ABOUT RIO DE JANEIRO

On the page “VENUE >> About Brazil”, you can find information about:

On the menu about “TRAVEL & HOTELS”, you can find information about:

Rio de Janeiro is the second largest city in Brazil and is famous for its beaches (e.g., Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon) and landscape scenery (e.g., SugarLoaf, Corcovado Hill).

The official language is Portuguese – with an array of different accents across the country.

Official tourist guide, by Riotur:

http://www.rioguiaoficial.com.br/

Rio Convention & Visiotrs Bureau

Watch a video about Rio:

http://www.rcvb.com.br/videos/?/2/3560/rio+de+janeiro+vacation+travel+guide.html#.VLVke9LF-ot

HOT TO BE A CARIOCA Top

A person born in Rio is called “carioca” (from “kara’i oka”, meaning “white man’s house” in the indigenous Tupi language).

Cariocas like to be seen as uniquely dedicated to enjoying life. The carioca way of life includes a light sense of humour and a seemingly relaxed behaviour. Carioca is a mood and a style, but not snobbish or arrogant – just free to be.

Cariocas are particularly proud of the way they speak, with a “chiado” (a palatalization of the final “s” as well as of the “j” and the “g”) and a guttural “r” sound that are impossible to describe, but very easy to recognize when you hear them.

Tips on how to be a Carioca can be found at:

http://www.amazon.com/How-Be-Carioca-Carlos-Carneiro/dp/8585556013

Also, you might like to know about some carioca must-do’s:

http://www.howtobe.com/

You may also find these tips on how to be a Brazilian of particular interest:

http://www.amazon.com/How-Be-Brazilian-Steve-Luttmann/dp/098926260X

Most of all: enjoy being in Rio!

WATER – Top

The Rio de Janeiro water supply is compliant with international standards, but due to the strong taste of chlorine we advise drinking bottled mineral water.

Source: Riotur

CURRENY AND EXCHANGE – Top

Brazilian currency is the Real (BRL).

Foreign currency is usually NOT accepted in stores or restaurants. Although the vast majority of stores and restaurants will take international credit cards, it is useful to carry some pocket money for small expenses.

You can exchange your (foreign) currency for BRL (Brazilian Real) at a bank (e.g., Banco Safra, http://www.safra.com.br/ingles/index2.asp, located in each of the two terminals of the Galeao (Rio de Janeiro) International Airport). In terminal 1, Banco Safra has a booth located inside the restricted area, just after disembarking upon arrival and before you reach the baggage claim; in terminal 2, Banco Safra has a booth in the restricted area, just after customs – both of which are accessible only to arriving passengers. Banco Safra also has a booth in the publicly-accessible Arrivals lounge. There are also other currency exchange facilities, operated by other institutions, located in the public areas of the international airport.

There are several currency exchange houses in the city. Most of them are open from 10:00a.m. to 06:00p.m. on week days, while a few also open on Saturdays.

Hotels often also provide currency exchange services, but their rates tend to be more costly.

SAFETY TIPS – Top

As with any popular tourist destination, you need to heed important safety precautions.

