Here the account of my mishaps lived at the time of my first visit in Rio de Janeiro in October 2003.

Tudo bem, all is well...

As very impatient tourist, I came for the first time in the Ciutad Maravilhosa, the marvellous city, by a beautiful morning of spring (southern hemisphere). My goal was to stay one and half month in Brazil and to spend there my money. I was enthusiastic and delighted me much after having read with large interest the excellent reports of Hombre Club on Brazil (thank you Bwana Dick, Sandman, Aldaron and others).
The first evening, after having eaten in excellent fish restaurant located in the same street as my hotel, the Arpoador Inn, I returned to foot to the hotel. Arrived at a few meters of the entry, I see to arrive opposite me two men. One on a bicycle, the other on foot.

Action...

All occurred very quickly: under the threat of a long knife firmly pointed towards my chest, I felt the pockets of my trousers to nimbly lighten itself of their contents by the second assistant, while the first always on its bicycle and with the knife always maliciously pointed, emptied the pockets of my shirt by throwing by ground their contents. Apparently without interest. He did not condescend to collect them.

Assessment of the robbery: a super numerical photo camera, a special lighter for cigars and the key of the safe of the hotel room. On the other hand my Visa card and the few money of local currency did not seem to interest the attackers.

This heinous crime was carried out in a few seconds and the brigands carried on their way while I returned sheepishly in the hotel. The account of my mishap seemed neither to surprise nor to assign the employees present at the reception, which strongly shocked me.

Impressions in the act

For me, quiet man, this aggression was a great first. Which were my initial reactions?
First of all a total absence of fear. The fear I live it in the eyes of my attacker! This surprising large calm was certainly bound with the recommendations read in all guides: in the event of hold up: not to react, let make they, relax, zen attitude...

Then my good usual amount of optimism: to always see full glass with half.

And then I was not wounded, my Visa card was saved as well as the few hundreds of reals miraculously spared. Only major disadvantage: the loss of my camera, compromising the continuation of my photographic voyage! With the spite not to have left it in the hotel. This evening I did not really need any.

Tomorrow is another day

A good night erased the first after-effects of my mishap and the next morning, I left in good mood to discover again Rio. Besides some meetings with beggars of an unpleasant and not common aggressiveness, the second day occurred without major incident. Except that the pretty cariocas garotas were not to be of exits this day; probably one leaves them only for the Carnival or for advertising folders. And moreover, I now disfigured each Brazilian man by taking him for a potential attacker! The city is animated but the population seems as sad as in Europe. Nothing to see with the nice cuban smiles. As for the women, not a glance, not an attention. One feels as transparent, invisible, without interest.

A "golpe " or magic swindle...

The third day after one morning spent to visit Rio, I walked quietly on the pavement on the side of the buildings along the beach of Copacabana. Arrived at some distances from the restaurant Meia Pataca, a shoeshine boy nicely offered his service to me, which was also nicely declined, because my slippers are normally washed under the tap.

But oh surprised: what do I see at the end of one of my shoes? A beautiful small shit! Obviously it was not dirt of a dog, because too centred on the top of the slipper. It was rather nice excrement of bird. Obviously the shoeshine boy became providential to clean this fallen dirtiness I do not know from where. Always very obligingly, I was requested to sit down on a small bench where, by means of several rags, the man launched out in an energetic cleaning, while joking on the chance that such an incident would not fail to carry!

Indeed this chance turned very quickly unilaterally, because the work finished, the providential man announced the colour: price of the operation...50 reals!

Memorable surprise, because I was on the point of giving him liberally 5 reals, that is to say the well counted price of accomplished work. Naively I had already left some tickets from my pocket. From a high-speed gesture our so nice shoeshine boy tore off the bundle and moved away while shouting a hysterical shower of abuse. The others shoeshine boys, who magically had come sit down in the neighbourhoods, did not stumble. Only one said: he is insane!

What could I make? Nothing other than to carry on my way by plastering my spite.

I learned thereafter that this golpe is a well-known swindle. Why the police tolerate this organized robbery?

But the skill with which the small drop of shit settled at the end of my shoe reveals a not common talent of conjurer, but, as in a good trick of magic, I did not notice absolutely anything!

