[There are lots of beautiful and interesting cities around the
world, but some are particularly attractive. To people who like
noisy places we can recommend this one.]
Of all the cities around the world, Rio de Janeiro is my
favourite one. It is a big seaport city in the south-east of
Brazil, on the Atlantic Ocean coast. I think it is the most lively
city in South America. You can get there by car, plane or ship. It
is a large city of 1,117 square kilometers, with a population of
about 7 million inhabitants and it was Brazils capital city from
1763 to 1960. It is a very old place (about 450 years old).
Rio is the second industrial city after Sao Paulo, Its centre is
in the South Zone and people call it the Cidade. A lot of tourist
go to Rio to enjoy the sun and the beach: Ipanema and Copacabana
are the most popular beaches. It is also a cultural place and the
Sugar Loaf and Christ the Redeemer on top of Mount Corcovado are
the most famous sights.
There is an important celebration in Rio every year in February:
the Carnival. It is a spectacular occasion. A lot of tourists from
different countries come to participate in it. There are parties,
dances and street parades during four days. I went to the Carnival
in 2008 and it was a fascinating experience. The streets in Rio
were full of people in fancy dresses; they danced at the contagious
rhythm of Samba music. People from Rio are called Cariocas. They
organize parades and dance in a place especially prepared for the
occasion. There is a competition and the most magnificent parade
group is the winner. It is an unforgettable event.
