A PLACE CALLED IBITIPOCA AND A GREAT CANADIAN COMPANIOR - SHERYL JOHNSON

The Story started with a serious challenge!!!! I had a special guest...a guest that wanted something unique. She wished to visit a place that I have never taken any person...and the first question I made: ARE YOU ADVENTUROUS?????

She promtply said: YES!!!!!!!!! :)

Well I simply took the car and chose one place that I am sure you know very well: IBITIPOCA

HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHHAHAHAHA

L-A-U-G-H-I-N-G O-U-T L-O-U-D !!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH :)

I bet IPITIPOCA is not even popular among brazilians!!!! But I am a traveller and deep researcher about my own country. When Brazil is your office you have to work hard to find all the time unique places for you to show your foreign guests and friends!

The challenge was accepted and we travelled 5 hours north of Rio until reaching the beautiful mountainous lands of Minas Gerais State!!!!

Ibitipoca is one very impressive region of the South of Minas Gerais State, the ecosystem is so unique with several rare speciels that our Government decided to create a STATE PARK, specially because this is the place where we can only find a very interesting kind of WOLF, the so called LOBO GUARÁ - check on google - http://www.google.com.br/search?q=LOBO+GUAR%C3%81&hl=pt-BR&biw=1024&bih=499&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=8raRTtHoH6fo0QHx4fEp&ved=0CC8QsAQ

5 hours of beautiful motorways through the mountains of Serra dos Orgãos Range, passing in Petropolis, Juiz de Fora until reaching a charming countryside village of Lima Duarte...a place stopped in past, pace of life so slow that we remember our childhood times when we used to visit our relatives who live faraway!

Believe me, all the effort will be paid when you come across with majestic mountains resembling the mountains of Utah or Nevada....

It is hard to tell what made me happier...Sheryl laughs or the magnificent scenery that we came across every little corner that we found in the trails!!! Here you can see my foot that I love taking pictures everywhere I go. Water springs that suddenly desappear in a cave, sparkling water to satisfy your thirst...fresh water is plenty all the way you go!!!

Well, this not a picture of Taylor Lutner (New Moon) or the mature and nice guy Pierce Brossnan (007) or not even the charming senior Sean Connery...It is just myself having fun like a child in the wildness that simply fascinates me. But this is the kind of place that I am always ready to introduce to you!!!

RAFAEL TORRES LOPES

Tour Guide and Travel Planner

A FRIEND OF IBITIPOCA

PARATY - STRONG INDIGENOUS PRESENCE - THE REAL LAND OWNERS

Attention all PHOTOGRAPHY LOVERS!!!! Humbling speaking, I feel this is one of my best photos since I start to be an amateur photographer...YUUUUUUPIEEEEE!!! :) And I am happy that my victims were such dearest people like Marcone - THE FAMOUS MINI RAFA - and my great friend from North Carolina, Terrence. A very pristigeous doctor in Chapel Hill and a great doctor of joy, friendship and love in Brazil. A Dear Friend, a Real Brother and Loyal Guest.

Terrence in his various trips to Brazil always used my tours to see things that he knows it will provide unique experiences...and this time we chose to go to Paraty.

We went to see the exihibition at Casa da Cultura in Paraty that gives us a wonderful overall of our Native Population. And Paraty has a great opportunity to show their people and also to all visitors because the land was populated by the legendary Guaianás Indian Population that helped the portuguese to settle this wonderful corner in the South Shore of Rio State, they were strong enemies of the Tupiniquins, a fierced tribe whose canibals fame was well known by the Colonizers and Explorers..One of them had the sad luck to be a hostage and was nearly eaten alive, Hans Staden...the history of this german explorer gives a wonderful adventurous book in Brazil.

I am always interested about European Explorers who settled Brazil since the very beggining of our existance, and we have recent ones like our incredible photographer Maureen Bisilliat, she made an excellent work picturing the fascinating tribe Xingu in the middle of our country that streches between the Marshy lands of the Pantanal to the Amazon Jungle of Pará State. A very traditional Nation of Warriors. Maureen is from England, borned in Engle Fields, Surrey. Now she takes care of our famous and very important Latin American Memorial which is also the Latin American Institute in São Paulo.

In my opinion our indigenous population does not have the respect they deserve, specially the indigenous population in our Coast which I am quite familiar.

