JOIN US‘On the Road Travel’ (ontheroadtravel.com) is an excellent South American travel guide penned by a collection of writers who source their tips from a variety of local contacts. Their blog is a steady stream of tips, many of which link through to the guide. A quick browse through their Rio stuff reveals two recent gems of note. First up, the recently-opened Gossip Nook, a neighbourhood bar where each night of the week has a different theme.
“Monday is short story readings. Tuesday’s ‘Voices of the Planet’ features world music, Wednesday you can view art films, documentaries and old soap operas...” The list goes on. Second up is The Maze Inn — an art studio and guesthouse in one of Rio’s safest favelas.
Rio Scenarium: The Scenarium is described as “unusual in that it attracts 22-year-old hipsters, 80-year-old grandparents, and everyone in between. The three-story city-block-sized townhouse is decorated with yard-sale antiques like old bicycles, suitcases, and blenders.” Nice. And if you don’t believe them, check out Flickr’s offerings on the Scenarium.