One of the main reasons that I love Rio is going to the beach. It is totally different from going to the beach in the United States. Here's a quick list of the key reasons why I love the beach in Rio de Janeiro.

• The beaches are very large particularly when the tide is in. Much larger than any I have been in the US
• The culture in Rio is all about the beach. On a sunny weekend day, the beaches are all packed with Brazilians having fun. Plus, the Brazilians are proud of their bodies. Fat and skinny, you will see them all in speedos (sungas) and string bikinis (fita dental)
• Unlike the United States, you can buy virtually anything on the beach. Food, drink, sunglasses. But stay away from their home brewed suntan lotion.
• There are two things that I love to eat on the beach. A nice cold coconut is very refreshing and somewhat addictive plus it has high sodium content. But my all time favorite is Acaí. This is a Brazilian fruit in a concentrate frozen with granola. Very high in cholesterol and delicious.