Marcone and I are very curious about Brazil's Heritage and Native Populations because we want to show to the World the value of our Country. We are proud Brazilians and we love to provide lots of knowledge and deep information about everything in the country. Marcone comes from Maranhão, one of the wildest States in Brazil where the indigenous population is massive. I was born in Rio and I always travelled all over Brazil in search of our own identity and I came across with many indigenous population specially in the Amazon and in the limits of Brazil and Argentina in the Iguazu Falls Area. I spent a lot of time getting to know the Guarani Population and we are very surprised to find part of the Guarani population here in the State of Rio, a small group in my dear homeland Niteroi and also a bigger village in a jungle spot in the mountains of Paraty, in a location called PARATY MIRIM and also a very important indigenous village in the State of São Paulo near the coast in Bertioga.

Well, at least I am reliefed to think that my Guests will not only have a Tour Guide, if you come to Rio de Janeiro you will be a real expert about Brazil and your time with us will worth Gold.

You will have someone who are passionate about Paraty...I must confess Paraty is no doubt one of my favorite places in Brazil. Our guest can be sure that no matter who will guide you. Myself, Marcone, Françoise, Suzi and Diana will give you THE REAL EXPERIENCE!!!

And the most important thing...I am not FORMAL...I AM VERY INFORMAL!!! :) hahahaha :)

Rafael Torres Lopes

Tour Guide and Travel Planner

A Proud Brazilian

PARATY - HISTORIC CENTRE HOSTEL - FULLY RECOMMENDED BY RAFA

Location is perfect, it stands right in the heart of the HISTORIC CENTER of Paraty!!! The neighbors cannot be any better..The Hostel stands next door to the CASA DA CULTURA and to the COIN CRAFT MAKER, the uruguayan (and brazilian at heart) Marcelo Dalto who has his own workshop called ATELIER ARACATI - His work is simply amazing!!! - PLEASE VISIT HIS BLOG - http://www.moedasearte.blogspot.com/

The Staff - FIRST CLASS...Glaucio and his people will always make sure that you will feel at home. Breakfast is simple like all HOSTELS, but it has a personal touch, the guests are always very well cultured people and the environment is simply very cool.

The House for sure is one of the old CASARÕES of Paraty - These are very old colonial houses preserved as a National Patrimony...the architecture is typically portuguese, meaning that the house has way more than 200 years. So space is fully guaranteed and the room is simply very pleasant, clean and comfortable!

The image speaks for me....cozy ambience...very warm when it is cold and completely cool when it is hot...equipped by ceiling fan and air conditioning, private bath room and very comfortable beds. All the with a price that you can really afford and you will be located in a prime region of the village. Right in the Center and close to the Pier where the boats leave for you to explore the marvelous and various islands of Paraty.

The HISTORIC CENTRE HOSTEL has a PATIO where you can commute with other people, a large table where you can chack your emails with two computers they offer and FREE WIFI - this is very important!!!

This is also the place where you will have your breakfast which I live very much and you can have the Bob's company...the dog of the house!!! : ))))))

I just have very good reasons for us to stay at HISTORIC CENTRE HOSTEL...it is a place for all ages..there is not a specific age group profile to stay there, no matter who you are, you will be treated like a very dear relative for the folks in the place. Very handy because you are close to the stores, to the cultural centers, to the main square Praça da Matriz, to the main lovely restaurants and to the Pier that allows you to choose many different boats for you to explore the islands.

Personally, I think the place is absolutely gorgeous...pleasant environment. You will love to stay there!!! You can book a place for you by adding their facebook profile which is http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=100000765868330 or you can write an email directly to historiccentrehostel@hotmail.com and also do visit their webpage which is http://www.historiccentrehostel.com/ing%20index.htm

You see??? There is no way to escape...make your reservation as soon as possible, and way in advance because the look for private rooms are very competitive!!! You request the dates way in advance upon deposits.

Thanks Glaucio for the warm welcome and excellent services that you provided for me, Marcone and Terrence...RIO DE JANEIRO AND CHAPEL HILL WILL ALWAYS RECOMMEND YOUR PLACE!!!

Rafael Torres Lopes

Tour Guide and Travel Planner

Madly in love with Paraty

AN UNEXPECTED LOCAL WE MET TODAY! :)))) WOW!!!!

