RIO

The US State Department bulletins are intimidating.

The golden sands of Copacabana beach are infested with bacteria.

We should worry about our personal safety.

Kidnapping, robbery, and worse is awaiting us in RIO, Brazil – one of the most dangerous cities in the world.

And we are greeted to a vibrant city, with an energy level that is palpable. The beaches are crowded with families and young people playing soccer and paddle ball. Local vendors selling their wares on street corners and the pavements that hug the beach. They clearly did not get the memo of the lurking dangers.

Don’t get me wrong. Rio has the potential to be dangerous, but no different than any other city in the US which has seedy neighborhoods, depending on time and place. One has to be smart with ones choices.

I love RIO. The city has a sensual charm, with its samba music and local art, that is difficult to capture in words. The food, the hippie market, and the sand sculptures, give this beautiful city a charming personality that is good for the spirits.

As for the naysayers at The State Department — get out of your cubicles and explore the beauty of Brazil. This journey has just begun….