Never two without three

It was now 1 am and a Caïpirinha accompanied by a good meal were required. Thirst, appetite and calmed emotions, return to the hotel. Arrived in front of the entry, I stopped abruptly, because I live to arrive on me, exactly at the same place as two days before, two equivocal strong individual fellows who, with a bad smile, tried to speak to me. Instinctively I entered precipitately in the hotel, while observing the two unsavoury guys move away while making a disappointed grimace.

Conclusion

Three aggressions in three days, it was too much for me! I always walk alone in many cities of the world without ever encountering problems. I had followed the recommendations concerning the external signs well attracting the criminals: no jewels, not of watch, not of visible camera, not of bag or external pocket, no basket shoes of luxury.

I thus decided to cancel the rest of my trip and to leave definitively this country where the safety of the tourist is so random. And not to forgotten to warn my friends on the dangers of Rio de Janeiro, the city of the marvellous desillusion.

President Lula should ask his friend Fidel Castro how to make to ensure the security of the tourist. The receipt is however simple: if a Cuban attacks a foreigner, it takes twenty years of prison!

Good-bye Brazil, good-bye garotas, good-bye Termas, in future I will be satisfied with the delicious small chicas cubanas.

There are certainly honest people, but to visit this country, it is necessary to be contented with leaflet and documentary films (or read the good reports of Hombre Club!).

My friend, and I think I know who you are, I am sadly moved by your misfortunes in Rio.

Consider yourself fortunate that you can visit Cuba legally but remember, they have scams of their own on the island. Perhaps not as brazen as Rio but they will still scam you.

I hope to meet you someday and can only say I am sorry for your mishaps in Rio.

Sandman

Manager,

Sorry to hear about your problems in Rio. I really enjoyed you Cuba report and was looking forward to an equally good look at Rio. I hope you'll share you future adventures with us.

Thanks again,
Sterling

Manager; Sorry to hear about your problems. Stories like yours remind us that Rio is not the paradise that some make it out to be.

But the most important thing is that you were not physically hurt by any of this.

Take care of yourself and let us know how Cuba turns out.

Roadglide

What hotel were you staying at in Rio? I may want to avoid it, next time I visit Rio.

I think the key to the shitflingers is to agree to a shoeshine, then when the kid starts, wipe your shoe off on his ass and send him on his way. They are pretty timid, as far as I have seen. I've been hit once and just chased the shine man off.

As far as the shit man of this two-person team, I've never heard of anyone ever seeing him coming. A true talent, though misguided.

I think the key is to not let it happen. True, it takes some inconvenient persistence in being ever-observant...

I'm always totally conscience of the people around me. The moment I'm exiting a door to the street I'm eyeing all people. Every few steps, maybe half a block, I'm re-checking... looking at everyone, checking my back, noticing who's new. Basically, no one is sneaking up on me. I'm not saying I'm totally safe, but I will see it coming. In the case of the kids, I feel I'll avoid it... In the case of a team of armed robbers, like with one on a bike, I doubt I'm any safer than anyone else.

Now, not all would find this effort worth it, or may find it a pain... but I don't mind. Of course, (regarding the kids) until it happens to you one just feels like it can't - but I just can't believe some kid can sneak up on me close enough to hit my sandals in the perfect spot such that none hits my skin.

FL, I know of few mongers in Rio who haven't been hit by the shit flinger. What you state above is exactly what happens - you're walking along and they hit you mid-step. It's not like you're standing on a street corner and someone bumps into you and drops a piece of shit on your shoe. It happens while you're walking. That's why everyone admits to the "talent" of the flinger.

My estimate - he must hit you from a good 3-4 meters away.

I wouldn't attempt any violence (eg, kick in the ass) on these shit flinger kids--they gang up and are way tougher and faster than the guys on this board (except for you, Kid Cisco)--I tried raising hell once, big mistake

Oh yea, eventually everyone gets to meet the shit flingers, actually they don`t fling it, they simply walk up behind you with a plastic squeeze bottle and plop a little on your shoe. After i got hit i followed the little pricks and watch them do it to someone else.

Manager,

I'm glad you made it out without further mishap. I don't see much reason to venture past Cuba in this hemisphere and don't forget there's always Asian delights.