You know...this is not a situation that we have everyday...but a meeting with this local made my friends' Tim and Gill trip sooooo special...We were walking in the surroundings of Sugar Loaf Mountain in a walkaway called PISTA CLAUDIO COUTINHO...And guess what...we decided to say hallo to our friend "ANACONDA" TORRES LOPES! :) hahahahahahah

She or he was sleeping, maybe after a rich meal full of little monkeys, some wild pigs, once in a while some stupid birds....We call this snake JIBOIA...very commonly found in our Atlantic Forest...Very seldon they attack humans...our meat is not that delicious for her!!! She prefers other delights!!!

I wish I could sleep under the shade of a Almond tree like our friend Anaconda, specially with a wonderful ocean view in Vermelha Beach, But I did want to register this moment and to let you know that I very much focus my tours in Nature, in People's Culture and off the beaten path places!!!

Be sure that when you come to Rio under my care...you will be back as part of our Land too, and I am sure you will be back.

Rafael Torres Lopes

Tour Guide and Travel Planner

A DIFFERENT NIGHT IN RIO DE JANEIRO WITH INDIANA FRIENDS

If you want to understand more about the culture in Rio de Janeiro you will have to go where locals go...the massive population of Rio has a place to go: FEIRA DO NORDESTE or also known as FEIRA DE SÃO CRISTOVÃO.

Well, this is simply one of my favorite places in Rio when we think about NIGHT LIFE!!!

Think about it...a huge place where more than 30.000 people go for fun, for eating excellent food and loosing their souls dancing the hot rhythm of FORRÓ MUSIC!!!!

Well, 24 hours Rafael can also take you there in a NIGHT TOUR!!!! The tour will take you to one of the less known side of Brazil. Wonderful for people watching, you will see what most of visitors never see. Simple life and absolutely rich culture!

We have to start always after 10:00 pm, better if we start at 11:00 pm. We always have to remember that we are LATE SLEEPERS!!!

So if you are not used to go out that late...RAFA STRONGLY RECOMMENDS, to have a cool and pleasant nap in your place (hotel, hostel, guesthouse, whatever...).

We always discuss prices in our emails...but do not worry, very affordable and you can be sure that you will always find incredible eating places with honest prices (never tourist traps!)

Feira do Nordeste has a whole variety of regional food of all North Eastern States of Brazil. It is a place where all migrants go for a wonderful revival of their traditions, costums and music.

Everytime I go there we always have BAIÃO DE DOIS with CARNE DE SOL...just a combination of beans and rice with flavoring elements - and some are more complex. Many versions of the dish add carne de sol, the dried beef typical of northeastern Brazil. Others add pork. And everyone in Brazil thinks that their mother's or grandmother's recipe is the only true recipe for baião-de-dois.

No doubt it is one of my favourite places in Rio, specially because I am a fan of the North-East Region in Brazil. Each State has its grace and beauty. It is a fantastic region in Brazil that very few people have the chance to see. Everytime I go there I make new friends, each time I go there I am more and more proud to be Brazilian.

A HUGE PART OF OUR POPULATION CANNOT BE MISTAKEN ABOUT TOTAL FUN IN FEIRA DO NORDESTE...AND I JUST FOLLOW THE FLOW WITH MY GUESTS.

My very dear friends Tim and Gill from Indiana could experience the real taste of Rio, talking with people, experiencing new flavors and watching people in total happiness!!!

That Market is open from FRIDAY TO SUNDAY all year round as you can see on youtube -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko2g7PrAprw&feature=related

Hope to have more people from this LOVELY AND FULL OF TRADITION STATE OF INDIANA where they also have something simular that all my american friends should never miss. In Indiana the HOOSIERS have the Indiana State Fair Midway which gives us 17 days of total blast in August - see more at http://www.in.gov/statefair/fair/index.html and also see this video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5D1ywQ_rCM. So lots of fun all year round when you come to Feira de São Cristovão and heaps of fun if you go to Indiana in August. One day I will go there and give a tight hug in my Hoosier Friends!!!

Thank you Tim and Gill for giving me the honor to show you the best of my land!

Rafa

Tour Guide and Travel Planner

THE NIGHT TEMPLE - CARIOCA DA GEMA - VERY MUCH LAPA!!!!

The best way to get in touch with local life when you travel is exploring the night...Rio is a party place...every brazilian LOOOOOOOOVE to live the night...And Rio samba is in the air just like Tango is in the air in Buenos Aires or Flamenco is in the air in Sevilla....

I know the hottest spots and the temple of our culture...no doubt about it...CARIOCA DA GEMA.

Me and Marcone (famous tour guide in Rio and best friend) are real habitué of the place and we are great fans of Brazilian Music...we have such a variety of rhythms that Brazil is one of the source of MUSIC in the World.

