Catégorie : Road-Book

RJ’s street art, baby !

tripsuzette-riodejaneiro-roadbook-streetart-3No place like the Cidade Maravilhosa to chase throw-ups and pieces on walls and sidewalks. Including into one of the 750 favelas often set as “morros” (hills) where the best views display opposite the worst poverty. Everywhere, a tropical languor overwhelms the traveler but also strong messages down the streets and along end-to-end walls, staircases, front doors, telephone booths or electric plots. Graffiti has become a carioca political language and city’s authorities remain in a permissive consensus and more and more, encourage official crews …for the Olympics, a 190 meters end-to-end (3000sqm) was commissioned to Eduardo Kobra in the new Porto Maravilha area

Rio’s phenomenon now extends beyond a very active and accurate local community. Burners come from around the world, Brooklyn, Berlin or Melbourne, to use their cannons or mop markers where they are allowed to dress-up. Watch out for no “going over” landmarks. Kings could be mean …and the answer to “toys” seriously harsh. tripsuzette-riodejaneiro-roadbook-streetartAmong many street artists and writers, the black-tie monkey stencil of Natafamilia is easy to spot. The collective Muda stands up as an alterntative to tags and bombs, using tiles into industrial wastelands or abandoned sites.

JR was one of the first European artists to enter the favela, covering houses with giant eyes paste-ups of destitute women living there. In 2016, he is back again in Rio, to pay tribute to the Olympics athletes and pasting-up bigger and bigger (no wonder when your reverse initials are RJ)

Street artist JR honors a Sudanese athlete who’s missing the Olympics with a towering mural in Rio

Last but not least, few bonus goodies :

  • The amazing timelapse work of Joe Capra, aka Scientifantastic that you’ll find on The Creators Project’s site :

http://thecreatorsproject.vice.com/fr/blog/10k-timelapse-of-brazil

  • The relevant work and infos about favelas by Flora Charner

https://www.beaconreader.com/flora-charner/a-brief-history-of-rio-de-janeiros-favelas

Rio Ótimo

Heading to Rio ? You’re right, it’s time to go ! No doubt thanks to the upcoming Olympics, Guanabara Bay holds many more surprises and new places. Beyond the postcard image, the Cidade Maravilhosa is a roller coaster in itself : from Ipanema or Lagoa to Santa, from Jardim Botanico to brand new Museu do Amanha, the whole city deserves a road-book, and mine is a small concentrate off-the-tracks. I hope you’ll like it as much as I did.

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Guanabara, nous voilà ! Rio ? Ótimo !

(By the way, you’ll hear this word “Ótimo” anytime, everywhere, i-e ‘the best’)

Shop and chill at Bhering

A kind of secret place mainly known by hip cariocas, the Antiga Fábrica da Bhering was previously a chocolate factory.

Located in Santo Cristo, an industrial neighborhood on a slow path of gentrification (but a taxi is still the safest way to get there !), not so far west from Centro. Nowadays, a community of artists, start-ups and collectives have set up their workshops here, quickly joined by vintage furniture and streetwear stores (M.O.O.C, Velt…) or thrift shops that open on week-end and also some exhibitions. The place is huge, on several storeys, and the atmosphere unique, since the big old machines still remain in abandoned high ceiling spaces …don’t miss the ceramic atelier on the rooftop.

Beyond the old chimney, you’ll step into Feira, the world of art director Kiti Duarte (photo), an amazing concept-store, open everyday, full of home daily purpose items, chemistry flasks, zinc containers, fuzzing plants, rustic table clothes, enamelled tablewear, beautiful horn jewels and vernacular objects and small furniture… Design addicts and compulsive shoppers will appreciate for sure.

Most of the time, a couple of food-trucks are setting deck chairs all around. A groovy spot to chill !

Rua Orestes 28 (Sto Cristo)

FB Fábrica da Bhering

FB Feira na Fábrica da Bhering

Santa, heart beat of trendy Cariocas

“Si tu vas à Rio n’oublies pas de monter là-haut” was singing Dario Moreno in the French 50’s. The quaint neighborhood Santa Teresa (Cariocas say Santa) is always a good option for hanging around. Who can resist its romantic cobbled streets, old-school tramway like in Lisboa, shabby-chic façades and that breeze of freedom blowing upon the hill ?

