Francisca Mattéoli's blog

It took me quite some time to write this story since Rio de Janeiro is one of my favortie cities in the world. Not only did I live there, it also was were I was « conceived », my parents going there whenever they wanted to see something else than the Chilean countryside. I wanted to show you a different Rio. The one I know and love. So, here it is:

Rio de Janeiro is first and foremost a way of thinking. The cariocas all have problems (like us), but they stay energetic and happy no matter what. It’s contagious. Each time, I see it as a major life lesson. Second, it has such a unique landscape for a city that big, where the jungle and buildings are entangled. When I’m in Rio, I always take a walk in the botanical garden, a beauty which each time reminds me how Nature is Queen here.

I met with my friend Claudio Alonso at the Confeitaria Colombo, a fantastic and almost magic bakery founded in 1894. It is situated in the « centro », which is under construction and changing fast (the World Football Cup and Olympic Games are coming…). It is fascinating to witness. I knew Claudio in « another life », when I used to work in Rio. Claudio lives in the Bangu neighborhood, our existences are so radically different, but we kept in touch for the past 20 years and that is why, amongst other things, this friendship is so special to me. We talked in front of a cafezinho and went for a walk in the streets (Claudio knows a thousand astonishing places). We spent a great moment together, as always. All the addresses are in my story.

The following day, I went to see friends who live in front of the Leme beach – just after Copacabana. It was the day before New Year’s Eve and like every year, groups of people were already reuniting on the beach to celebrate Yemanja, Goddess of the Sea. If you are in Rio at that time of the year, don’t miss that (and on New Year, be in Copacabana, all dressed in white!). These are unique moments which reflect how here, all the beliefs coexist and mix. I mentioned a few of the Brazilian religious holidays in my story, because Brazil is marked by its beleifs.

I stayed in two different hotels. Hotel Santa Teresa and Mama Ruisa. The first one, « tropical design », lacked soul (plus the service was not professional enough). On the other hand, I liked Mama Ruisa a lot. Raffined, very well organized, and mostly, a need to make us happy. A charming address (as shown in the pictures). Santa Teresa is the « hippie chic  » neighborhood of Rio. The most ancient too, with beautiful historical houses (but far from the beaches…).

At last, I will tell you all about the bars, restaurants, etc. that I like, and an antic shop that turns into a nightclub at night, Rio Scenarium ! because Rio is about being happy a caipirihna in one hand and a pao de queijo in the other (cheese bread) in the middle of crowded streets! I also discovered a website which seems very interesting and full of good ideas: www.joinrio.com

Talk to you soon and bom Dia! (photos Lita Cerqueira)