And we makes friends, and one of them, I am proud to tell, is our great friend and wonderful Brazilian Diva, LUIZA DIONIZIO....

If Samba is a religion, LUIZA IS THE HOLY MARY!!!! :)

Do not miss any chance to listen to her voice and her beat on youtube...I have some that I really love, one of them is her performance in the Famous Teatro Rival in Rio's Centro - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qz6DBQEm25Y&feature=related and this one she was singing at CARIOCA DA GEMA - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJdmD-mwvhU&feature=related and finally http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSyzt7drZsc&feature=related

She is really the best representative of Samba Voices and the one that keeps our tradition lively...

By the way she is open for presentations abroad, I would love to promote here to every corner of this planet because she takes the MUSIC OF BRAZIL in her soul.

She is not only my friend, but a special BRAZILIAN STAR THAT SHINES IN THE SKY OF THIS PLANET...


Very easy to go to Carioca da Gema, it is one of the main Samba Houses in the bohemian district of Lapa which I highly recommend you to go...Every night the place is packed because it is simply the Carioca's favorite SAMBA CLUB in Rio de Janeiro, where music is genuine, food is delicious and people are really beautiful. So it is better to get there early so you can find a spot to be close to the stage or even sitting on the balcony where you can see the people playing Samba.

Night tours can be organized, I am ready to take you to Carioca da Gema and see much more life in Lapa..we will experience the culture of Rio and mingle with our nightgoers!!!

Get prepared and be aware that our night start late....you have to go always after 10:00 pm...the time to get back to hotel just the FUN OF THE NIGHT will let you know!!!

Thanks Luiza to give our night the best flavour of our SAMBA!!!!

I am soooooooooooooo honored to have you in my heart!!!!

And you, my friends, count on me...if you want to really experience local's life...maybe I am the right person.

Rafael Torres Lopes

Tour Guide - Travel Planner

A friend in Rio!!!!

HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT COBAL?????

If you like local markets...maybe this is a cool suggestion...right located in a very populated district of Rio, Botafogo in our way to my tours in the Favela Santa Marta!!!

Fresh fruits, gorgeous flowers, very smart bars where to locals go to meet with their friends and simply have a good time!!!

COBAL HUMAITÁ is one of the street markets of Rio where food is absolutely awesome!!!

My South African friends, Fazlyn, Nitasha and Cindy was there with me...

I miss you badly girls...we should repeat this adventure!!! Because more and more I want Rio de Janeiro to be your home as I have South Africa very deep in my heart, much deeper now that I got to know you!!!

Come for another GIGGLE TOUR!!!!

Rafael Torres Lopes

Tour Guide - Travel Planner

A friend to South Africa!!!!

BAFANA BAFANA!!!! I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT BECAUSE OF THE WONDERFUL PARTY SOUTH AFRICA PROVIDED US IN THE WORLD CUP!!!

THE ISRAELI MISSION IN NITEROI

Israel always send me new friends and each day I realize that I must visit this incredible country because they always come to Brazil. They are famous travellers, everywhere you go you find an israeli always ready for adventure, always ready for knowledge...

It is easy to tour around with very well informed people and it is pleasant to travel in my own homeland with people who love people...So nothing better than a tour in Niteroi!!!

It is not a typical tour...the tour in Niteroi takes you to the soul of Brazil where you will meet brazilians and understand so many different life styles. And we started in the magic fishing village of Jurujuba. My new friends Shai, Efrat (am I writing correctly???) and Meir. Three people crazy about brazilian culture!!!

It is not exactly what we consider " a touristy attraction"...it is a local place with slow pace of life that makes us being part of our culture!!! Jurujuba is not at all glamourous...It is just a simple place where we see how people work and where people live.

Shai is a football fan ( and so do I) and look what we found??? A boat with the name of a very famous soccer player in the 70s....So Jurujuba can give you lots of surprises.

The place is my playground for human shots and daily life pictures...specially in black and white...so I always take the chance to practice my hobby!!!

Labor...hard working....They live in a very simple way and when we walk in their community salutations like BOM DIA or BOA TARDE are often heard prooving that from the poor to the rich you will always treat kindly by Brazilians. Their friendly way is an attractions apart.

Yes...Jurujuba is part of a surprising destination called NITEROI. It is my homeland. I am not living there anymore, life and important reasons brought me back to Rio. But Niteroi remains in my heart and in some of my best memories.