Buttman,

What happened with the shit flingers? Was it a physical confrontation?

Max

This happened across the street from the Othon in front of hooker beach--After I yelled fuck off and administered the finger, etc., they gathered around me like a bunch of liliputins grabbing their crotches and swearing at me in portuguese

The light changed and I managed to beat a retreat

Then I had to deal with the little fuckers everytime I went by hooker beach

Better to live to not fight another day!

I don't think that any city is safe after dark, and Rio in the area around Help Disco is probably worse. That said, none of these things have ever happened to me, and I live here.

The most important advice I could give anyone is not to walk alone after dark. Always take a taxi. Taxis are cheap, even the rip off ones. The most important thing is that they are safe. I have never heard of anyone being robbed by a taxi, other than maybe going a little out of the way to jump the fare.

I had a much easier time of Rio some years back, but I too beat a retreat quickly. After fooling around with a few quick-time artists, I got one girl in my room who refused to screw; I refused to pay her and wanted to send her on her way, whereupon she refused to leave and started breaking mirrors, glass, etc. I got hold of the manager, who told me perhaps it was best for me to pay her--then I had to pay the overpriced "replacement" fee for stuff broken, and it completely took away my interest in the Rio. I should say here that I knew nothing about the termas at that time and don't speak Spanish or Portuguese, so I was probably a real lightweight on that journey. I do hope to make up for lost time by going to PI later this month....

at

What were you doing while she was busting up the room? Just standing there watching? Should have grabbed her in a bear hug and thrown her out. No need to smack or beat her up, a simple grab by the waist or arm and drag her out of the room would have sufficed.

That's kind of my point - no one gets within 10 meters of me without having been serious noticed by me. Thus, no kid gets that close to me. There is no sneaking up on me, I'm watching my 6 throught any time on the street.

Like I mention, it takes some persistent conscienceness, but I don't mind.

Still, I understand my turn may come... even though I'm only wearing sandals...

Man, I will not be as sympathetic as everyone else. You are one seed of bad luck! I also was in Rio for the first time ever this past July and not once did anything happenned to me. What do you look like? Because that might be one of the reasons you were a major target. I walked from L'uomo to Help every other night at 1am! Then again, I live in South Central LA, so I'm used to it. Also, what's with the negative post all around? You didn't even mention one garota! If this report was an intent to scare some newbies, I'm not buying it...but, if you are saying the truth, then please don't go back to Brazil. As for me, I still think Rio is a piece of Heaven on Earth.

Thank you to all of you for the very interesting comments. My goal with this report was only to return attentive on certain dangers of Rio and to warn my friends.
I played certainly of bad luck and it is true that I do not have the stature of a Tarzan or a Schwarzeneger! I look only like a quiet man. But probably is that my mistake!
What disgusted me, it is the fact that my mishaps occurred in a very touristic place. My hotel was “Arpoador Inn” located between the beach of Ipanema and Copacabana. And the first aggression was to 10 pm.
What I regret more it is not to have been able to visit some Termas and to taste with the charms of the pretty garotas. But I did not want any more to go in the city even in a taxi. Perhaps I will go back there a day... with some big body gards!

Manager, next time you must visit Rio and SP with an experienced Hombre/wingman to guide you.

Please post in the future your possible travel dates, and hopefully I or someone else can show you the "lay of the land":-) I have yet to experience Cuba, or a Cubana:-( But I LOVE Brasil! I go there practically every two months for at least a long weekend. sf4dfish

Manager..I got your back when you want to return..and you can inform me on cuba...

Good God. I don't think I have ever heard that many bad things happening to one person in such a short period of time. You sound like a decent guy and I'm sorry for your experience. I would have left too I guess. If you are inexperienced, it is probably best to go with a group of guys, (Layne is as big as a terma I hear) or dare I say.... hire a guide. ( guide bashers.)