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Largo do Curvelo’s bonde stop

Start at the top, at Largo do Curvelo, by visiting a modernist gem, the villa designed by architect Alves de Souza. Honestly, I’d rather come here for the splendid architecture of this Museu da Chácara do Céu  than for the collections of Castro Mayor, the king of ananas in the early XXth century. Rua Murtinho Nobre, 93. http://museuscastromaya.com.br/

And besides, the lovely Parque das Ruinas is just off the villa’s garden. Here is the best panoramic view on the bay and Centro. tripsuzette-riodejaneiro-roadbook-catedral-metropolitanaSee the pyramidal Catedral Metropolitana, work of architect Edgar Fonceca built in 1979 and that can host up to 20000 people. Then, stroll to the Largo named after Joaquim Fonseca Guimarães (a local resident whose house became Hotel Santa Teresa, just up the road, read below) and that is now the epicenter of bohemian Santa. This is a key cable-car stop on the bonde (say “bondjee” as any word finishing by “de”) and a number of restaurants, handicrafts and vintage shops lie within a short distance.

  • Bar do Mineiro, an authentic boteco where locals drag on at lunch in front of their week-end’s traditional feijoada. Rua Paschoal Carlos Magna, 99. Tel. +55 21-2221 9227 (Santa Teresa).
  • Cafecito for a cheap coffee break, a pastry or a pizza, climbing the stiff stairs to upper floors. Rua Paschoal Carlos Magna, 121. Tel. +55 21-3497 3579 (Santa Teresa).
  • Café do Alto for a Nordeste tasty escapade in a color-block decor. Rua Paschoal Carlos Magna, 143. Tel. +55 21-2507 3172 (Santa Teresa)
  • Aprazível of course, I double recommend one of the top 5 restaurants in town, no doubt the best of the hood, for a gastronomic thrill among the mango trees, and facing the Guanabara bay (average R$ 180 à la carte). Rua Aprazivel, 62. Tel. +55 21 2508-9174 (Santa Teresa).

And by the way, I’m sure you’ll call for a drink, don’t you ? Believe it or not, the Magnifica is the only one cachaça (traditionally made out sugar cane, in different strength and aging …the oldest, Reserva is a premium treat) allowed in my caïpirinha (for my part, I avoid the very common “51” label …a basic tord-boyau for a headache guaranteed !). De Faria’s family (João Luiz and Cau and their children, Raul and Ana Luiza), a terezina family of teachers and ingeneers, runs the small Magnifica‘s local production at Fazenda do Anil, west of RJ state. Here in Santa, an exquisite chapel (a very rare property in that neighborhood) hides near the back door of their house and their garden-parties are always strongly expected. FB Magnifica

 

Lounging at Lagoa

Time to hang out at Lagoa de Freitas, in Zona Sul, the wealthy residential neighborhood, a few blocks away from Ipanema and Leblon pristine beaches. Although the Cariocas prefer its flat runway for their morning jog on 7.2 kms of bike paths all around (rowing, skating and horse riding are also available), my guilty pleasure remains to sit in Palaphita Kitch, trendy tiki-like spot to enjoy a piña colada in diving my eyes into the silver sparkling waters that shade the Pedra Dois Irmãos at sunset. Down the morro do Cantagalo, Quiosque 20.

tripsuzette-riodejaneiro-roadbook-lagoa-sunset-2A picture is often worth a thousand words…

tripsuzette-riodejaneiro-roadbook-lagoa-sunsetBefore that, further west from Leblon beach, you may visit the Instituto Moreira Salles, a flawless modernist house surrounded by gardens also signed by landscape architect Burle Marx – father of iconic b&w organic swirling pattern of Rio’s sidewalks he designed in 1971. tripsuzette-riodejaneiro-roadbook-moreira-salles-burle-marxNowadays, the place is a great cultural venue through relevant photographic exhibitions.

Rua Marquês de São Vicente 476 (Gávea). http://www.ims.com.br

tripsuzette-riodejaneiro-roadbook-moreira-salles-modernistWhile you’re in Leblon, don’t miss to shop at Granado, an fancy old-school pharmacia that sells hip brasilian beauty products (a centenary antiseptic powder, delicious soaps and also some barber’s stuff…). Very nice packaging patterns and mostly organic recipes. Phebo perfumeria is now part of the brand. A much better choice for presents than the very common “bonfim” bahia bracelet (or do buy both ?!)

