Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s second largest city after Sao Paulo, world famous for its carnival, beaches (Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon) and the statue of Christ the Redeemer on the Corcovado. 20% of its inhabitants, the cariocas, live in favelas (poor district on the slopes of hills (morros) and unfortunately it is the serious urban problem of the city. Rio has more than 90% of its territory covered with tropical forests and the best known is the Foresta de Tijuca which is even inside the city.

Tips

If you want to have a wonderful view of the beaches and even of the Christ, go to the Pao de Açucar (Sugar Loaf; rocky peak of almost 400 meters).

If you want to do a little road to get a good view, cross the Rio-Niteroi Bridge (13 km) you will see the Guanabara Bay and the city of Rio and its beaches. If you have a little time, Nitéroi has also beautiful beaches to spend the day.

Even though there are 2 subway lines, the best way to get around is by bus or taxi. Always ask the driver for the price because they will usually charge you a fixed price for tourist destinations. For safety, ask a taxi in the reception of your hotel. Generally, you can arrange with the same taxi to pick you up at the end of your visit.

If you like the beach, Ipanema and Leblon are more beautiful than Copacabana and a little quieter.

If you want to know a favela there are guided excursions that will allow you to know a little more of the inhabitants of the city. For your safety, do not try to go alone.

Pastry Roberto, Taormina, Sicily

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Pastry Roberto is known as the best place to eat cannoli in Taormina filled at the tmoment. The store is managed by Roberto Chemi and son and it is visited by tourists from around the world. When you ask a resident of Taormina where to find this local delicious product, you will always get that answer first: With Roberto. The place is not on a main road and it gives it even more charm to find because you should walk through the narrow streets to get there. Once you get there, you will not know where to look and what to try, there is not just cannoli but also delicious little pastries made with almond paste stuffed with various fine fruits; marzipan, nougat, etc. All products are made on site and you can eat them there or take them out. I visited the place at 3 different times and the production does not stop, customers go in and out at any time and Roberto and his son give their best at every moment. I found smiling people proud of their profession, very kind, I saw the production of goods and I have tasted many. I loved it and I arecommend to visit this place which has become a must in Taormina. The place is also very, very clean.

Tips

The shop is open from early morning until 22:00. If you want to take the confections as a souvenir for your loved ones, they will enjoy them a lot. Remember that the cannoli can not be taken away because they are stuffed with ricotta prepared and filled at the moment but you can eat all that you want during your stay in town.

MSC Orchestra

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MSC Orchestra is one of the cruise ships of MSC Cruises company, which was christened in May 2007 in Civitavecchia with the presence of Ennio Morricone and Sophia Loren. There are three twin ships: MSC Musica, MSC Poesia and MSC Magnifica. The ship includes:

13 passenger decks
13 lifts
system to reduce vibration and noise reduction in public environments
18 suites with private balcony
809 outside cabins with balconies, including 3 for disabled
173 outside cabins including 2 for disabled
275 inside cabins, including 12 for disabled
interactive TV, minibar, safe, radio, bathroom with shower, hairdryer, fresh fruit basket every day, air conditioning, heating, wardrobe, telephone and wireless internet (fee) in all cabins
sports facilities (mini-golf, tennis, jogging track, gymnasium, aerobics, yoga center, swimming pools)
Wellness facilities (saunas, steam rooms, thalassotherapy, aromatherapy, color therapy, beauty salon, solarium, whirlpools)
entertainment facilities (teen area, disco, games room, children’s area, theater, cinema, casino, library, art gallery, photo gallery, shopping area)
dining room (sushi bars, Internet cafes, cigar room, wine bar, restaurants)
other services (photographer, medical center, duty free shops)

In this vessel, they made an Italian film, advertising and scenes of a Brazilian film.

Tips

To make a reservation, it is best to do it well in advance because it’s not a very big ship and MSC Cruises usually are the Italian favorite that are quite used to do one or two cruises per year.
As in all ships, you will have the night of the Captain so you must bring an elegant outfit and themed evenings like the Italian night or little surprises that may occur at different times of the year.