I have never been a victim of theft or violence in Rio. However, I have begun to realize, especially recently, that it is basically a lawless place. The Police aren't worth a shit. They simply don't care because they don't want to become a victim of the gangs themselves. Whenever you have the locals afraid to go to the Police for fear of retribution by the thugs, then you have lawlessness. Copacabanna is the worst, but I never feel safe walking anywhere really at night. It's a pathetic state of affairs when a government cannot provide basic security to their citizens. Despite some media driven complaints about Police in our country, it just makes you realize how great our Police and judicial system are in the USA. They aren't perfect, but would you trade them for anything below the equator? (ok... maybe Australian Police)

Brazil will remain a 3rd world country for the forseeable future because of the inability to provide basic services to it's citizens. It's a shame because it truly could be a paradise with all of its natural resources. For the life of me, I can't figure out why that country is so poor. Do they realize how many tourist dollars they lose because of the safety concerns that exist about it around the world? Pathetic..........

In my opinion, the worst cops are still the fucks in Tijuana. The Brasil cops may not do a damned thing for you unless you pay them too, but half the TJ cops will shake you down any chance they get. So, in TJ, not only do you have semi-lawlessness, but you have cops themselves acting worse than the banditos and rateros.

im sorry to hear of your misfortune and would be turned off by rio also if those things happened to me. please tell us of your experiences with garotas, i hope you had more success with them.

im glad you did not fight back, you could wind up in a brazilian hospital. who knows how(un)sanitary a brazilian hospital can be. not knowing the language makes it even more difficult. you are a smart man by avoiding trouble even though trouble has found you.
there is always a part of me that says, im a man, if i get robbed, i'll fight back. this is the wrong approach in brazil cuz even the little street kids are tough little survivors and will do anything in order to feed themselves and their families. if you walk the beach youll see braz. kids practicing ju jitsu and i'll tell ya right now, these kids are bad ass mother fuckers.
i wouldnt want to fight some of these 120 lb kids and i weigh in at 200+ lbs. i also wrestled for 11 yrs, practiced kung fu and participated in circle fighting. im a big fan of ultimate fighting and am amazed at the deadliest art of brazilian ju jitsu. the joint locks, choke holds and fishing techniques taught in braz. ju jitsu are extremely effective (much more so than other martial arts) and even a little garota can get the best of a large gringo. i'm amazed that these guys will hang on the monkey bars for half an hour or so(try doing that for even 3 minutes and see how hard it is). although these guys dont lift weights or even eat enough to gain weight, can you imagine how strong their hands are?
if any of you ever get a chance to witness brazilian ju jitsu or copoeira in practice, its definitely a must see.
as far as the apoadoar inn, i stayed there for 14 days last july and never saw any type of crime what so ever. in fact right out side my window along the beaches are park benches with lovers holding each other and kissing all nite. i thought it was a calm and safe place. i walked on both sides of the hotel day and nite and never felt in danger although a little wary when i came across a group of male teens.

"Despite some media driven complaints about Police in our country, it just makes you realize how great our Police and judicial system are in the USA." --Aldaron

Oh, yeah? Why don't you read on and realize we are actually living in a police state (in the US of A)!

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Jesse Jackson marches to protest drug sweep

Wednesday, December 17, 2003 Posted: 9:30 AM EST (1430 GMT)

NORTH CHARLESTON, South Carolina (AP) -- The Rev. Jesse Jackson led hundreds of marchers carrying signs and chanting slogans Tuesday to protest a school drug sweep in which police with guns drawn ordered students to the floor.

Critics say the raid appeared to have targeted black students, which police have denied.

"What do we want? Justice! When do we want it? Now!" chanted the marchers. "Just Say No to the Police State," read one sign.

"We're going to march again and again and again," Jackson told those who rallied in front of city hall. "They will get bigger and bigger until there is fairness in the land."

The November 5 raid at Stratford High in nearby Goose Creek drew national attention after video from surveillance cameras showed students ordered to the floor while officers with guns and a drug dog searched them. About 100 students were searched but no illegal drugs were found and no one was arrested.

Besides denying any racial profiling, police have said they believed aggressive tactics were needed to ensure the safety of the officers and other students.

Two civil suits related to the raid have been filed in federal court. State and federal officials are investigating whether any criminal laws were broken by police.

"The cops burst into the school or the main hallway very aggressively and started pointing their guns at everyone as if we were criminals," Stratford freshman Carl Alexander told the crowd.

Senior Tory Richardson fought back tears as she spoke.

"It hurts. My sister still has to go through that school. I don't want her to go through the same that happened -- nor do I want anyone else's children to go through the same thing," she said.