THE CITY OF GOD - SINFUL BUT OH SO SUAVE

Continuing our occasional posts from our correspondent in Brazil - here's Rachel Macbeath's second contribution:

Little wonder that Rio is coined as 'The City of God'. 

Nestled between mountains and ocean, it’s so photogenic. From the top of Sugar Loaf you get panoramic views across Rio; sweeping white sand beaches and mountains swathed in tropical rainforest. 

But behind its pretty face lies a mischievous, recalcitrant side.


Despite the fact that Brazil's GDP is currently the tenth in the world there is an unsettling dichotomy between the rich and poor. Poverty is Brazil's great sickness with 30.3% of the country's population living below the poverty line. Strangely mansions and favelas (slums) are positioned close to each other. Rich and poor literally gaze into each other's windows, causing great socio-economic tension. 

Whilst children get free public education, many do not attend because poor families generally prefer their children as young as 10, to start working as soon as possible to generate an income.
Pick pocketing is rife but the police are really making a effort to polish up the city's reputation with crime rates falling. If you want to stay safe in Rio at night, it's a trendy move to look poor- no flashing fancy cameras or showcasing your beloved bling.

More to follow...