  • When taking a taxi, write down addresses on paper for the taxi driver to understand. Remember that most taxi drivers speak only basic English (if any). Note that the traditional way to enter a taxi is to first announce the district (e.g., Copacabana) you are going to – then discuss the details of the address.
  • If you take the metro, be sure you understand the transfer stations – and where you have to change trains to keep going in the right direction.
  • Never carry around your passport – you should only need it to check in at hotels or airlines. Make a colour copy. When you go out, carry the copy with an easily replaceable official photo ID card, student ID, driver’s license, etc.
  • Do not carry a lot of cash around. Carry around only enough for your expected small purchases and prefer to use a credit card.
  • To withdrawn money, it is best to use the ATMs located inside banks or shopping centres, rather than in open areas.
  • The most common incidents affecting tourists are pickpockets and street robbery, so the most important advice is to apply basic precautions and use your instincts. Avoid wearing expensive jewels or watches. Never leave your belongings unattended in public places. Avoid dark/enclosed areas. At night, prefer to walk in groups rather than alone. If you have to go to the hotel late at night, take a taxi.
  • The city centre (Centro) should be visited during work hours (but be aware of possible pickpocketing there) since it is usually empty at night. But some areas in the Centro have been renovated, particularly the Lapa district where many world-class samba clubs are located. Lapa is quite a safe place to go in the evening or at night. Prefer a taxi or a bus if visiting Lapa because there is no close metro station.
  • Rio’s beaches are gorgeous and seemingly tranquil; however, you should never leave your stuff unattended while going into the water. An excellent way to avoid many of the safety issues while at the beach is renting a beach umbrella and chair from one of the many kiosks located on the major beaches – greedy eyes are less likely to target you if your purse, bag, clothes are secured to the chair or umbrella. The kiosks also offer good quality snacks and several types of drinks and beverages. It is also a good idea to ask someone who is sitting nearby to keep an eye on your belongings while you cool down in the water.

HOSPITALS – Top

Rio has many hospitals. Here are some close to the conference venue.

Hospital TotalCor

www.totalcor.com.br/rj/

Rua Farme de Amoedo, 86 – Ipanema

Phone: +55 21 2525-1900

Hospital Copa D’or

www.copador.com.br

Rua Figueiredo Magalhães, 875 – Copacabana

Phone: +55 21 2545-3600

Hospital Miguel Couto

www.biohard.com.br/mcouto/

Rua Mário Ribeiro, 117 – Gávea

Phone: +55 21 3111-3781 / 3111-3709

Public health care services in Brazil are free of charge, but may only be used by foreign nationals in the event of an emergency. Full insurance coverage is strongly recommended as private medical costs are high. Private medical care is usually good in Rio.

HAVING FUN IN RIO – Top

Here are some suggestions of places to have a good time in Rio.

Tourist attractions

Sugar Loaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) – http://www.bondinho.com.br/site/en/

Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) / Corcovado Hill – http://www.corcovado.com.br/ingles/index.html

Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico) – http://www.jbrj.gov.br/

Maracanã Stadium – http://www.maracana.com/

Samba Schools

While December is still a few months away from Carnival, you can enjoy the taste at a rehearsal of a samba School. For suggestive information, check at:

http://www.rio.com/rio-carnival/rehearsals

http://www.rio-carnival.net/samba-school/samba-schools-rio-de-janeiro.php

Cidade do Samba (City of Samba), located at the Gamboa neighborhood, is a warehouse where several Samba schools prepare for Carnival and maintain production lines of allegorical floats, costumes and adornments . Visitors can see the floats and costumes and also participate in a mini Carnival parade that replicates the world famous one.

Handicrafts and Rio fashion

Hippie Market
Address: Praça General Osorio Square, Ipanema
Hours: Every Sunday 7:00am to 2:00pm

http://www.feirahippieipanema.com/

Babilônia Feira Hype (fashion market)

http://www.babiloniafeirahype.com.br/

Free walking tours

Pista Cláudio Coutinho (named after former Brazilian football coach Cláudio Coutinho) is a wonderful winding path for pedestrians that goes around the bottom of Sugar Loaf hill. It is a great place to take photos of plants and little monkeys (that may come and eat on your hands if you offer them food). One can also jog or just relax as one enjoys the amazing view of the mountain and sea.

Free Walker Tour (with English-speaking guide)
http://www.freewalkertours.com/

Rio Free Walking Tour (with English-speaking guide)
http://www.riofreewalkingtour.com/#!/page_splash

Dancing

Lapa (downtown Rio)

Rio Scenarium
http://www.rioscenarium.com.br/novo/
Address: Rua do Lavradio, 20 – Lapa
Phone: (+55 21) 3147 9000
Hours: Tue – Thu 06:30pm to 02:00am. Fri 07:00pm to 04:00am. Sat 08:00pm to 04:00am. Sun 08:00pm to 02:00am

