Sun, Beach and a Pinch of Sugar
If you’re in search of joie de vivre, consider Rio de Janeiro. Located in a tropical climate with year-round mild temperatures, the ambience in Rio is warm and upbeat - and not just during the glitzy Carnival season. Brazil’s second-largest city has plenty of sights and attractions to offer.
Best known for its sandy beach that stretches for 2.5 miles, Copacabana is arguably Rio’s most famous neighbourhood. Sports, toned bodies and joie de vivre are the name of the game here. This is where Rio’s residents, clad in their “national dress” (bikini and bathing trunks), play the country’s national sport (soccer) while spectators stand by sipping Brazil’s national cocktail (Caipirinha) from plastic cups. For those who prefer a slice of tranquillity, there is the beach in the slightly more upscale neighbourhood of Ipanema to enjoy. “Like a samba that swings so cool and sways so gently” is a line from the famous song “Girl from Ipanema” which could also be used to describe Ipanema beach.