The Rio Times

Brazil Focuses on Education Challenges

Ben Tavener — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 01:05:58 +0000

By Ben Tavener, Senior Contributing Reporter RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Brazil’s education system will be critical in improving the country’s stark inequalities, and last week it was announced that 600,000 tablet computers would be handed out to public school teachers at over 62,000 schools, in an attempt by the Ministry of Education to show new [...]

Airports Privatized for R$24.5B in Brazil

Sarah de Sainte Croix — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 01:04:55 +0000

By Sarah de Sainte Croix, Senior Contributing Reporter RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Brazilian government’s civil aviation agency (ANAC) received R$24.5 billion last Wednesday following the auction of concessions for three of the country’s biggest airports. The final value surprised economists by going almost five times higher than the minimum price of R$5.5 billion [...]

Best of the Blocos for 2012 Carnival

Sarah de Sainte Croix — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 01:04:32 +0000

By Sarah de Sainte Croix, Senior Contributing Reporter RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Drums, pulsating hips and buckets of alegria (joy), after a month of Carnival warm-up blocos (or street parties), Rio’s party-goers are chomping at the bit for the main event – Carnival weekend – which begins on Friday. With just days remaining, those [...]

Carnival 2012: Access Group Schools

Fiona Hurrell — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 01:03:51 +0000

By Fiona Hurrell, Contributing Reporter RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The “desfile do Grupo de Acesso” (Access School parade) provides not only an entertaining evening and an ideal introduction for any Carnival novices, but an affordable alternative for those who may be unable to splash out on a ticket to the coveted Special Group’s performance. [...]

Domestic Tourism Rises with Middle Class

Contributing Reporter — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 01:02:33 +0000

By Stephen Eisenhammer, Contributing Reporter RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – With 2012 Carnival just days away, Rio is awash with tourists, arriving to experience what is widely deemed the greatest street party on earth. The city is full of adventuring travelers skimming their guidebooks and scratching their heads, but among the ubiquitous sound of English, [...]

Flu and Vasco Enter the Libertadores

Robbie Blakeley — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 01:02:13 +0000

By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – There were contrasting emotions for Tricolores and Vascaínos this past week as they saw their respective sides start their 2012 Copa Libertadores campaigns. For the first time in history, Rio has three clubs representing the city in the competition: Vasco, Fluminense and Flamengo. While [...]

Petrobrás with Foster as New President

Laura Madden — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 01:02:11 +0000

By Laura Madden, Contributing Reporter RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – New Petrobrás CEO Maria das Graças Foster was sworn in yesterday (February 13th) as president of Petrobrás, promising an administration based on dialogue and continuity “without forgetting for a moment” issues of operational safety and environmental. She also highlighted the fact that the first woman [...]

Escape Carnival Chaos in Florianópolis

Ben Tavener — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 01:01:07 +0000

By Ben Tavener, Senior Contributing Reporter FLORIANÓPOLIS, BRAZIL – If you are looking for a way to dodge the chaos of Carnival in Rio, then Florianópolis, capital of Santa Catarina state, might just provide the escapism you need. The stunning, 33-mile-long (53km) island on which the city sits – the Ilha de Santa Catarina – offers over hundred beaches, [...]

How to Bloco in Rio for Carnival

Ana Gabriela Ribeiro — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 01:01:00 +0000

By Ana Gabriela Ribeiro, Contributing Reporter RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – There are many ways to enjoy the infamous Carnival blocos of Rio, and experienced revelers have been kind enough to offer inside tips for the rookies, experiencing Carnival in the in Cidade Maravilhosa for the first time. From drinking to going to pre-parties, the [...]

Rio Carnival in Luxury Penthouse Style

Contributing Reporter — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 01:00:55 +0000

By Nathan M. Walters, Contributing Reporter RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Cidade Maravilhosa offers some of the best options in luxury living for those with the means, among them the sweeping penthouse views of the city. This Carnival, more jet-setters are seeking the best Rio has to offer and instead of settling for hotel [...]