Lapa 40°
http://www.lapa40graus.com.br/site/
Address: Rua Riachuelo, 97 – Lapa
Phone: (+55 21) 3970 1338
Hours: Thu – Sat 08:00pm – 04:00am

Carioca da Gema

http://www.barcariocadagema.com.br/bar.htm

Address: Avenida Mem de Sá, 79 – Lapa

Phone: (+55 21) 2221-0043

Hours: Thu – Sun 08:00pm – 04:00am

You can also check several suggestions at: http://www.rioforpartiers.com/

Restaurants and Bars

Rio de Janeiro is famous for its all-you-can eat steakhouses. Two of the most well-known one are:

Porção Rio´s (steakhouse)
Address: Avenida Infante Dom Enrique – Aterro do Flamengo
Phone: (+55 21) 3521-2900
Hours: Mon – Sat 12:00pm to 12:00am Sun 12:00pm to 22:00pm

Fogo de Chão (steakhouse)

Adress: Avenida Reporter Nestor Moreira, s/n – Botafogo
Phone: (+55 21) 2279 7117

Hours: Mon – Sat 12:00pm to 12:00am Sun 12:00pm to 22:00pm

You can find good suggestions of restaurants and bars at: http://firstbite.tv/rio/

Or else check some of the options below.

Arpoador

– Restaurants:

Azul do Mar (seafood)
http://www.cozinhatipica.com.br/
Address: Avenida Francisco Bering, 177 – Arpoador
Phone: (+55 21) 2513 5014
Hours: Mon – Fri 12:00pm to 12:00am. Sat 12:00pm to 01:00am. Sun 12:00pm to 11:30pm

Copacabana

– Restaurants:

Amir Restaurante (Arabic Food)
http://www.amirrestaurante.com.br/
Address: Rua Ronald de Carvalho, 55 – Copacabana
Phone: (+55 21) 2275 5596
Hours: 12:00pm to 12:00am

Confeitaria Colombo (good place for breakfast)
http://www.confeitariacolombo.com.br/site/
Address: Forte de Copacabana, at Praça Coronel Eugênio Franco, Posto 6 – Copacabana
Phone: (+55 21) 3201 4049
Hours: Tue – Sun 10:00am – 08:00pm

– Bars:

Bar do Adão
Address: Rua Aires Saldanha, 13 – Copacabana
Phone: (+55 21) 2549 9988
Hours: Mon – Fri 05:00pm  Sat – Sun 12:00pm

Bar do Copa
Address: Avenida Atlântica, 1702 – Copacabana
Phone: (+55 21) 2548 7070
Hours: Thu – Sat 10:00pm to 04:00am

Gávea

– Restaurants:

Braseiro da Gávea (traditional Brazilian food)
http://www.braseirodagavea.com.br/
Address: Praça Santos Dumont, 116 – Gávea
Phone: (+55 21) 2547 9866
Hours: Sun – Thu 12:00pm to 01:00am. Sex – Sab 12:00pm to 03:00am

Ipanema

– Restaurants:

Alessandro & Frederico (fancy light food)
http://www.alessandroefrederico.com.br/home1024.html
Address: Rua Garcia D’avila, 134 – Ipanema
Phone: (+55 21) 2521 0828
Hours: Mon – Sun 9:00am to 01:00am

Armazém do Café ( coffee shop)
http://www.armazemdocafe.com.br/
Address: Rua Maria Quitéria, 77 – Ipanema
Phone: (+55 21) 2522 5039
Hours: Mon – Fri 08:30am to 08:30pm. Sat 08:30am – 07:00pm. Sun 10:00am – 06:00pm

Carretão Churrascaria (steakhouse)
http://carretao.com.br/ver2013/
Address: Rua Visconde de Pirajá, 112 – Ipanema
Phone: (+55 21) 2267 3965
Hours: Mon – Sun 11:30am – 11:30pm

Delirio Tropical (Organic food)
http://www.delirio.com.br/
Address: Rua Prudente de Morais – Ipanema
Phone: (+55 21) 3201 2977
Hours: Mon – Sat 11:00am to 09:00pm