Thanks to Israel for giving me also very special people!!!

SHALOM!!!!

Rafael Torres Lopes

Tour Guide - Travel Planner

A friend of Israel

A CHILEAN FELLOW CALLED SELARON - STARTING IN PORTUGUESE AND ENDING IN ENGLISH

Eu já conheço esse MONUMENTO AMBULANTE DO ESTADO DO RIO DE JANEIRO há uns 3 anos, e eu me pergunto porque eu não prestava muito atenção naquela escada colorida que estava lá pelos lugares onde eu me divertia no TERRITORIO DO SAMBA da minha cidade!!!

Uma vez descendo a escada resolvi treinar meu espanhol com aquela figura de sotaque meio espanhol...e conheci um chileno esquisito mas de uma alma pura; pura pelo simples fato de sonhar e acreditar no sonho.

E seu sonho se tornou na Escadaria mais famosa do mundo...onde todos os nossos visitantes descem e sobem para ver que não me cabe duvida é a maior obra prima humana do Mundo Moderno...E quase ninguem presta muita atenção...

Brasil recolheu nosso amigo Selaron e Selaron nos deu seu melhor presente, um presente em que ele depositou sua vida, um presente que vai estar no bairro mais bohemio e festivo do Rio através dos tempos.

Essa celebridade tem um coração do tamanho do Mundo...

A grande novidade é que essa figura ilustre que é tambem na minha opinião a personalidade deste século é meu amigo muito querido!!!

O amigo que tem o Portunhol mais perfeito do Brasil, verdad????

Bom, meu amigo....esse tributo é muito simples, mas é a declaração publica de que voce é uma pessoa que eu admiro profundamente.

ENGLISH - This posting is being written to allow our friend Selaron to read and understand how much he is important and essential to us...

HIS IS A LIVE MONUMENT OF RIO DE JANEIRO and maybe one of the most important (and informal) personalities in Brazil. It is was a reason to make me very proud when I take all my guests to visit him because he is one of the MUST SEE person in Rio and he can be found everyday in his stairs sitting in one of the steps painting his lovely red, favela, pregnant women and crazy lines of Rio's Daily Life!!!

Selaron is one of my friends in Rio and for sure my informal embassador of Brazilian Culture. He was born in Chile but he is ABSOLUTELY BRAZILIAN when he chose Rio to express all his artistic skills and great talent...

He has the right to talk about everything he wishes because he is a respected and recognized artist that changed the History of two very traditional neighborhoods of Rio...SANTA TEREZA AND LAPA. Famous places for strong portuguese presence, samba and SELARON.

HEY SELARON, LONG LIFE TO YOU!!!

Rafa, your most enthusiast Tour Guide and Friend!

ISRAEL - BRAZIL AND CHILE - JOY AT SELARON STAIRS

Efrat from Tel Aviv, great company in my tours today with Shai, Meir and my Sri-Australian friend mal...Myself and the famous Selaron...

Well, Selaron everybody know!!! Needless any introdution, but above all Selaron is a good friend of mine and all the time we visit his stairs which is one of the most famous places in Rio de Janeiro, he is always there with his amazing "conversation topics" and "pleasant boastings" (he is an artist so "he can") and great welcome asking anyone where they are from....

THE STAIRS ARE AN EVERLASTING PART OF MY TOUR BECAUSE IT IS A REAL PRIDE FOR RIO. The place seems to be abandoned by official authorities but we, PEOPLE FROM RIO, and guides comitted with taking our guests to real local experiences, are the to help him showing to the World his amazing work!!!

This man alone places loads of tyles in a huge 130 meters stairs in the soul of Santa Tereza and Lapa, birth of bohemian life of Rio throughout the history of the city.

Going to the stairs is always a reason for LOUD GARGALHADAS (giggles)

So you can be sure that I will take you there when you arrive in Rio!!! :)

Rafael Torres Lopes
Tour Guide - Travel Planner
Selaron's Friend

THE SOUTH AFRICAN (AND KIWI) FAMILY - MY WOW TOUR

Once in a while I have great tours with guests from South Africa and I had the honor to welcome simply NINE PEOPLE plus one SUPER GREAT KIWI FRIEND Katya that join our ZA Group that we fondly named her as KIWI.

I am always a great fan of South Africa, since Mandela's time I was interested about the country and all its beauties.d Cape Town has lots of stories about myself...it is natural copy of RIO DE JANEIRO, but we have much more in common...the fascinating mix of our people and the big variety of so many cultures!!!

