A section of Rio viewed from Sugarloaf - Sugarloaf, with its cable cars,  is the second most recognizable symbol of Rio, after the statue on Corcovado mountain.

Paintings glitter in the sun at the Ipanema Sunday Hippie Fair. Held in General Osorio Square in Ipanema.

Ipanema Beach

Copacabana beach, with its backdrop of buildings. Sugarloaf rises in the back. Rio has a series of beaches and, for the Cariocas (residents of Rio), leisure truly revolves around them.

A pregnant mermaid, also at Ipanema.

Rio is also well known for its favelas, or slums. The publicity has given them a fearful image. In fact, they are nowhere near as fierce. They are far better organized and provided-for than their Asian equivalents. They are frequently built on mountain slopes - here, a favela (on the slopes) shares a fabulous view with the Sheraton (in Leblon, at the end of Ipanema beach).

Women (and men too),  will frequently walk through busy city streets in their beach attire. Here, some women use a phone booth (called big ear by the Cariocas) on a city street, dressed for the beach.

Copacabana beach.

Also Copacabana beach.

Samba is the fusion of African and Brazilian dance and music. Obviously sensuous, but not always sexy, here a dancer whirls.

Another dancer.

Petropolis is a mountain city some two hours from Rio. It's a beautiful drive, and the city itself displays a casual artistry that is fascinating. Here's one shot of steps leading up to a house.