Dombri Edo (Japanese food)
http://www.dombriedo.com.br/
Address: Everest Rio Hotel – Ipanema
Phone: (+55 21) 3201 1104
Hours: Mon – Sat 12:00pm – 12:00am. Sunday 03:00pm – 09:00pm

Fazendola (Brazilian food buffet. All you can eat of Japanese food, pizza or fondue)
http://www.fazendola.com.br/
Address: Rua Jangadeiros, 14 – Ipanema
Phone: (+55 21) 2247 9600
Hours: Mon – Sun 11:30am to 05:00pm and 06:30pm to 12:00am

Felice Caffé (international cuisine)
http://www.felice.com.br/arquivos/principal.htm
Address: Rua Gomes Carneiro , 30 – Ipanema
Phone: (+55 21) 2522 7749
Hours: Mon – Thu 12:00pm to 01:00am. Fri 12:00pm to 03:00am. Sat 10:00am to 03:00am. Sun 10:00am to 01:00am

Frontera (International buffet)
http://www.frontera.com.br/
Address: Rua Visconde de Pirajá, 128 – Ipanema
Phone: (+55 21) 3289 2350
Hours: Mon – Sat 11:30am – 12:00am. Sunday 11:30am – 11:00pm

Grill 360° (international cuisine)
Address: Everest Rio Hotel – Ipanema
Phone: (+55 21) 2525 2200
Hours: Mon – Sun 12:00pm – 12:00am

Polis Sucos (juices and natural sandwiches)
Address: Rua Maria Quitéria, 70 – Ipanema
Phone: (+55 21) 2247 2518
Hours: Mon – Sun 07:00am to 12:00pm

Salada Gourmet (salads)
Address: Rua Visconde de Pirajá 531 – Ipanema
Phone: (+55 21) 2239 8699
Hours: Mon – Fri 08:00am to 07:30pm. Saturday 09:00am to 04:00pm

Tupac Restobar (Peruvian cuisine)
Address: Rua Anibal de Mendonça 132, Ipanema
Phone: (+55 21) 3592 4941
Hours: Mon – Thu 12:00pm to 12:00am Fri and Sat 01:00pm to 01:00am Sun 01:00pm to 10:00pm

Zazá Bistro (contemporary cuisine)
http://www.zazabistro.com.br/zazabistrotropical
Address: Rua Joana Angélica, 40 – Ipanema
Phone: (+55 21) 2247 9101
Hours: Mon – Tue 07:30pm to 12:30am. Wed – Thu 12:00pm to 12:30am. Fri 12:00 to 01:30am. Sat 01:00pm to 01:30am. Sun 01:00pm to 12:30am

– Bars:

Astor

Address: Avenida Vieria Souto, 104 – Ipanema
Phone: (+55 21) 2523 0085
Hours: Mon – Thu 06:00pm to 01:00am. Fri – Sat 12:00 to 03:00am. Sun 12:00pm to 10:00pm

Baretto – Londra – Fasano
http://www.fasano.com.br/gastronomia/restaurante/23
Address: Hotel Fasano, Avenida Vieira Souto, 80 – Ipanema
Phone: (+55 21) 3202 4000
Hours: Mon – Wed 08:00pm to 02:00am. Sat 08:00pm to 04:00am

Barthodomeu
http://www.barthodomeu.com.br/
Address: Rua Maria Quitéria, 46 – Ipanema
Phone: (+55 21) 2247 8609
Hours: Mon – Sun 12:00pm to 02:00am

Barzin
http://www.barzin.com.br/galeria_barzin.html
Address: Rua Vinicius de Moraes, 75 – Ipanema
Phone: (+55 21) 2522 1809
Hours: Mon – Thu 12:00pm to 02:00am. Fri – Sun 12:00pm to 03:00am

Belmonte
Address: Rua Teixeira de Melo, 53 – Ipanema
Phone: (+55 21) 2267 9909
Hours: Mon – Sun 12:00pm to 03:00am

