here.

No, this thread is not about security. It is about partaking in the cultural activities that Rio has to offer! Together with your guy. Define "guy" as you like. Friend, boyfriend, GP. It doesn't matter. One way to make a lasting impression on your guy - and on yourself - would be to invite him/yourself to Maracana Stadium for a futebol match. Cariocas live and breathe futebol. And the season is winding down. Depending on his team, it is either fighting not to be downgraded to the second division, for a berth in the SulAmericana or Libertadores tournament next year, or the outright championship of the Brasileirao. The odds are roughly 50% that his team is going to be Flamengo. If so, it is the last of the three options. Saturday will be decisive, with his second-place team fighting against first-place Palmeiras. In Maracana Stadium. See you there.

The real lesson here is that you used your "first brain" to counter the recognized errors of your "second brain." Not confronting the guy in his own apartment was a wise move! You lived, and you learned.

In reading this thread, many folks assumed that the OP was either a newbie here or yet another inexperienced tourist. By his own account however he has been a longtime Brazil resident, and his thread count is not that of a novice. For whatever reason, Ihpguy chose to leave the forum for close to two years, which is probably why many didn't recognize him. His recent experience in Rio, and his decision to share it, apparently prompted him to re-engage. Let's hope he sticks around this time - and not for the reason that brought him back! Others here have posted far more in the meantime. However, the quality of his posts- cultural and otherwise- stood out.

Poll after poll has shown that this election is all about public security, corruption, and yes, the economy. On that score, the PT Party has failed on every count - at least according to those who count, namely Brazilian voters.