b'UrbanTo UntamedTALK TO OUR EXPERTBeth Coombsbethany.c@hayesandjarvis.co.uk020 3885 1328Confluence of the Solimes Black caimanand Negro riversI have been to Rio de Janeiro many times, but my last trip was probably the most immersive. On my first day, I visited the Maracana Stadium, considered a holy White-throated toucan site by soccer (futbol) fans everywhere. My friend and I attended a game between rival local teams Flamengo and Vasco da Gama. The Traditional piranha fishing atmosphere was electric, like a Yankees versus Mets game in New York. We joined 50,000 Cariocas (Rio residents), all screaming at the top of their lungs. Alongside the excitement of the game, people were playing samba both inside and outside the stadium. Even on the subway ride there, people were chanting for their teams, all in good fun. It was a quintessential Rio experience!While I visited Rios main sites and spent time at Copacabana beach, what I enjoyed most was the food and music. I experienced a classic roda de samba at Beco do Rato, a famous bar in the Lapa neighbourhood. Roda de samba is a traditional Brazilian gathering where samba musicians play in the street or cafe, and a crowd gathers around, singing, clapping, and dancing. Similarly, in the city of Salvador, I experienced capoeira, a rich Afro-Brazilian art form PHOTO: SAMUEL HOLGUIN (LODGE)Juma Lodge that combines music, dance, and acrobatics. Music is a huge part of Brazilian culture; its not just at Carnival. Youll hear music in public spaces every day, all year round.One of the culinary highlights I enjoy every time I visit Rio is a typical Brazilian barbecue at a churrascaria, such as Carreto Siqueira Campos, Fogo de Cho, Churrascaria Palace, or Assador. A stream of skewers of freshly grilled meats keeps coming to your table, and you carve slices onto your plate to enjoy with salads, vegetables, and side dishes like farofa (toasted cassava flour), rice, beans, po de queijo (cheese bread), and fried bananas.28\x1a HAYES JARVIS'