Complex Esquina 111
Address: Rua Maria Quitéria, 111 – Ipanema
Phone: (+55 21) 3256 9375
Hours: Tue – Wed 06:00pm to 11:00pm. Thu – Sat 06:00pm to 02:00am

Itahy
http://www.botequimdoitahy.com.br/
Address: Rua Barão da Torre, 74 – Ipanema
Phone: (+55 21) 2522 2919
Hours: Mon – Sun 12:00pm to 02:00am

Shenanigan’s Irish Pub
http://pt.shenanigans.com.br/
Address: Rua Visconde de Pirajá, 112 – Ipanema
Phone: (+55 21) 2267 5860
Hours: Mon – Sun 12:00pm 02:00am

Lagoa

– Restaurants:

Palaphita Kitch
http://palaphitakitch.com.br/

Address: Avenida Epitácio Pessoa / Quiosque 20 – Parque Cantagalo – Lagoa
Phone: (+55 21) 2227 0837
Hours: Mon – Sat 06:00pm to 02:00am

Leblon

– Restaurants:

Academia da Cachaça (one of the best place to eat a Feijoada)
http://www.academiadacachaca.com.br/
Address: Rua Conde de Bernadotte, 26 – Leblon
Phone: (+55 21) 2239 1542

Hours: Mon – Sun 12:00pm to 02:00am

Celeiro (healthy food)
http://www.celeiroculinaria.com.br/
Address: Rua Dias Ferreira, 199 – Leblon
Phone: (+55 21) 2274 7843
Hours: Mon – Sat 10:00am to 4:45pm

CT Boucherie (French restaurant specialized in meat)

http://www.ctboucherie.com.br/
Address: Rua Dias Ferreira, 636 – Leblon
Phone: (+55 21) 2529 2329
Hours:  Mon – Fri 08:00pm to 12:00am Sat. – Sun. 12:00pm to 12:00am

La Mole (casual Italian cuisine)
http://www.lamole.com.br/portal/default.aspx
Address: Rua Dias Ferreira 147, Leblon
Phone: (+55 21) 3460 0800
Hours: Mon – Sun 11:00am – 01:00am

Nam Thai (Thai cuisine)
http://namthai.com.br/
Address: Rua Rainha Guilhermina, 95 – Leblon
Phone: (+55 21) 2259 2962
Hours: Mon 7:00pm to 01:00am. Tue – Fri 12:00 – 04:00pm / 07:00pm to 01:00am. Sat 12:00 to 01:00am. Sun 12:00pm to 10:00pm

Vegetariano Social Club (vegeratian)
http://www.vegetarianosocialclube.com.br/
Address: Rua Conde de Bernadotte, 26 – Leblon
Phone: (+55 21) 2540 6499
Hours: Mon – Sat 12:00pm – 11:30pm. Sunday 12:00pm to 5:30pm

– Bars:

Bar Bracarense
Address: Rua José Linhares, 85 – Leblon
Phone: (+55 21) 2294 3549
Hours: Mon – Sat 8:00am to 12:00am Sun 10:00am – 10:00pm

Bar do Adão
Address: Rua Conde Bernadotte, 26 – Leblon
Phone: (+55 21) 3546 2326
Hours: Mon – Fri 05:00pm  Sat – Sun 12:00pm

Jeffrey Store (craft beer)
http://www.jeffrey.com.br/
Address: Rua Tubira, 8 – Leblon
Phone: (+55 21) 2274 0000
Hours: Mon – Fri 11:00am to 08:00pm. Sat 12:00pm to 06:00pm

Jobi
Address: Avenida Ataulfo de Paiva, 1166 – Leblon
Phone: (+55 21) 2274 0547
Hours: Mon – Sun 11:00 to 04:00am

Palaphita Kitch Gávea
http://palaphitakitch.com.br/
Address: Avenida Bartolomeu Mitre, 1110 – Gávea
Phone: (+55 21) 2227 0837
Hours: Mon 05:00pm to 01:00am. Thu 06:00pm to 02:00am. Fri 06:00pm to 03:00am. Sat 12:00pm to 03:00am. Sun 12:00pm to 01:00am

