Week 11 (Day 70): RIO DE JANEIRO (BRAZIL)

                                          RIO DE JANEIRO

                                                                                                  CAPE TOWN



Our Powerhouse Journey Around the World continues, though is close to its end. We have now travelled a distance of 3,764 miles from Cape Town, across the South Atlantic Ocean to Rio de Janeiro.

Rio de Janeiro, or Rio, is the second largest city of Brazil and is the third largest metropolitan area in South America.  With a population of around 6.3 million people within the city, Rio spans an area of 1,760 sq miles.

 

Capital City of Brazil: Brasilia        Monetary Unit: Brazilian Real (BRL)

 

Rio de Janeiro is one of the most visited cities in the southern hemisphere, and is known for its carnival celebrations.  However, Brazil is one of the most criminalized countries of the world. The city of Rio has been rated 'critical' for crime over the past 25 years by the US Department of State.

 

The most life-threatening crime in Rio is either drug or alcohol related.  Brazil is part of the international drug route and also a heavy importer of cocaine. Street robberies are extremely high with electronic of all kinds being specifically targeted.

 

Foreigners are a perfect target for robbery, especially those that do not speak Portuguese, as firstly foreigners do not usually file a report with the police, due to the complications and language barrier, and secondly, they are unlikely to return to testify against the perpetrator.

 

Some of the most popular places to visit in Rio and where you must take extra care are Christ the Redemmer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Maracana Stadium and Copacabana Beach.

 

  Christ the Redeemer (Christo Redentor)

 



 

“Cristo Redentor” stands at 2,330 feet, with arms outstretched, gazing serenely out over the city of Rio.  Though visitors can take a vertical cog train to reach the base of the summit, visitors to the monument once had to climb hundreds of steps to reach the top. Elevators and escalators are now available for this.

 

 Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain rises 1,300 feet above the mouth of Guanabara Bay.  It is made of quartz and granite, with visitors being able to take a glass-walled cable car known as a “bondinho" to the summit. 

 

Maracana Stadium

With football (soccer) being the most important sport in Brazil, the Maracanã Stadium is one of Rio’s most important landmarks. The Stadium opened in 1950 and was able to hold nearly 200,000 people.  However, due to safety reasons and seating for all fans, the capacity is now now 80,000.  The Stadium has been partially rebuilt in preparation for the 2014 World Cup.

Copacabana Beach

Visitors, as well as locals called "Cariocas" can enjoy a stroll along the promenade that borders the 2.5 mile beach.  At the end of the beach stands Fort Copacabana, which houses a wartime museum that is open to the public.

Rio de Janeiro will be hosting the 2016 Summer Olympics, which will be the first time a South American and Portuguese speaking nation hosts such a important world event.  Additionally, the 2014 FIFA World Cup final will be held in the city. Therefore Rio de Janeiro will be swarming with foreigners. Foreigners that are likely to be victims of crimes. Another target are individuals withdrawing money from ATMs. Be cautious and use common sense at all times.. As always apply Powerhouse Self-Defense's rule of PROI: PREDICTION of misplaced situations, that is being aware of anything that appears out of context.  RECOGNITION of potentially harmful behavior.  OBSERVATION of your surroundings.  Look for street signs and landmarks.  Know exactly where you are at ALL times.  INTUITION: Trust your gut and when in doubt, both feet out!

EMERGENCY SERVICES NUMBER: 190

RIO DE JANEIRO FUN FACTS:

1. Portuguese explorers discovered the island on January 1, 1502, hence the name Rio de Janeiro, meaning River of January.
2. Rio de Janeiro was the capital city of Brazil from 1763 to 1960, when it moved to the city of Brasilia.
3. Rio has the oldest operating electric tramway in the world called the Santa Teresa Tram.
4. Brazil's famous Samba music started in the neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro.
5. Prostitution is legal in Rio de Janeiro.

OUR POWERHOUSE JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD NEARS ITS END. WHERE WILL OUR FINAL DESTINATION BE NEXT WEEK?

Jennifer Riis-Poulsen is the Founder & CEO and also a 2nd degree black belt, who formed Powerhouse Self-Defense as a response to the ever-increasing statistics on emotional and physical attacks on females each year. She made reducing these statistics a mission and personal goal and has set out to develop a comprehensive, HOLISTIC personal safety and empowerment program focused on awareness and powerful techniques to build courage and confidence. For more information visit http://powerhouseselfdefense.com

 

 

 



 

Week 10 (Day 63): CAPE TOWN (SOUTH AFRICA)

                                                                  
                                                                  LAGOS                                                          

                                                                                CAPE TOWN

Our Powerhouse Journey Around the World continues. We have now travelled 2,955 miles from Lagos to the city of Cape Town in South Africa.

