"So how do you kill 24 hours in Rio, if you don't Samba?" -James Bond (Roger Moore) in Moonraker
Yeah, I know Ash Wednesday was two days ago but countless websites and blogs are still knee deep in Carnival footage and photos. Carnival in Rio is definitely on my bucket list. Carribana in Toronto may be the most international, Trinidad’s may be the most sensual and the one in Brooklyn may be the most massive but Rio’s Carnaval towers over them all. The pageantry is second to none as samba schools from all around spend the entire year preparing for this event and revelers are everywhere. Massive heat and yellow tide be damned.
One of the many floats on display at Carnival in Rio.
But what to do when it’s all over? I visited Rio last August for my birthday and had the pleasure of experiencing plenty of sights and sounds that make this city famous. One attraction was the Museum of Contemporary art (MAC) in the city of Niteroi. Just a ferry & bus ride away from Rio, the museum has the uniqueness of the Guggenheim, with its flying saucer inspired design. Even if you’re not impressed with the art, the museum’s design and panoramic views of Rio will stun you to silence.
I spent a fair amount of time shooting video at the museum and here’s a short that I put together:
Museu de Arte Contemporanea (MAC) Brazil from Stanley Tatum on Vimeo. I'll be posting more videos from Rio and Salvador Bahia. Look for them soon!
I’m telling you, on cold Harlem days like this; where the
snow is completely gray and everyone’s bundled up, I long to return to areas like these and just be.