Veloso Bar
http://www.barveloso.com.br/
Address: Rua Aristides Espinola, 44 – Leblon
Phone: (+55 21) 2512 1113
Hours: Mon – Sun 11:30am to 03:00am

Leme

– Restaurants:

Marius Degustare (international buffet and seafood)
http://www.marius.com.br/2012/
Address: Avenida Atlântica, 290 – Leme
Phone: (+55 21) 2104 9000

Hours: Mon – Sun 12:00pm to 12:00am

Santa Teresa

– Restaurants:

Bar do Mineiro
http://bardomineiro.net/index.html
Address: Rua Paschoal Carlos Magno, 99 – Santa Teresa

Phone: (+55 21)  2221-9227

Tue – Sat 11:00am to 01:00am – / Sun 11:00am to 12:00am

Santa Arte
http://santaarterestaurante.blogspot.com.br/

Address: Rua Pascoal Carlos Magno, 103 B – Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro

Phone: (+55 21)  2242-9366

Mon – Sun 12:00pm – 06:00pm

Adega do Pimenta
http://www.adegadopimenta.com.br/
Rua Almirante Alexandrino, 296 – Santa Teresa • Rio de Janeiro
Phone: (+55 21) 2224 7554
Mon – Thu 11:30am to 08:00pm – Fri 11:30am to 09:00pm – Sat 11:30am to 05:00pm

Sobrenatural
http://www.restaurantesobrenatural.com.br/index.html
Rua Almirante Alexandrino, 432 – RJ
Phone: (+55 21)  2224 1003
Mon – Sun 12:00pm to 04:00pm and 06:00pm to 12:00am

TESTIMONIALSTop

Some of the most prominent IB scholars have been to Rio de Janeiro. Here are their impressions:

“EIBA at PUC in Rio de Janeiro promises be a wonderful academic and cultural experience. The environment and atmosphere of PUC-Rio is certainly nothing that can be seen in Europe; rainforest, streams and exotic birds as you move between the different houses and facilities on campus. Rio de Janeiro is the only city I’ve been to where the most known touristic attractions are really worth seeing, not just a ‘tick in the box’ for having been there. The setting of city, beach and food blended with the well-known qualities of the EIBA conference, experienced scholars, constructive ambiance and good fun will make a fantastic happening in December 2015. Don’t miss the chance to see football, dance samba and the possibility to meet and interact with some of the nicest people in the world.”

Ulf Andersson

Mälardalen University, Sweden & BI Norwegian Business School, Norway

Area Editor, Journal of International Business Studies

“The annual EIBA conference is your fast track entry into the European IB community. In 2015, the conference moves outside the European continent in order to tie together European and Latin American IB scholars. The site for this encounter is the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio) – a wonderful city campus in the Cidade Maravilhosa (Wonderful City). As a European, this is your opportunity to meet Latin American IB scholars (not to forget the cariocas – the charming inhabitants of Rio de Janeiro), and to start exploring an exciting and magnificent country and continent. For Latin Americans, this is your chance to expand your IB network into Europe as well as other parts of the world. Don’t miss that chance!”

Bent Petersen

Copenhagen Business School, Denmark

“I always look forward to the annual EIBA meeting. The EIBA meeting is a perfect blend of academic discussions, featuring of new ideas and social activities – that inspire you and allow you to expand your network. The location in Rio de Janeiro of the 2015 EIBA meeting with PUC-Rio as the local host is a great choice as PUC-Rio combines the same blend of high quality scholarly work with a strong social culture and a collegial environment. Brazil is an emerging country and a very dynamic country that is definitely on the move and I expect this spirit to be reflected in the EIBA meeting in Rio. See you in Rio!”

