Members ihpguy Posted October 21, 2011 Members Posted October 21, 2011 Living here and loving to cook, costs aren't to bad. Today is the boyfriend's birthday. So last night he requested supper in an Italian restaurant. Haven't been to my favorite in quite some time - Dom Camilo in Copacabana, corner of Atlantica and Bolivar. Food was great, the bottle of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo even better and the bill - enormous WOW! We had a wonderful time. A very special occasion. It was fun hearing American-accented English from many tables for the first time in quite a while, but I can now understand why you all are saying how expensive a Rio/SP vacation can be. The cab back to Praca XV was almost 30Reais. Definitely a bit more than the current 2,50Reais for the bus. But we spent so much time at the table, had to rush back to catch the boat. Romantic ride outside in the back, hugging, etc. looking at the lights on the bay, beautiful brisk night after a spectacular meal. But a supper for 2 = Half the current minimum salary. Quite a step up from splitting a Frango a Passarinho with extra garlic and a couple latoes(tall cans)of Antarctica. Or a pound of por quilo sushi for 20Reais. Quote
Guest lurkerspeaks Posted October 21, 2011 Posted October 21, 2011 ihpguy, give the bf a big ole wet birthday kiss for me.... Glad to read that you are feeling better and able to get out some again. I am sure you were starting to get somewhat claustraphobic being at home so much.. It is nice to splurge every once in awhile for something you enjoy. On my last trip to Rio, my travel friend and I ate most of our meals at either the corner juice stand, or curijinhas. But even Curijinhas has gone up in price.. We only splurged at a churassaria (or however you spell it) on one day. We looked into Sunday Brunch at the Palace as our splurge, but it was WAYYYYYY too expensive for us mere mortals.... Quote
Members ihpguy Posted October 21, 2011 Author Members Posted October 21, 2011 ihpguy, give the bf a big ole wet birthday kiss for me.... Glad to read that you are feeling better and able to get out some again. I am sure you were starting to get somewhat claustraphobic being at home so much.. It is nice to splurge every once in awhile for something you enjoy. On my last trip to Rio, my travel friend and I ate most of our meals at either the corner juice stand, or curijinhas. But even Curijinhas has gone up in price.. We only splurged at a churassaria (or however you spell it) on one day. We looked into Sunday Brunch at the Palace as our splurge, but it was WAYYYYYY too expensive for us mere mortals.... Thanks. Only one more week until I see the surgeon and hopefully get cleared for rehab. Two of the por quilo places that I like have even raised their prices by ten percent. I walked by Graca Da Vila in Catete two days ago and they are up to just under R47,00/kg. My fav, Fronteira in Ipa, is a bit less for the all-you-can-eat option. And Benkay in Ipa has weekday sushi for just under R40,00 for all-you-can-eat which is still a nice price for good quality, so options exist. And I passed a galeto in Catete where you get a half + the sides for 10Reais. So option exist. Howver, it might be another 3 or 4 years until I go back to Dom Camilo. I can which up a super risotto at home along with salmon or tuna with teriyaki. As far as the homemade limoncello, I'll be SOOL. As the the birthday boy, he's off to Duque De Caxias after work for a churrasco with the family. Big days Saturday and Sunday with the National(ENEM)Qualifying Scholarship Exams. Quote
TotallyOz Posted October 22, 2011 Posted October 22, 2011 Yes, I am glad you are feeling better and getting back to normal activity. Happy Birthday to the BF. Your perspective on Rio is always unique as I think you live there like a Brazilian and not a tourist. You know the ins and outs of what to do and what not to do and it is wonderful to have someone with your knowledge on the board. To those that don't know him, not only is he so knowledgeable, he is always willing to lend a helping hand to others. For me, he has in so valuable in recommendations and advice in helping me eventually line up a life in Brazil. I don't think I've ever met someone who was so passionate about Brazil as well as had the same interests as I do and so willing to help an outsider find his way in unknown territories of the Brazilian government, taxes and apartment hazards. Your kindness does not go unnoticed and I hope that good karma goes back your way! I hope your special night with your special guy goes on all night! Cheers! Quote
Members ihpguy Posted October 22, 2011 Author Members Posted October 22, 2011 Yes, I am glad you are feeling better and getting back to normal activity. Happy Birthday to the BF. Your perspective on Rio is always unique as I think you live there like a Brazilian and not a tourist. You know the ins and outs of what to do and what not to do and it is wonderful to have someone with your knowledge on the board. To those that don't know him, not only is he so knowledgeable, he is always willing to lend a helping hand to others. For me, he has in so valuable in recommendations and advice in helping me eventually line up a life in Brazil. I don't think I've ever met someone who was so passionate about Brazil as well as had the same interests as I do and so willing to help an outsider find his way in unknown territories of the Brazilian government, taxes and apartment hazards. Your kindness does not go unnoticed and I hope that good karma goes back your way! I hope your special night with your special guy goes on all night! Cheers! Thanks for the most kind words. As I told you when I offered to help, that it was no problem. I was facing a long period of inactivity and then recovery with little movement. Even now, I can move my body with no pain, but the shoulder and arm are basically frozen to my chest. Six weeks after the surgery. I had to jog a bit to catch the boat last Monday. But you can be sure that I kept my head down examining every square inch of pavement. I sure as heck didn't want to fall and go through this again. Ditto slipping when it rained Wednesday and the pavement was a mess. My pleasure to be able to contribute in whatever manner from another perspective. I do enjoy the life here, although most definitely not a "Zona Sul-style" existence. Peace. Quote