It is cool to welcome South Africa people because I have always reasons and facts to compare with their cities. Johannesburg very simular to São Paulo. Cape Town and Rio...Pretoria with its gardens reminds me Curitiba, the Wetlands of Santa Lucia with our marshy land of Pantanal and finally Durban that has something of Rio and something of our Nordeste, specially Maceió or Natal.


Our tour was more cultural than "beach tour", they were concerned about experience the "soul of the city" so nothing better than visiting one character that tells alot about the OPEN HEART OF RIO DE JANEIRO THAT WELCOMES PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD.

One good example is our chilean artist Selaron that changed the history of two very traditional neighborhoods...Santa Tereza with its fantastic portuguese heritage, lots of incredible barroc architecture, lots of great local restaurants and bars; cobbled stones streets; and LAPA...super bohemian district with a lot of Samba Houses like CARIOCA DA GEMA and RIO SCENARIUM....

Santa Tereza and Lapa altogether tells to every visitor a informal history of Rio.

And my south african family organized by my good friend Nitasha, the one who wrote to me requesting a tour with her friends, and thanks to her I got more friends in the RAINBOW country!!!



Another good way to understand about Rio's reality is to witness how we are all reacting against CRIME provinding a lot of social projects and security to our poorest neighborhood. And now it is possible to visit the various Favelas in Rio de Janeiro where we get to know colorful people, we really see how people from many different backgrounds live in Brazil.

THE REAL THING IN RIO IS GETTING TO KNOW PEOPLE and this is what I do everytime I take my people to see so many communities...

Favela is too much connected with crime, unfortunately, but you must remember that FAVELA GIVES US THE SAMBA CULTURE, THE FAVELA GIVES US INCREDIBLE FOOTBALL PLAYERS and the views from our Favelas in the Hills are unique!!!!

So either in Santa Marta or Khayelitsha in Cape Town; either in Rocinha or in Soweto near JOBURG we will find wonderful people there.

Right now there is a wonderful project going on in Cape Town, in the so called "townships", and a special one is called YOUTH FOR CHANGE - I am a big fun of this documentary that you can see on YOUTUBE - here is the link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkp5Tjr6G-E

Obama, the US PRESIDENT had the chance to visit Khayelitsha when he was a senator running for the ellections that he won and it is very interesting also to see this video! Here is the link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_YbLKguDqk&feature=related

Also very recently in March, the same Obama visited one FAVELA of Rio, the distant poor community in the West of the city famous for the movie CITY OF GOD but our present time Cidade de Deus is a good example of WORK AND SOCIAL PROJECTS with good results and crime is loosing space in a place that once was the most dangerous place in Rio de Janeiro, please check the video of Obama's visit in our FAVELA - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0Euvu1ePUI&feature=related - it is all in portuguese but the images shows how successful and very important this visit mean to us. I am just sorry not to be Obama's Guide in Rio, I would have better ideas for him to visit.

And RAFA will be here to show you the best of Rio to tall my South African Friends and all my good friends all over the World.



Ishshah is my new friend from South Africa that I had pleasure to welcome!!! She has the smile of the magic of Africa and she came to Rio to make the city even more beautiful. And we took this picture thanks to our other Family Members in a very interesting market in Humaitá, near Botafogo, the famous COBAL where we can find excellent food!!! Incredible place to buy food and also to hang out at night, it is one of our night life most famous spots!

Well, NOW YOU KNOW THAT SOUTH AFRICA HAS TO ADD BRAZIL IN THEIR TRAVEL PLANS...OUR BROTHERHOOD IS VERY DEEP AND DIVERSE.

Thank you very much,

Rafael Torres Lopes
Tour Guide and Travel Planner
A friend of Africa

LOTS OF WAITING IN THE CHRIST - BIG HOLIDAYS - NO CHRIST!!!

Oh no....do not think I am an anti-Christ...I am not...I am just trying to say that during big holidays when the WHOLE BRAZIL PLUS THE WHOLE WORLD decide to visit the city everything gets chaotic in Rio. Impossible to go to the Christ, impossible to go to the Sugar Loaf. Unless if you want to stay in long lines with me talking about everything for more than 3 hours!!! I can stay!!! HAHAHAHAHA :)






Seriously, in case like that I repeat, I will use my improvisation skill and active PLAN B, and believe me, I have lots of PLAN Bs....

And if you have time, we can always go to the Christ in a second visit or if you have another day available.