Rua General Artigas, 470 (Leblon).

In this neighborhood, the casual – and just reopened – option for diner late at night remains Braseira da Gávea, crowded by artists, students and intellectuals who are sharing the same passion for typical picanhas (beef) or linguiças (sausages) with vegetables and farofa (manioc semolina).

Praça Santos Dumont, 116 (Gávea). Tel. +55 21 2239-7494

http://www.braseirodagavea.com.br

Sun bath over the bay …watching the Olympics sailing events

The Prodigy is a brand new hotel integrated to the terminal at Santos Dumont Airport, dedicated to domestic flights and located right down the city center. Not worth getting a room there but if you have the opportunity to fly to other parts of Brasil, don’t miss a laid-back hour admiring the view, one of the best on Pão de Acúcar (dixit a guinuine Carioca), or even a healthy lunch around the pool on the roof (a buffet restaurant is available at ground floor too).

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Here is an awesome mirador to watch Gloria’s marina, which will host the Olympics sailing events. Yep, Suzette gives you great tips !

Av. Alm. Silvio de Noronha, 365 (Centro) T. +55 21 3478-4100

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Gloria’s marina, the Olympics sailing venue

At ground floor, a mini-mall where among half a dozen of stores, the trendy carioca brand Osklen deserves the attention of fashionistas. Nearby, Museo de Arte Moderno (MaM) stands the emphatic modernist architecture of Alfonso Reidy (surrounded by Burle Marx swirling gardens) that houses the collection of Gilberto Chateaubriand, tireless collector of modern and conceptual arts. The Maxxi museum (by Zaha Hadid) temporary exhibition ends in September 2016. tripsuzette-riodejaneiro-roadbook-mamPay attention to the building itself in its oversize performance. Nice restaurant Laguiole, open Mon to Friday, 12am-5pm. Tel. +55 (21) 2517 3129 http://mamrio.org.br Open Tuesday-Sunday 12am-6pm and 11am-6pm weekends. R$14. Then, walking towards Gloria’s marina, you’ll reach Parque do Flamengo, with another pure modernist construction, a martial WW2 memorial. Beyond, the 20ha garden (also designed by the smart Burle Marx in the 70’s) where are usually held big crowd events …Rihanna’s shows and that kind of stuff.

tripsuzette-riodejaneiro-roadbook-flamengo

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Gloria’s marina will host the Olympics sailing events

 

Day dreamers in Jardim Botânico

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reddish-orange trunks of pau-mulato’s alley

Jardim Botânico is a neighborhood in itself with the famous botanical garden and its vertiginous alley of imperial palm trees. But in this majestic garden (consider a two hours visit is a minimum) of 6200 tropicals species pampered by exotic birds and devoted gardeners, another splendid alley is my favorite : the Pau-Mulato tree, native of the Amazon region, reaches a height of 20 to 40 meters, and from July to September, its trunk turns to red-orange, then green, and little by little, returns to its original “mulatto” color. Must see ! tripsuzette-riodejaneiro-roadbook-jardim-botanico-labicycletteOn the edge of the garden, Tom Jobim, brother figure of bossa-nova, has his very moving memorabilia space, just across La bicyclette, a bakery and café you won’t miss for lunch. Rua Jardim Botanico, 1008

A short walk away, Parque Lage is another appealing green promise. In line with the Cristo Redentor just above, on the edge of Tijuca primal forest (part of fragile Mâta Atlantica), the public park houses the Escola de Artes Visuais. No wonder that Nicolas Ghesquière has chosen this lovely Belle Epoque palace for his aftershow party (besides, his Gucci’s fashion show was held in iconic Niteroi, across the bay) …as the mansion was notably featured in 2003 by Snoop Dogg’s single “Beautiful” music video.

tripsuzette-riodejaneiro-roadbook-parquelageThough, the old stalls are the kingdom of cheeky monkeys, the enchanting park belongs to students carrying their sketchbook and the Plage café around the atrium pond is a perfect haven for dreamers.

