Rio: Favela and town (off off Tokyo): April 28, 2012

I enjoyed walking in the beach last time I was in Rio de Janeiro (about a month ago). I also walked downtown Rio this time.

We find favela in many places in Rio. I saw a big favela just behind the Central Station. Another favela was beside the highway from the airport to the central.

It is reported that -- There are about 600 favelas in the city: More than 20% of Rio’s 7 million people live in favelas. Almost all electricity is stolen in favela. Many crimes are reported. The governments and police are eager to clean up the areas.

The central city was busy and messy. People sold foods and daily necessities in the sideways of Av. Presidente Vargas and Av. Rio Branco, the city’s main streets. There were some businesspeople in business suits, but most people wore casuals. The face of modern city and the mess of the developing country coexisted there.

Corcovade’s huge Christ is seen from many places in the city.

Subway was crowded. But it was safe enough and convenient.