http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19335
The house is located on the Santa Teresa neighborhood, a place of poets, writers, musicians and painters which all are attracted by the rural landscape that is surrounded by the nice traditional architecture and the lovely climate.

It is a unique quarter in Rio de Janeiro that preserves the "bondinho" (the tram).]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19335 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17824 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17824 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16952
Nowadays, its a place that offers so many attractions you wouldn't believe. During the day, it operates as a cultural centrr with awesome classes for tourists. There you can learn, as a total beginner, with few classes, the samba dance and the capoeira.

If you think you will never get the way to manage such beautiful movements, you are mistaken!

At nights the place also works as a nightclub, with Brazilian sounds mainly. At Sundays, they offer samba with feijoada, the national and lovely dish included. A must!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16952 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8793 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8793 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3396
The favela, Rocinha, had the welcoming atmosphere of real and honest people; innocent lives plagued with the volatility of the drug world. It was hard to believe that we were walking through streets that only four days earlier saw the killing of the top drug lord by police. In the three days to follow a further five people were killed as they fought over the prestigious position and the power it provided. The tours stopped during this time and this emphasised the danger and uncertainty with which these people lived.

Our guide, Luis, took us to the day centre where our money was to be used. Before Luis set up the organisation (www.bealocal.com), children went unfed for days and were forced to beg, three years later they are off the streets, given three meals a day and are taught various arts and crafts; they then sell their wares instead of begging.

Looking round Rocinha, I now feel I understand the people of Rio on a much deeper level; with a strong, unyielding community spirit, they share the difficult times and, slowly but surely, set out to improve their situation. The tour manages to obtain the perfect balance, between educating and spreading awareness and providing genuine benefit where it is needed most.

A definite must-do when visiting Rio, it will enlighten your life and provide a unique insight into a fascinating place.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3396 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1450
A symbol of space, colour and tranquility. Contrasting beautifully with the urban landscape, the cathedral and surrounding area are well worth a visit. Make it a day-trip and catch the bonde (tram) up to Santa Teresa afterwards.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1450 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1449
A symbol of space, colour and tranquility. Contrasting beautifully with the urban landscape, the cathedral and surrounding area are well worth a visit. Make it a day-trip and catch the bonde (tram) up to Santa Teresa afterwards.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1449 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/931
The organisers of tha Arte de Portas Abertas (roughly translated as Art Open House) provide a map of all the places you can visit and, like so many other occasions in Rio, it's an excuse for a weekend-long party for the residents of the borough and the 40,000-odd visitors.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/931 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/394 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/394