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So, this is the Brazil. This is what Rio de Janeiro is really all about. When the Carnival arrives, companies close down, shops shut their doors early, and streets are closed off to make way for dancing, parties and parades. This awe inspiring festivity not only provides entertainment for the thousands of people attending the Carnival, but also for the millions watching it on their televisions, giving them a chance to learn about the true culture of Brazil.

The next Carnival starts on Saturday 25th February 2006, and ends on Fat Tuesday leading up to Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent in the Roman Catholic calendar. This happens to be during the hottest time of the year in the Southern Hemisphere, when summer is at its peak. When that Saturday arrives then it’s Carnival all over the place, in the streets and squares, bars, clubs and other venues, taking over the whole city of Rio and culminating in the Rio Carnival Parade also known as the Samba Parade.

The Rio Carnival is an event of mere days, but the result of months of preparation. The most giving and hardworking hands during the months before are often the ones most overlooked by outside eyes. These are the people who make the Carnival what it is, they add an ingredient that couldn’t possibly be replicated by the largest tourist operator, most experienced guide or multi million dollar sponsor. They are the people from Rio de Janeiro’s poorest neighbourhoods, the so called favelas or shanty towns.

So where did you think all the magic and thrill Carnival is famous for started? From the production of the elaborate costumes to the performance and choreography of the costume bearers, residents of the favelas are deeply involved with every aspect of the Carnival. More often than not, this is done through their participation and membership to a local samba school.

The samba schools, with members reaching the thousands, will get together on a regular basis throughout the year for rehearsals and samba nights. All the samba schools have rehearsal spaces, called samba courts, or locally known as quadras de samba. They open, in most cases, at weekends for anyone, including tourists like you and me, as long as you pay the small fee at the door. To anyone who’s not been to one of these places they can only be described as nightclubs with samba.

This is the best way to make contact with the real samba and people of Rio de Janeiro. The nights are totally informal, and members of all ages including many old people can go to the party of any school. Most are quite far out of from the main parts of Rio de Janeiro and some of the areas they are situated in can be rough. To this end I would recommend going with a group in a package including a local escort, and round-trip transportation. Once you’re inside, it’s very safe. I would recommend not going flashy or having anything valuable with you except of course your camera. This is only due to the high density and energetic atmosphere of these events and you are more likely to lose or damage such items rather than have them stolen.

So maybe you are planning to come to the Rio carnival, or maybe not and you just want to sample some of the rich carnival energy that lasts all year round in this city. Either way, visiting a Samba school is a great pre-Carnival excursion.

If you are coming for the main event then remember it also means a bit of preparation on your part too. You should not only get your flight, but do a bit of research on your Carnival tickets in advance. Try to plan your Carnival activities ahead to sample the immense variety on offer. Include in your must-do’s the Samba Parade, street parties, and balls. You should also really organize your accommodation for the carnival well in advance. The best hotels, especially around Copacabana and Ipanema, are booked up early, so it’s advisable to make your hotel reservations as soon as you have decided to attend this spectacular event.

The next article in this series is titled ‘Rio Carnival - The Main Event’.

Ally Colquhoun has travelled extensively throughout South America, particularly in Brazil and visits Rio de Janeiro on a regular basis. He runs a website at http://www.riolocal.com where tourists can find more information and resources about Rio de Janeiro.

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Lodge Safaris in Tanzania - I will try to avoid the travel clich

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Amsterdam’s unique position has made water and bridges to be of vital importance among the historic cities of the north. Along the banks of the river Amstel a city developed that depended on the water for its survival. At one time water was even more important than dry land. Water was the feature which allowed transportation of goods as well as keeping the enemy. Moreover it also added to the beauty of the city. It is quite apparent that due to these reasons Amsterdam is called the Venice of the North.

Amsterdam is a city of water and, naturally, of bridges. Amsterdam has no fewer than 1,281 bridges. Since the 17th century a maze of canals has divided downtown Amsterdam in 90 islands. There are hundreds of bridges which link the islands. The canals have made Amsterdam famous. It is quite apparent that the city has more canals than Venice and more bridges than Paris. Generally quite a few of the downtown bridges are romantically illuminated at night.

The history of Amsterdam may, can be looked upon as a history of bridges from a certain point. To begin with, wooden bridges were built, modeled on the type which was common in the Dutch countryside. They served to provide the needs of road traffic mainly in areas where the east-west connections were of vital importance. Their purpose was entirely practical. The main importance was given to function instead of form. The water was spanned by wooden beams which served as girders. Wooden planking across the beams created an acceptable road surface. Whenever the length of the span required extra support, one or more trusses - interconnected wooden beams reinforced by corbel pieces - were constructed.

The urbanization of the city with modern times and the increasing prosperity were instrumental in the development of the brick bridge. Brick came to replace wood and the arched bridge with its elegant masonry took over from its wooden predecessor which led to the idea that bridges were conceived of as integrated architectural designs. The advent of the brick arched bridge coincided with a more conscious approach to urban development. Bridges became an integral part of the ring of canals.

Bridges that cross Amsterdam’s canals are a wonderful spot for sightseeing: the channel, the tree lined streets, the daily life of locals, the typical houses along the water, the bicycles. On top of it they also provide beautiful scenic background for photos or a useful place to take photographs. There are so many famous bridges across the canals of the city. Every corner one turns one find another bridge leading as the city of Amsterdam calls to find more.

One of the more famous canal sights in Amsterdam is the lineup of seven consecutive bridges that can be seen gracing Reguliersgracht. The old city center of Amsterdam boasts a bridge from which one can see no fewer than fifteen bridges. One can enjoy this unique view from the bridge on the corner of Reguliersgracht and Herengracht. At night the spectacle is extra special, as the arched bridges are illuminated with hundreds of fairy lights.

One of the most important landmarks of Amsterdam is The Skinny Bridge or Magere brug. The fact remains that it is one of the most beautiful bridges of Holland’s capital city. The Skinny Bridge is romantically illuminated at night with thousands of fairy lights. It is very popular with lovers and photographers illuminated with hundreds of lights.

Rahul viz recommends that you visit http://www.bookings.nl/city/nl/amsterdam.html?aid=305255 for more information on Amsterdam - The City of Bridges.

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