Ipanema
From Freepedia
Ipanema is a district located on the southern zone of the city Rio de Janeiro, between Leblon and Arpoador. The beach at Ipanema was immortalized in the song Girl from Ipanema, written by Antonio Carlos Jobim and performed by Jobim, João and Astrud Gilberto, and Stan Getz.
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Character
Ipanema is a five minute walk from Copacabana beach but it's worlds apart. Gone are the sleazy prostitute bars and sex tourism and in are lots of classy boutiques and chic cafes. Ipanema is not quite as upscale a neighbourhood as Leblon or Barra de Tijuca, but it is still expensive and well-policed.
The Beach
The beach in Ipanema is well-known throughout the world. Its name is a Tupi Guarani word meaning "bad waters" as the locale is notorious for dangerous currents and few fish. Despite the capricious currents, the view and atomosphere are considered supreme. Populated with tiny-bikini clad bodies and lots of rich Brazilian youth, the beach is a symbol of pleasure and wealth. Two hills known as the 'Two Brothers' rise at the western end of the beach. The beach is marked into segments with points known as postos. Posto 8 marks the beginning of what is considered the gay stretch of beach, which lasts up until Posto 9, which is known for the illicit smoking of marijuana. There are always circles of people playing football, volleyball, and footvolley, a combination sport unique to Brazil.
Nightlife
Ipanema has a few bars that attract a crowd, though considered somewhat touristic and mainstream. There are a couple of Irish bars - a current craze in South America - and small cafes known as botequim where Brazilians like to sit, drink, eat, and chat. On Rua de Maria Quiteria there is the popular bar the Emporio, where the crowd often pours out onto the street. It closes at 4am, but with Ipanema's all-the-time partying atmosphere, many people still drift down to one of the kiosks on the beach after closing.
Safety
Although Ipanema may look like a paradise of the rich, there are still two favelas or slums close by and there is still a subtantial risk of crime, especially at night. Although it's fairly safe during the day, there are still risks walking at night, especially near or on the hills close to the favelas.
External links
- Ipanema Nightlife - A rundown of Carioca culture
- Guide to Beach life in Brazil - Brazilian culture on the sands
