I've never been to Rio, or to Brazil.
My only visit to South America has been to Buenos Aires, Argentina. I went there in 2008 to present at the International Bar Association (IBA) conference. I loved it, and promised myself that I would return, and would also visit other countries in South America. It's a big continent with lots of countries, all with their own exotic culture - it's a bit like another Europe waiting to be explored.
Maybe it's possible to tie in my visit with a conference? The IBA holds a dozen or so conferences around the world each year - maybe they will hold one in Brazil or a neighbouring country. Also my husband goes to medical conferences. There is a possibility that one will be held in Recife, Brazil, in early 2015.
Another possibility is to link my visit with the World Cup in 2014. A Brazilian lawyer I've met at the IBA is keen for me to come to his city (Cuiaba) which is hosting some of the games.
It's been suggested to me that I need to make a reconnoiter visit there in order to find musician(s), select and book venue etc. I'm not sure I will do this - what I'm hoping is that I can arrange my event through people in my network who have contacts in Rio. I'm trusting in the "6 degrees of separation" theory.
For the moment, I'm trying to learn as much as I can about Brazil and Rio. I've watched Michael Palin's TV series on Brazil, and I'm reading his book.
Michael Palin talks about Rio beach etiquette
One thing I've learned - Brazilian people love the (late) Bossa Nova composer Tom Jobim. Whenever I've mentioned his name to Brazilians, they have spontaneously burst into song. Jobim is a national hero, and the Rio airport is named after him. I'm hoping that the fact I'll be singing Jobim will generate some enthusiasm for my show.
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