re: Tell me about Brazil

I've only been to Rio, which was a couple months back. I know some Portuguese, so I was able to figure things out... barely. Highly-recommend learning a bit because you won't come across many people that know English.

Most of my time was exploring bars/restaurants, but did get a chance to see Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf. I'd encourage you to try seeing each first thing in the morning on a weekday, otherwise it'll be an absolute zoo. Views are absolutely breathtaking.

As for safety, and as odd it may sound, I felt safer at night than day. It's noticeably less crowded along Copacabana and Ipanema during the day when it's not a weekend. White people will be far easier to pick out. At night, everyone was out and it made everything less-intimidating. I'm of mixed descent, and have darker skin, so I admittedly didn't get bothered much.

I am still in absolute awe of sunrises over Copacabana and sunsets on Ipanema/Leblon.