oi Rio, eu estou no amor

i missed the smell of airport & flight. i missed the feeling to travel long distance & indulging the finesse of being served at A380. i missed watching Friends marathon in flight entertainment. i missed being kiddish at my cabin suite & restroom. so when I discovered the need to do Brazi lcountry assessment - employment and T&C portion, i shouted YES!! i deserve this trip though unknown of the tight labor market, complex tax regime, unionized workforce, strict localization policy and big buearucracy of the government. it's going to be great fter all, so i dont mind paying the price attached to it. it's a treat to my birthday too!!

 

There's 4 of us travelling from KL to Rio via Dubai from 21 - 29 June. Marriot welcome us again. Upon arrival, the Federation Cup is already heated with Brasil entering finals. Security was on alert as street demonstrators taking advantage to stage their grievances over corruptions, poor public service and facilities. World Cup is due next year, of cos all eyes on Brasil which timely for the people to put a public protest. Schedule is hectic, with back to back appointments with payroll, tax agents, partners, HR consultants, employment lawyer. it's like amazing race finding the right building, checkin if meeting with theright person, marathon discussion and time's up! we are moving on to meet the next appointment. had a tour at Barra de Tijuca where the new expatriate township. Surveyed few apartments and impressed by the quality of life of the people here. they believe in being active, work life balance & appreciate the outdoors. big expat community too.

 

Im not a beach person, but my breath was taken by the long white sandy beach of Copacobana, Leblon and Ipanema. it's beautiful, clean and the people takes high pride with the nature. Friendly and vibrant people, big town. Poor road conditions. Weather is fantastic, a little shower once a while. Food is fantastic despite we are limited by halal. But rice, beans, salsa, arabic food are abundance leaving me good throughout my stay.

 

Had fun at the local flea market, wlking from the hotel. Bought paintings of the favellas and pretty gem stines bracelets. went to the hard rock cafe's souvenir shop at the foot hill of Sugarloaf. Didnt have time to pay  visit at the Christo de Retentor. Bought jerseys, copy & original. But overall price is quite high. Everything is taxable here, its how they make money. Told my self, im coming here again. so, no rush. save few sweet spots to explore.

 



+View of Copacoana street & beach from Marriott lounge+

+A380 1st class DXB-KUL upon retun. Make the trip a sweeter ending+

+Visiting HRC shoppe. Small tho+

+Sandcastles everywhere with Federation & World Cup putting Rio at world stage+

 

+sunrise at Copacobana beach. Its facing our hotel. Had a walk down the beach, hope to jog in my next trip.

MasyaAllah, beautiful+

 +Had lunch & drink at Bar Urca, as publicised at Trip Advisor as one of the coolest bar in Rio. Had great view of the lagoon with wonderful crowd. Good food+

+In front of OGX office post to our 1st meeting+