15 Comments
User's avatar
Cate Hernandez's avatar

I always wear my cross body phone protector everywhere I go

Theresa Wagar's avatar

Me, too. To the point it's starting to wear and I need a new one. LOL

Cate Hernandez's avatar

I love this one because you can use the phone plus take pictures/videos thru the case https://amazon.com/UNBREAKcable-Waterproof-Phone-Pouch-Pack/dp/B0BZH852G3?tag=coachcate55-20

Uma Bode's avatar

Great article, Jo! Thank you. Loved learning all about Rio and your travels there.

Jo Barnes's avatar

Thanks Uma! 😁🙏

Daley Mottley's avatar

Very cool, Jo. Thanks for the travel tips 😁👍

Jo Barnes's avatar

Thanks for reading Daley 😁🙏

Vikki's avatar

Wow! What a fabulous review. I could almost feel the atmosphere (and the squiffy drinks ;) )

Jo Barnes's avatar

Thanks Vikki! 😁🥤😂

TriciaGlobalTravel's avatar

A timely read. I just agreed To go with my sister next January! I’ve wanted to go forever!

Jo Barnes's avatar

Whoohoo! have a fantastic time. I hope my article helps. :)

TriciaGlobalTravel's avatar

Of course! I find reading others’ travel stories to be a great inspiration!

Theresa Wagar's avatar

Thanks for the recap, Jo. I'm so glad you included the Favelas. It is shocking how the haves and have-nots live so differently. Did you know children in the favelas only get 1/2 day of school and the kids in the cities get a full day? And yes, the communities are delightful. People are people wherever you go. Can't wait to see what's next for you!

Jo Barnes's avatar

Thanks Theresa. It was heartbreaking walking through the Favelas. Every day I read about the abuses of power in our world makes me angrier, especially when you see people starving. Anyway my goal is to lift people up. Plenty of people talking about the atrocities of the world right now. In Chapada Diamantina at the moment about to go on a 3 day hike! 😳 Wish me luck! 😂

Mirela de Lacerda's avatar

Hi Jo, I'm a 'carioca' who lives in London and was so happy to read your article. Yes, there are a million problems in Rio (and in Brazil) and urban violence is absolutely real but you don't need to panic (like you did, always choose group tours, be mindful about your bag & belongings and never flash your phone on the streets). Rio is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and as an expat I get more than even why people fall in love with it. I'm glad you had a great time and could experience so many different aspects of it, especially the energy from the people which is so unique. Hope you are also having fun in other areas of Brazil, enjoying the sunshine and the beautiful landscapes! :)