Torben Pedersen

Bocconi University, Italy  

Co-Editor, Global Strategy Journal

“The annual conference of the European International Business Academy (EIBA) is one of the two most important academic conferences in International Business, along with Academy of International Business (AIB) conference. Normally it is always held in Europe and this is the first time it is being held outside Europe. For anybody who is interested in and doing research in any aspect of International Business, this is a golden opportunity to meet the most famous scholars in the field and to participate in high quality discussions. Moreover, for researchers outside Europe, this is a unique opportunity to find collaborations and participation in research projects in their area. EIBA is well-known for the cordial atmosphere and encouragement for PhD students, as there are a couple of doctoral consortiums and a special rate for PhD candidates. It is therefore a must-attend conference for PhD students from all over the world.”

Pervez Ghauri

King’s College, London, UK

Editor-in-Chief, International Business Review, EIBA’s official journal

EIBA Fellow

“Cidade maravilhosa, cheia de encantos mil / Cidade maravilhosa, coração do meu Brasil!” (“Wonderful city, full of thousands of charms / Wonderful city, heart of my Brazil”). The anthem of Rio de Janeiro most certainly does not overstate the charm of Rio de Janeiro. Rio is, in fact, a truly wonderful place. The natural scenery is second to none in the world. Take a look out the window as your flight approaches Rio: you are sure to be overwhelmed by the unfettered green of the foliage and the beautiful blue of the sea. You will gaze upon the ‘morros’ (hills) around Rio, and have a good idea of how blessed Rio’s landscape is!

Rio is not just about amazing beaches (don’t miss Ipanema and Barra) highlighted by wonderful hills… Rio is also about people, culture, joie-de-vivre, and smiles… Of course, as is the case wherever one travels these days, you need to be careful in some areas of Rio; however, the city is now much safer than it was even ten years ago. As a rule, Brazilian people are very friendly and eager to help you in finding a place or to show you a nice spot. I myself have been guided countless times by Brazilians in Rio – they are proud of their city and love to chat with foreigners.

It is best to buy a good guide to Rio – but do not fear getting lost… You will inevitably find some views that you had never imagined. For instance, look at Corcovado in between two skyscrapers in Ipanema – or from a completely different perspective in Santa Teresa. Or walk on the beach, join the groups there, play football or volleyball, and watch how beautiful and agile Brazilian youngsters are… Do not forget to go to Centro (the old part of the city) to feel how busy it is – and how close you are to the early nineteenth century at Praça XV or at the Real Gabinete Português de Leitura. Go to Livraria da Travessa. Don’t miss Jardim Botânico; it is close to PUC, and deserves a no-pressure visit. See what ‘pau brasil’, the tree that gave Brazil its name, looks like.

If possible, devote some time to travelling around Brazil. Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is a must – it is a melting pot, where African traditions still exist. Wonderful atmosphere, and wonderful people. As a Portuguese, I would also recommend to have a look at the traditional 18th century Portuguese architecture, especially around the Pelourinho area.

Allow two days to visit Paraty, close to Rio. Enjoy the beaches, and perhaps rent a boat to visit the islands around. Another tip, requiring less than a half day, is to visit the Museu de Arte Contemporânea (MAC) in Niterói. Marvel at the magnificent building designed by Oscar Niemeyer, and enjoy the splendid views over Rio de Janeiro.

PUC-Rio, the host and venue of the EIBA 2015 conference, enjoys a superb atmosphere both inside and outside. At NUPIN, the Centre of International Business Research, one finds a small group, clustered around Angela da Rocha, Jorge Carneiro and Jorge Ferreira, undertaking very interesting research focusing namely on marketing issues, Born Globals, and Brazilian Multinationals. I have benefited a great deal from undertaking joint research with them. The friendly atmosphere along with the quest for exploring new research avenues more than compensated for my occasional difficulties in finding the location of classrooms (my fault, for sure). Outside, one finds a tropical forest populated by young University students, embodying the great joie-de-vivre characteristics of Brazilian people. I will never forget that wonderful experience…

There is so much to see and enjoy in and around Rio de Janeiro. Do come to EIBA 2015 and combine it with a holiday in Brazil if you can – you will enjoy and never forget this amazing experience!

Vitor Corado Simões

Technical University of Lisbon, Portugal

EIBA Fellow

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