Good morning everyone!
We have a weekend of rain, seems like winter has finally arrived. Perhaps a good idea is to go to the movies, or visit a museum?
Again I start with my warning. My advice to stay safe: Don’t bring valuables out, if you do; don’t flash them. You’re going to Lapa? Share a cab. You’re going from Lapa? Cab again. Local buses are not safe at night. Avoid open parks. During night time; certain areas are perhaps a bit worse than others: Lapa, Centro (always), Santa Teresa, Tijuca, Glória, Botafogo and Catete have seen more incidents lately. Avoid walking deserted streets, the beach at night etc. Be smart, and you’ll be safe.
I have written a lot about how the Brazilian economy is spiraling downwards. This time I’m gonna talk a little about how Brazilian banks and financial institutes for almost a decade offer credit with super-high interest. You can get credit cards very easily, just like in so many other countries it is offered to you with no further ado, the difference is the interest charged. Brazilian credit institutes charge more than 200 % (!!!) per year. In these times when people loose their jobs, more and more people end up in this situation. Even if the debts are acquitted after 5 years, and the person’s name becomes “clean” again, the banks make a fortune. This article is a good example of what is happening to so many people in Brazil.
Football:
Two games in Maracanã the next few days. On Saturday the 20th Flamengo play Atlético-MG, kick-off 16:30h. On Wednesday the 24th Flumenense play Ponte Preta, kick-off 19:30h. Brazil is struggling in Copa América, last they lost to Colombia 0-1 in a game where Neymar got sent off. On Sunday they have to win against much easier opponent Venezuela, the game starts at 18:30h.
Public transport:
The next one or two years traffic in the center of Rio will be complicated during rush hours, big constructions in the port area are the main reasons. Works on Avenida Brazil will make transport to Ilha Grande and Parati complicated during rush hours.
Nightlife:
The best nightlife guide in English is The Rio Times Nightlife Guide, just click the link.
Fruits of the week:
Kiwi, strawberries, persimmon, tangerines and grapes are normally nice and affordable this time of the year.
Bom fim de semana!
Hakan
