Eyes of a Tourist

I have lived in Rio for 25 years before I moved to Los Angeles.
It took me 6 years of separation for me to realize the beauty and peculiarities of this city. It is just like what they say about people. Something about having to lose in order to see the real value, the love. When you have it easily you take it for granted.

Rio is beautiful, warm, fun, natural and creative. I am seeing it with eyes of a tourist visiting for the first time. Everything is new. I am getting to see things I had not known and done things I never thought I would do. I even went to a nude beach and did a `Full Monty`! It was very liberating, I have to say.

The city has this loveable chaos filled with excitment and sexuality. It feels good to walk down the lively streets of Rio. The energy makes you forget any danger that could be involved.

I just love how the city works 24/7. Hole in the wall type of bars in the streets of Copacabana and Ipanema stay open late hours and people gether for a cold beer and good chat. Or one can just go for a walk at the famous beach strand at any time of the day or the night and then enjoy a fresh coconut water straight from the fruit in one of the kiosks set at the beach.

People are sexy and friendly. Cordiality, unfortunately, is not a forté of Cariocas (people who were born in Rio). You watch for yourself and I whatch for myself way.

All in all, with violence, stupid politicians, corrupt politicians, unemployment, traffic, poverty, crime and uneducation, Rio is still a wonderful city and I will always be proud to have it as my motherland.