That day we spend a long time in a huge queue with my South African Friends which I had such a fabulous time.

Rafael Torres Lopes
Tour Guide and Travel Planner
A friend in Rio

MY ENGLISH FRIENDS WITH INDIAN TASTE

This is the privilege of making friends almost everyday, and I make REAL good friends!!! And Fecebook helps to keep in touch....YUPIEEEEE VIVA FACEBOOK!!! :) Shohil contacted me first telling that we would come with his wife Arti and another friendly couple Minesh and Varsha!!! ABSOLUTELY VERY SWEET PEOPLE!!! I think it took less than two seconds for us to be GREAT FRIENDS forever!!! We had a blast in Rio and in Niteroi. We focused our tour on many social profiles in Rio, we decided to learn how CARIOCA PEOPLE LIVE!!! These two couples live in London, city where I always have wonderful friends, and they are more friends from this incredible and special country called England. England that now welcomes all people from all over the World. India plays a important part in England's live offering very efficient professional in all areas and also increasing the english gastronomy with their exquisite and hot food. I always welcome indian families in my tours...coming straight from India, from England, Canada and USA and I am proud to hear that the wuality of my work are reaching those families and I WANT MORE!!! IN THE FUTURE I WILL HAVE BETTER STRUCTURE TO WELCOME INCLUDING THE MOST TRADITIONAL FAMILIES WHERE THEY WILL FIND IN BRAZIL THE FOOD THEY EAT SPECIALLY MADE FOR THEM!!! I just apologyze for not speaking not even one of the more than 400 languages and dialets from this country which I think it is one of the most fascinating countries in the World!!! I wish I could speak Hindi, Urdu, Concani, Kanara, Meithei, Marata, Nepali, Dogri or Kokborok... BUT THE LANGUAGE OF THE HEART IS UNIVERSAL AND THESE WONDEFUL FOUR FRIENDS LIVE IN MINE!!! A VISIT TO LAPA DURING THE DAY GIVES US A CHANCE TO FOLLOW THE BEAUTIFUL WORK OF STREET ARTISTS THAT WE DO NOT EVEN KNOW THEIR NAMES, BUT WITH THEIR ART THEY EXPLAIN THE CULTURE OF BRAZIL AND THE MAGIC OF SAMBA!!! LIKE THIS MURAL IN ORDER TO MAKE A TRIBUTE TO OUR FAMOUS SAMBA COMPOSER BEZERRA DA SILVA. LAPA IS MUSICAL, LAPA IS PLACE WHERE YOU CAN REALLY EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF OUR LOCAL VIBE. IT IS JUST ONE STREET NAMED JOAQUIM DA SILVA, BUT SOMETIMES IT MEANS A WORLD TO US!

VISITING THE QUIET FISHING VILLAGE OF JURUJUBA IS NOT EXACTLY A TOURIST ATTRACTION, BUT IT IS A GREAT CHANCE FOR YOU TO SEE A COLORFUL NEIGHBORHOOD OF RIO THAT NO TOURISTS GO. AND YOU KNOW ME WELL, I AM NOT SOOOO WORRIED ABOUT "TOURIST ATTRACTIONS" I SHOW YOU INTERESTING PLACES IN RIO THAT WILL MAKE YOUR TRIP THE MOST SPECIAL EVER!!!

SOME SEEDS ARE WONDERFUL TO EAT AND THIS ONE I FELL IN LOVE. I AM NOT SURE IF IT IS A DELICIOUS INDIAN WONDER BUT I CAN JUST TELL YOU THAT SESAME IS ABSOLUTELY TASTY!!!

THIS WAS OUR ITINERARY:

We stopped by Flamengo's Park to have a privileged view of the Sugar Loaf and Guanabara Bay. Then we drove to Centro to go to Santa Tereza, we strolled around the cobbled stones streets and watched the impressive portuguese colonial architecture and we saw a lot of local life in the neighborhood with an interesting stop at Selaron Stairs. Before reaching the bridge, we stopped in a very old Monastery, São Bento Church and visited the first barroc church in Rio de Janeiro built in 1590. We crossed the bridge of Niteroi and stopped by the Modern Art Museum, impressive modern construction by the famous brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, from there we could see maervelous views of the Bay Coast such as all over Icarai Beach, the island of Boa Viagem and the mountains of Rio altogether. Our next stop was lunch in a local brazilian barbecue restaurant Verdana...What a wonderful stomacal experience there!!! We went to the viewpoint of Parque da Cidade, famous city's paraglyding plataform. The Hill we went is called VIRAÇÃO. Our last stop before going to the Christ was the fishing village of Jurujuba. We took photos of the charming simple way of life in the community. We tried to save a cat which was quite ill and after finding a place where we tried the AÇAI CREAM.

