Location: Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Let's celebrate one of the most popular and world known beaches in Rio de Janeiro: Copacabana, also lovingly nicknamed "little princess of the seas" by cariocas, Rio´s inhabitants. The spectacular landscape pictures Sugar Loaf Mountain in the background, making it unique in natural beauty. Copacabana has been a favorite spot for many Brazilians and visitors alike, including Brazilian's famous poet and writer Carlos Drummond de Andrade. Although not a carioca, Carlos Drummond de Andrade, born in 1902 in Minas Gerais state, lived in Rio for most of his life and considered Copacabana Beach one of his favorite places. He used to stroll by the beach, then sit and contemplate life in all its colors and splendor in a privileged area next to the fortress of Copacabana. Drummond died in 1987 and is considered one of Brazil´s greatest poets.

Copacabana Beach with Sugar Loaf in the background

In 2002, to commemorate the 100th year anniversary of Drummond´s birth, a statue was unveiled in Copacabana, in Drummond´s original size, as if he was sitting at one of the many benches he used to sit while taking a rest from his regular walks at the beach, watching as life manifested happily in front of his eyes. The lonely poet is never alone; since the statue was unveiled, it has attracted many tourists who are eager to capture a picture next to the great poet. The biggest challenge, however, is to keep Drummond´s glasses on! Even though a camera was installed in a nearby area to record the movement around the monument, vandalism unfortunately continues, and every once in a while the poet wakes up without his glasses, just to be replaced again... and again. It is amazing to note that his glasses have been stolen 8 times (the latest of 2012 - in mid-June, a new pair was attached once more).

The poster says "don't steal my glasses, read my books instead!"

Always in the news, never forgotten, forever immortalized not only by his poetic words but by his image in this amazing and symbolic monument, Carlos Drummond de Andrade becomes a natural part of the scene, vibrating and resonating with the colors, sights and legends of famous Copacabana Beach.

Restaurants: Eating Vegetarian in Rio de Janeiro

Below, find three places that make up the hip scene of the vegetarian (as well as non-vegetarian) crowd.

Deliciously fresh coconuts by the beach

1. "Balada Mix": with 8 restaurants in several areas of Rio de Janeiro, you can spot some famous Brazilian people having dinner at this cool eatery (the last time I was there on a Wednesday night, I spotted 2 soccer players and a well-known comedian having dinner), as well as fashionable people and athletes having a bite after working out. The menu offers grilled and fat free meat choices and an amazing variety of salads and fresh juices and fruits, as well as delicious desserts. One of my favorites is the fig salad, a mix of wild greens with fresh fig slices and nuts in a zesty honey flavored sauce, a very vegetarian meal, accompanied with a glass of healthy, cool and hydrating coconut milk.

2. "Delírio Tropical": this is my favorite place, with also 8 locations spread throughout town. The lines during lunch time can be long, especially at the Ipanema location. The chain has their own produce plantation and distributes it to their restaurants, ensuring the food served daily is fresh and organic in all locations. The mango salad, a mix of greens and fruits with a tangy mango sauce is amazing, and the quinoa cake with nuts and passion fruit sauce is also worth trying! If you´re really hungry, get the 3 salad plate and choose from a variety of delicious options. "Delírio" also bottles their own coconut milk and offers fresh juices and other natural alternatives.

3. "New Natural": this is another vegetarian´s delight. There is only one location in the posh neighborhood of Ipanema, but the price is very affordable and you pay by weight of your plate. Lots of different empanadas, cakes, soy food, hot and cold entrees are offered in this self-service buffet restaurant. Fresh juices and coconut milk (also served fresh on the coconut, not bottled) complete the abundant variety of delicacies found at this cool spot, where you will find an interesting crowd, including those who are stopping for a bite after a nice morning sunbathing in Ipanema beach. http://www.baladamixrestaurante.com.br/index.php?submenu=principal
http://www.delirio.com.br/