(submitted by someone who deactivated their tumblr)

It is very possible that you’ll fall in love with the city itself more than any one person you might meet in Rio de Janeiro. (Although the cariocas as a whole are so warm, hospitable, and sexy that they’re also a major reason you’ll fall in love with the place.) I’m sure there are few places in the world with as much unique beauty and vibrant culture packed into one major city. You’ve got beautiful mountains and neoclassical colonial architecture to the north and miles of white sandy beaches to the south. There is live music (and sometimes, traffic-stopping capoeira) on every street—day or night. The beach culture is very unique. It is where people socialize very easily. Imagine a place where the sunset creates a golden glow across the water every evening, and finishes with applause at the end of each day.

As far as romance is concerned, you should expect something a bit more along the lines of lust. Carioca men are much more openly passionate and overtly romantic (albeit superficially) than their North-American counterparts. Romance is on everyone’s mind, but it’s very hard not to be when the weather’s hot and people don’t wear much clothing. Even the most prudish girl may find it hard to resist that tall, tanned, chiseled hunk on the beach (which seems to be the generic look for many of them). If you ever do get the opportunity to go on a date with said tall, tanned, chiseled hunk and he takes you to dinner with live bossa jazz music by the lake with perfect views of Corcovado mountain; then to a secluded beach (Urca) where he whispers the cheesiest lines you’ve ever heard, just consider yourself lucky. It’s even possible to go on a romantic/sexy date every single day of the week with a different boy if you want! Rio is a very looks-oriented, sensual place and I highly recommend every girl experience a romantic fling (or ten) there at some point in her life—but preferably in her early to mid-twenties when her butt still looks good! ;)

Even if you’re not looking for a date, you can’t help but feel ‘romantic’ about the city itself for all its visual and cultural splendor. For music to get you into the vibe of Rio—whether for romance or just plain relaxation; no matter where you are—I recommend the bossa nova albums Getz/Gilberto by Joao Gilberto, Stan Getz, and Antonio Carlos Jobim (a classic!) and Natural by Celso Fonseca.

P.S. I don’t think my description or pictures can do it justice, but I hope this was inspiring! :)