Rua Jardim Botânico 414 (Jardim Botânico)

Mama gives birth again

Few months ago, Hotel Santa Teresa entered the world famous French group Accor under MGallery portfolio, upscale boutique-hotel brand. It doesn’t make much difference as its 44 rooms, garden pool and trendy bar dos Descasados (literally, bar of divorced people) were already a cosmopolitan showcase of tropical flair and wood furniture tempo by renowned designer Sergio Rodrigues.

Rua Almirante Alexandrino, 660 (Santa Teresa). Tel. +55 21 3380 0200

Santa Teresa Hotel

tripsuzette-riodejaneiro-roadbook-santa-teresa-mama-shelterFurther down at back street of the hotel, the manager keeps an eye on the upcoming Mama Shelter (since Accor eventually entered Mama’s board). Two separated mansions and 55 rooms are standing both sides of the road. Let’s find again the Mama’s successful usual gimmicks (although Philippe Starck has now stepped out of the boat) : a huge turn-around bar, here in a mix and match of “grecques” and azulejos, sketches and tags on ceilings… At ground floor of Bela Vista aisle, rooms have their own terrace. Opposite to the lobby and courtyard, the restaurant is a tribute to the Sambodromo and its overexcited scenery : a high stepped platform (or tribune) where wannabes and hipsters will go crazy, fore sure. Officialy opens in September, but the Olympics is the right time to check if the software is on duty.

About 100€ for a standard double room, breakfast in extra.

Rua Paschoal Carlos Magno, 5 (Santa Teresa) mamashelter.com/fr/rio

Harbour of tomorrow

There have been radical changes as the city is engaged in a large urban restructuration plan in the port area since 2009, removing the freeway Perimetral and sprawling turnpikes in favor of up to date transportations including a brand new tram recently commissioned. Known as the business district of RJ, Centro is so busy that you may go straight to the point, directly to Praça Mauá to discover this ambitious harbour area. First step, the Museu de Arte do Rio (Mar), completed here two years ago. Its exhibition “Color of Brasil” is about to open on August 2nd. Icing on the cake, Mar’s rooftop has the best views on Porto Maravilha and onto the state of the art Museu do Amanha, the one of a kind neo-futuristic structure by Catalan architect Santiago Calatrava.

Rio-de-Janeiro-Praça-Maua-Mar-AmanhaNext stop is required for selfies : bet that #CidadeOlimpica hashtag at square’s junction will hit the web very shortly.

Rio-de-Janeiro-Praça-Maua-Cidade-Olimpica-hashtagtripsuzette-riodejaneiro-roadbook-museu-do-amanha-centralYou’ll probably have to queue up at the museum entrance, but the scenography inside is really worth the wait. You may stroll through five different spaces along the 200-meters-long hall and displays, ranging from the origins of the planet to our possible futures (you’ll read all cartels and captions in sweeping your magnetic entrance card on them).

It’s not a conventionnal museum for objetcs -Amanha means tomorrow – but  a museum for ideas, mixing science and art, and heading to think and shape the next 50 years of life on this planet in a sustainable coexistence. Don’t miss the playful Santos Dumont exhibition ; a replica of his plane stands at the front door. Neither the walk around the peculiar construction. With solar wings that bristle, the building attempts to set new standards of sustainability for the city, using 40% less energy, but powered from the sun and the deep water cooling system taping at nearby Porto Maravilha.

Plaça Mauá

www.museudeartedorio.org.br Open 12pm-7pm Tuesday-Sunday. Entry R$10 or free on Tuesdays.

www.museudoamanha.org.br Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-6pm. Entry R$10 or free admission on Tuesdays.

NB : one unique ticket 16R$ enables to visit both museums.

French kiff

From the MaM, you may walk (5’) to Consulado da França and experiment the brand new champagne bar at 11th floor, between the library and a terrace. The wifi for free and idyllic view to Pão de Acúcar is worth the stop. Welcome in France !

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Library at Consulado França-Brasil

And grab some tips about Club France, meeting place for all French sponsors and ambassadors during the Olympics, located at Lagoa de Freitas, from August 5th to 21rst. Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 58 (Centro)

http://riodejaneiro.ambafrance-br.org