HOUSE KEEPING: Remember when you click on the pictures in "Where's Johnny Jet," they will open up in another window. Just click the "x"(close) in each picture to get back to the newsletter. This should alleviate complaints about closing Johnny Jet. Thanks again for your support, and remember: If you book trips on the web, please go through JohnnyJet.com. (It will save you money).
THE MOST FAMOUS BEACHES
When you think of Rio de Janeiro, you probably think of three things: crime, the Christ statue and the beach. Rio has 45 miles of white sand beaches and
Copacabana
and Ipanema
Beaches are the most famous. Of course, I had heard of them but I never really knew what they were all about or even what they looked like. Copacabana is the more "touristy" of the two beaches, even though they are practically connected. The Sofitel is ideally located because it's just a six-block walk to Ipanema Beach (which I personally prefer to Copacabana; it's more hip and the locals are friendlier.) Both beaches have long sidewalks where many Cariocas are busy exercising
(even at 6am) in their little bathing suits. Warning: All the men wear banana hammocks but somehow, still manage to look cool. The sidewalks are lined with creative
sand castles
(which cost $1 to photograph), the occasional fast-food
eatery (have you ever seen a smaller McDonald's), corn on the cob
vendors, and tasty juice bars. Bottled water and fresh coconut water (Água de coco) cost just 2 BRL ($1). After a game of volleyball in the hot sun, there's nothing like drinking out of one of these heavy, fresh, young coconuts
filled naturally with carbohydrate-electrolytes.
VOLLEYBALL, BRAZILIAN-STYLE
I can't mention the Rio beaches without mentioning volleyball or futevolei
– that's volleyball without using your hands. What?! It's mind boggling to see how athletic these guys are (old and young). I didn't even bother trying to make a fool of myself so instead I stuck to two-man volleyball. I played on both Copacabana
and Ipanema beaches. On Ipanema, the locals were friendlier, even though there were a bunch of European pros
training
for the upcoming FIVB year. I'm happy to report that I surprisingly represented Manhattan Beach, California (the volleyball capital of the world and where I live) well. The Brazilians are damn good but they play by the FIVB rules, not the AVP rules, which is what I am used to. Therefore, here it's a version of "picnic ball" as they sometimes throw the ball, which is against the rules in California.
BRAZILIAN BABES
If exercising in the hot sun isn't your thing, don't worry – all the big hotels (including the Sofitel) have beach chairs
available (free of charge) complete with security and masseuses
nearby. All you have to do is just lay out there, read your book and fend off the friendly street-hawkers. They stroll the beaches
and sidewalks, selling everything
from bikinis
to shrimp on a skewer. Actually, people-watching here should be a sport because watching the Brazilians
will definitely get your heart pumpin'. I knew the women wore Brazilian-cut thongs on the beach (they don't go topless which is a bad rumor) but I had no idea how incredible their bodies would be and how beautiful they are. Seriously, even though I have always been a sucker for blondes, the Brazilian women, with their round butts, have to be in the top three of the most beautiful women in the world. If I sound like a perv, I'm sorry! But you can't come here and not notice this.
OTHER BEACHES
To escape the tourists, head out to these local beaches:
Prainha, Recreio dos Bandeirantes, Barra da Tijuca (my favorite) and Leblon (next to Ipanema). Inexpensive bus service is available and as you ride along the coast, be sure to look out to your right and see the Sinless Motel. What a name, eh? The motel (and many others like it) rents rooms by the hour. That's because the majority of young people in Brazil live with their parents until they get married.
VIDEO
Sorry! No video this week, but here's a link to all the Johnny Jet Videos ever made. If you're on MySpace or LinkedIn here are my pages.
NEXT WEEK Next week: Rio's attractions, restaurants and nightlife. Stay tuned!
*If you heard about us somewhere else or have the link to the story please email Johnny Jet media and let us know where!
SOME OF LAST WEEK'S READER AIR-eMAIL
Just wanted to say congrats on the site! I've just discovered it! I'm a professional travel writer so I thought I was familiar with most travel sites on the web (but then how is that possible when the web just keeps getting bigger as the world gets smaller?) It's amazing how many of your links I already had bookmarked - so handy to have them all on the one portal. Your tribute to your Mum was also touching. My Dad died of cancer a few years ago - he was given 6 months but through determination, courage and positive thinking he lasted 12 months. Like you, I took my folks on a 6 week trip through Asia before he died (I was living in Abu Dhabi at the time) and he said it was the best experience of his life - it was not only wonderful for us to spend quality time together, but it was fantastic to see that even though he was dying, he still had such a passion for life and experiencing new things and meeting new people. About 6 months after he died I took my Mum on a two month trip through Europe, which was healing. Did you take your Dad traveling after your Mum died? Thought you might be interested in checking out our travel blog, Grantourismo, at the lifestyle site, Charles and Marie. CharlesAndMarie.com. Happy traveling! Lara – Currently Traveling Around the World.
I'm writing from Panama City, Panama. I am an enormous fan of your site and taking a page out of your book, I tried my own site. I'm wondering if you'd be willing to accept some blog-style articles on panama for review? The website is ThePanamaReport.com and it's a pretty unique deal. Kudos again on your piece of art. Matt – Panama City, Panama
Wish you could see the smile on my face! I just LOVED the video clips you make. I confess, I'm one of those weird people who enjoys seeing other people's vacation photos anyway, but these are exceptional. You REALLY have a good photographer/videographer's eye that makes these exceptional. Keep them coming! Chris – Allentown, PA
We, at EuroCheapo, just wanted to say that you guys do a great job at JohnnyJet.com. We love your site and we feel that our site could be a great resource to your visitors. Feel free to check us out at EuroCheapo.com. Tiffany L - New York, NY
Your newsletter was very helpful-thanks! We visited the region around Cardile as this is my wifes family village. We stayed at I' fornari nearby which was fabulous and I recommend it. The piazza and town centre of Cardile was just as in your picture. We were welcomed with open arms as all but one cousin had never met my wife. Italy and it's people are lovely. Ciao, Mike
*Please note that we reserve the right to post excerpts, perhaps edited, from your message on the Johnny Jet website and newsletter. We will not use your full name without your express permission. If you'd rather not have your message posted on the website or newsletter, just say so and it won't be.
HOUSEKEEPING
This Newsletter is sent by permission only. If you wish to subscribe, unsubscribe or change your subscription at any time, please login
HERE. If you have any questions or suggestions
please send message addressed to Johnny@JohnnyJet.com
• About
Johnny • Publicity
• Newsletter
Archive • My
Mom • Photogallery
• Contact
Us 