Members axiom2001 Posted October 25, 2011 Members Posted October 25, 2011 Glad you're on the mend and sorry that we were unable to meet when I was in Rio during the past 13 days, but you'd forewarned me. Strangely enough I was somewhat oblivious regarding pricing in Rio de janeiro. My friend and I shared an apartment in Copacabana, ate out a lot, picked up the tab in its entirety or split it occasions, but the both of us were not in tune with the increases. We just went with the ebb and flow which for me was the best. We did spend lots of money on taxis, especially when the driver would pick up that little 8X10 laminated sheet and quote a fee differently from what the meter revealed. This was NOT a consistent practice, so I know nothing about the significance. I only fretted to myself when that friggin' card was picked up. Managed to get into a cinema for half price because of my senior status. I did not even show any ID either! But at Jardim Botanica-- only Brasilian seniors were allowed to get into this beautiful and gorgeous site free with ID. We shopped at a few super markets, but again, by our not living there for any significance of time, we did not know what had gone up or down or remained the same! Yes,Rio is still a favorite city of mine; there is still much to explore. The constant rain during this visit put "dampers" on many of our out-of-doors special activities. Quote
Members ihpguy Posted October 27, 2011 Author Members Posted October 27, 2011 Glad you're on the mend and sorry that we were unable to meet when I was in Rio during the past 13 days, but you'd forewarned me. Strangely enough I was somewhat oblivious regarding pricing in Rio de janeiro. My friend and I shared an apartment in Copacabana, ate out a lot, picked up the tab in its entirety or split it occasions, but the both of us were not in tune with the increases. We just went with the ebb and flow which for me was the best. We did spend lots of money on taxis, especially when the driver would pick up that little 8X10 laminated sheet and quote a fee differently from what the meter revealed. This was NOT a consistent practice, so I know nothing about the significance. I only fretted to myself when that friggin' card was picked up. Managed to get into a cinema for half price because of my senior status. I did not even show any ID either! But at Jardim Botanica-- only Brasilian seniors were allowed to get into this beautiful and gorgeous site free with ID. We shopped at a few super markets, but again, by our not living there for any significance of time, we did not know what had gone up or down or remained the same! Yes,Rio is still a favorite city of mine; there is still much to explore. The constant rain during this visit put "dampers" on many of our out-of-doors special activities. I went by the high school and elementary schools I had mentioned to you yesterday. The elementary was having a government-sponsored art exhibition. Sorry you never contacted me so that I could have shown them both to you as well as perhaps shown you other interesting things. And all close to MM as well. Quote
Members axiom2001 Posted October 27, 2011 Members Posted October 27, 2011 I went by the high school and elementary schools I had mentioned to you yesterday. The elementary was having a government-sponsored art exhibition. Sorry you never contacted me so that I could have shown them both to you as well as perhaps shown you other interesting things. And all close to MM as well. We lost contact for a while. I just presumed you'd had your surgery and was on the mend and perhaps could not have been part of my activity. I apologize for I truly was up to meeting you but did not pursue further! Maybe another time although I have NO idea when I will be returning to Rio. I like your new avatar; the guy is gorgeous! Quote
Members ihpguy Posted October 28, 2011 Author Members Posted October 28, 2011 We lost contact for a while. I just presumed you'd had your surgery and was on the mend and perhaps could not have been part of my activity. I apologize for I truly was up to meeting you but did not pursue further! Maybe another time although I have NO idea when I will be returning to Rio. I like your new avatar; the guy is gorgeous! Rodrigo = Janari. A true professional whore. He knows all of the buttons to push on any man. Just the best. And back at Meio Mundo, or so I've heard, after a trip to Europe. But I'm happier with the new boyfriend. I now have my sling off since yesterday, only passive stretching movements for three weeks, then 8 months of physiotherapy three times/week. Just glad that I have a health plan here that pays for everything except the anesthesia. Tonight will be the first time in 7 weeks that we won't need to have the sling joining us in the bed. And a reminder of my temporary physical limitations. But I am free to go into the swimming pool without using my arms now. and in three weeks, I can go back to riding bikes, exercising and running. Quote
Members ihpguy Posted November 3, 2011 Author Members Posted November 3, 2011 On the way back from a disappointing Meio Mundo visit(my fault for not double-checking on the night for their Halloween party), went by a cheap place to grab a nice snack. On the same street as Meio Mundo, about two blocks up towards Praca XV, try to check out Padaria Nova Tal. They have renovated the place and vastly improved their offerings. The have a couple of incredible focacias - both Italian and sardine pate - I can't decide which I like better - for only 1,50Reais each. Also Australian bread from them is nice as well as the eclairs. I've had the loaves of Swiss and Cenoura/Carrot breads as well. Also nice. And all really reasonable. M-F and 1/2 days Saturday. Quote
