Ipanema

Ipanema is a neighborhood located on the southern zone of the city of 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.

Character

Ipanema is adjacent to Copacabana beach but is very distinctive. The private infrastructure has created world class restaurants, cafes and shopping. Ipanema is one of the most expensive places to live in Rio. At the forefront of beach culture are the many surfers and sun worshipers who socialize daily at the beach.

Families often have domestic maids who cook, clean, and perform basic chores such as grocery shopping. Most apartment residencies have doormen who when tipped will wash your car, take out trash and even walk the dog.

Beach

The beach in Ipanema is world-renowned. Populated with tiny-bikini clad bodies and many rich Brazilian youths, the beach is a symbol of pleasure and wealth. Two rocks called the 'Two Brothers' rise at the western end of the beach. The beach is marked into segments with points known as postos; Posto 9 is known for attracting the best looking girls. Beers are sold everywere on the beach for 1.25 dollars along with the traditional cachaça. After a late morning visit to the beach, Ipanema girls walk through the city in swimwear and wraps known as cangas. There are always circles of people playing football, volleyball, and footvolley, a combination sport originating in Brazil.

In the winter the surf can reach 10-15ft. The water quality varies with days of crystal-clear light-blue water to a more murky green after heavy rains. Constant swells keep the water clean. The beach break regularly forms barrels.

Nightlife

Ipanema has many bars and nightclubs that attract the local affluent crowd. Copacabana is considered somewhat touristy and mainstream. A nice pair of shoes, jeans and shirt is considered proper attire at most places as cariocas prefer more simplistic fashion. At the trendier nightclubs; Baronetti, Nova; among others. The scene rivals any hotspot worldwide until you remember the beach is 2 blocks away, the conversion rate is favorable and the party never stops.

Safety

Ipanema is generally regarded as the safest district of the Zona Sul. The recent movie City of God has regrettably left a critical impression regarding the city of Rio. Ipanema is a long drive from that particular favela and the movie was based 30 years ago. Ipanema is assigned more police patrols than surrounding areas and in the evening armed guards are stationed at many corners and intersections.

View of Ipanema

Image:rio02.jpg|Ipanema from airplane (photo 2006). Image:rio08.jpg|Ipanema beach (photo 2006). Image:rio_v_14.jpg|Sunset on Ipanema beach (photo 2006). Image:rio_v_16.jpg|Ipanema beach(photo 2006). Image:rio_v_18.jpg|Sunset on Ipanema beach(photo 2006). Image:rio_v_23.jpg|Ipanema beach at night (photo 2006).

External links

A street called luxury - Photo journal on Garcia D'Ávila street
Ipanema Nightlife - A rundown of Carioca culture
Guide to Beach life in Brazil - Brazilian culture on the sands