Cape Town is the second most populated city in South Africa, after Johannesburg.  It is also the Legislative Capital of the country, with Pretoria as the Executive Capital and Bloemfontein as the Judicial Capital.  Cape Town spans a metro area of 944 sq miles and has a population of 3,740,000.

                                                                  

Capital Cities of South Africa: Cape Town, Pretoria and Bloemfontein

             Monetary Unit:South African Rand (ZAR)

 

Though Cape Town has been deemed one of the most beautiful cities in the world, it has also been ranked the most dangerous city in the world, outside of the Americas. Cape Town is rated 'critical' for crime.

 

Violent, confrontational crime, such as robberies, carjackings, street muggings and organized attacks, are a major concern in South Africa. In particularly, home invasions on Americans are a big problem. The South African Police Service crime statistics indicated a high rate of 7,039 home invasions in 2011.

 

Other prime targets are restaurants, jewelry shops, grocery stores and other business establishments, where there are large numbers of customers. It is always advisable not to resist a robbery so as to avoid any physical harm.  Other crimes include 'smash and grab' robberies that occur at intersections and ramps leading off highways.  It is always important to lock all doors of the car when driving and to keep valuables out of sight.

 

Some of the most popular places to visit in Cape Town are: Table Mountain, Cape Point, Cape Point Vineyards, Mariner's Wharf and Boulder's Beach Penguin Colony.

 





Table Mountain



 

Table Mountain is a magnificent and prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town. It is known as Table Mountain because of its flat top that runs approximately 2 miles from side to side. Visitors can either use the cableway or hike to the top, where they will experience one of the most amazing views in Africa. The Mountain also forms part of the Table Mountain National Park.

 

 

 

Cape Point

 

Cape Point is located in the very southwestern tip of Africa.  It is in the Cape of Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park.  It is a perfect place for hikers, cyclists, surfers and anglers.

 

Cape Point Vineyards

 

Cape Point Vineyards Estate has won many awards over the past eight years. An excellent place to enjoy some wine tasting while taking in the breathtaking views.

 

Mariner's Wharf

 

Mariner's Wharf oozes maritime ambience, with restaurants, shops and markets. It is a fabulous place where tourists find themselves rubbing shoulders with the famous.

 

Boulder's Beach Penguin Colony

 

Boulder's Beach is famous for its colony of Jackass Penguins. They are known as Jackass Penguins because of their donkey-like braying call. A great place to take a swim, though it is advisable not to feed or touch the Penguins.

 

Be aware that pickpocketing is very common, as is the case in most tourist areas.. Travelers should keep their passports, money and other valuables safe at all times. Be cautious and use common sense. As always apply Powerhouse Self-Defense's rule of PROI: PREDICTION of misplaced situations, that is being aware of anything that appears out of context.  RECOGNITION of potentially harmful behavior.  OBSERVATION of your surroundings.  Look for street signs and landmarks.  Know exactly where you are at ALL times.  INTUITION: Trust your gut and when in doubt, both feet out!

 

EMERGENCY SERVICES NUMBER: 10111

 

CAPE TOWN FUN FACTS:

 

1. Cape Town was originally named as Cape of Storms by Bartholomeu Dias.

2. Afrikaans is the most widely spoken language in Cape Town and is the youngest official language.

3. There was a time when the whole of Cape Town's main road was made out of wooden blocks or tiles.

4. The average age of the population in Cape Town is 26 years old.

5. Dr Christiaan Barnard performed the first human heart transplant in the world in Cape Town in 1967.

 

OUR POWERHOUSE JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD CONTINUES. WHERE WILL WE BE NEXT WEEK?

Jennifer Riis-Poulsen is the Founder & CEO and also a 2nd degree black belt, who formed Powerhouse Self-Defense as a response to the ever-increasing statistics on emotional and physical attacks on females each year. She made reducing these statistics a mission and personal goal and has set out to develop a comprehensive, HOLISTIC personal safety and empowerment program focused on awareness and powerful techniques to build courage and confidence. For more information visit http://powerhouseselfdefense.com