After a quick and wild drive coming back we reached the Christ where they could see all over Rio in the day and in the night.

Thanks folks for your good spirit, thanks for your accurate sense of adventure, thanks alot for your smile and thanks for being part of my work, once you did that you are all part of my life now.

Rafael Torres Lopes

Tour Guide and Travel Planner

A Friend in Rio

THE FEBRUARY SUPER TOUR - RAFA WILL WELCOME YOU IN HEAD OF STATE STYLE!!!

But not that FORMAL!!! :) I would say, the smile will be the same because when you come to Rio you make me happy, when you simply give me your travel wishes and I make them true, I feel complete and the sensation in the heart when in the end of the tour you tell me you will be again; then I know that I have made the best choice!!!

In February, I will welcome tons of guests...And I am prepared...I will be with you for several days and also my wonderful team of guides, Marcone, Françoise and Suzi; and some other associates of my total trust. The dreamof getting to know Rio is growing and I am working hard to be here and give you all the assistance you need!!!

12 years working to give you Rio a loca,l perspective, no matter if you are just yourself, a couple, 4 people or the whole paraguayan national force!!! I am here to welcome you with big smile and very informal way to make you feel special when you come to Brazil.

The door to Brazil is no doubt RIO DE JANEIRO...And here you can have m yself as your friend and the person who will show you the genuine path of a real traveller. I do with my guests what I do when I travel around the World. More than a traveller I am a travel researcher and very keen on places where we will have a unique experience!!!

I AM NOT THE GUIDE WHO WILL SAY - ON YOUR RIGHT SIDE YOU SEE COPACABANA BEACH, ON YOUR LEFT SIDE YOU WILL SEE THE CHRIST...Everywhere we go you will know alot about local aspects of our society and you will see beautiful spots all around the city!!!

I am an official guide of the Paraguayan Army when they come for the annual military lectures provided by our Goverment; I am also the official guide of the Spanish Navy when they come with the school ship Sebastian del Cano every year, but I can be your private guide as well...All about water in a way as you can see in the pictures above.

12 years of total happiness, many places covered, many friends made and my name all around the World as someone who are not so worried about the Tourism Industry for the simple fact that I am not an industry. I just enjoy to welcome people and give them a great time!!!

I know the culture in the States, in Europe and so many different countries that my guests belong. I know some cultures are very conservative, reserved and formal...but when you meet me...GET YOUR SPIRIT PREPARED!!!!!!!

I will be like someone you know for ages...I will be the person who will die of pleasure to see you here and do not be impressed that if I meet you I will give you a tight hug!!!

Brazilians are informal people in my case, I was born in Rio!!!! And worse!!!! I have spanish blood!!! My decendents came from the FIRE OF HEART LAND called Andaluzia!!! OLÉ!!!!!

And you know...RIO DE JANEIRO - BRAZIL - LATIN AMERICA - Here life is lived in a very pleasant way, despite of all problems a brazilian person will give you a smile!!!

So coming to Rio for your tours...bear in mind that your smile has to be shown. I want to meet the best of you because I will give you the best of me!!!

Working....Do I really work????? :) This is a question that my great friend Dolly from Arizona always ask!!! La Rae, my sweet friend from Spokane shared giant laughs with me!!! Nancy always had fun when we meet!!! On the ground and by the sea we will have a blast, because I have a blast every time I am touring. Trips, tourism and people are my major passion in life!!!

Well, my friends, fun, history information, real facts, real people, adventure, laughs and beautiful images are guaranteed everytime you make use of my tours. you will have a tour guide to provide you a very pleasant experience when you dock or land in Rio.

Not only me, but my best friends who greatly happen to be TOUR GUIDES as well, will be here in February and of course all year round to welcome you with great enthusiasm.

I might be busy for some days but be sure that once you are with my people you really have the same experience and the same quality of my tours!!!

RAFA IS HERE FOR YOU ALL THE TIME!!!!

Thank you sooooo very much for everything!!!! I am blessed because my work gave me wonderful friends all over the World, and you will be the next one!!!!

YOURS FAITHFULLY,

Rafael Torres Lopes

Tour Guide - Travel Planner - A friend in Rio