Random+Signs+and+Everything+Else

__**Random Signs and Other Useful Information**__ Rio de Janeiro is a huge city that supports well over 6 million people in addition to being one of the premier tourist destinations in Brazil. With the large population, pollution and public sanitation are obvious concerns for the city. As such, the city of Rio de Janeiro has stepped up its trash collection and public sanitation efforts in preparation for the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics. Roughly translated, this sign says "Here is where you can go pee! When you take care of what is yours, the more you preserve the city." Essentially, this sign was designed to get more people to use the public restrooms instead of going to the bathroom in random parts of the city.
 * Public Sanitation Sign

You can find this sign in almost all public transportation vehicles. With the large population in Rio de Janeiro, public transportation is often crowded. Hence, it is important to reserve seats for the elderly, women, and children. As such, in the metro or the buses, there are specific seats that are reserved for these individuals. Roughly translated, this sign states that you are not prohibited to sit here but these seats are aimed the elderly, women who are nursing or pregnant, and people who may have be disabled or injured.
 * Metro/Bus [|Sign]

This year, all students were placed with host families in either Leblon or Ipanema. Provided below is a small map of two regions in Rio de Janeiro. For the most part, the roads for this part of the city follow a grid structure with main roads such as Visconde de Piraja, Avenida Afranio de Melo Franco, and Avenida Viera Souto, which runs along the beach in Ipanema. This summer we took Portuguese classes at IBEU which was located on Rua Barao de Torre in Ipanema.
 * Map of Leblon and Ipanema.

Brazilians love their "cafezinho" (expresso shot of coffee) and their sugar. This Zero-Cal sweetener is a sugar substitute can be found anywhere you go. Beware though, this stuff is potent! A couple little drops is equal to a few packets of sugar.
 * Zero Cal Sweetener

In Ipanema, on Mondays and Fridays, you can find many farmers setting up shop to sell all sorts of fruits, vegetables, poultry and fish. These farmers offer a wide variety of produce and fruit vendors specifically, will often offer you free samples. Don't be shy and try all the fruits that Brazil has to offer.
 * Fairs and Farmer's Markets

Also in Ipanema, there is often a fair of some sort on Sundays, where local artist and vendors offer works of art for sale. These fairs offer a wide variety of items such as clothing, jewelry and accessories, home decor, and other interesting finds. It is often cheaper to shop at the fairs plus you can negotiate the price on the items.

A good idea to get to know your doorman. Brazilians are relationship oriented people. Getting to know the people you come in contact with daily will make your experience in Rio that much easier and more enjoyable
 * Greeting the doorman

Yes, the beach is A-mazing here but you won’t be if you get burnt. Don't forget to bring some sunscreen! Lastly, you’re not in Florida but that doesn't mean that there aren't any mosquitoes in Rio de Janeiro. Remember to bring bug spray if you don’t want to get attacked by these bloodsuckers.
 * Don’t forget the sunscreen and bug spray