Glacier (WAGB 4) - Naval Cruise Book

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Situated on and between nu- merous mountains overlooking the Atlantic and the Baia de Gua- nabara, Rio de Janeiro was one of the most picturesque ports we visited. Arriving in the middle of Carnival made it one of the most exciting, too. There was something for everyone in Rio, from sightsee- ing (in the mountains and on the beaches) to shopping - from swimming to partying. Rio was settled by the Por- tuguese in the 1500 ' s and was Brazil ' s capital for many years. Brazil began booming when it was declared a republic in 1889. Coffee, rubber, and sugarcane were the principle products then, and Rio grew wealthy serving as the commercial and administrative center of the country. The city is still growing and has more than ten million residents in its greater metropolitan area. The cariocas (residents of Rio) exhibit an easy-going lifestyle. Many pursue the good life in one of Rio ' s eight beach communities, including Copacabana and Ipen- ema. During Carnival, Rio ' s Mardi Gras celebration, the city lets its hair down and goes wild for four days. Some said our stay was too short, others, anxious to be home, said it was too long. However, no matter what they felt, no one will forget Rio.

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1 , £a. -4 J •-. .■r h Bi • a t s ■■ SEl Ba BS « Montevideo, Uruguay, known for its quality bargain leather goods and hospi- tality (Free beer, wine, or coffee while you shop!) was also one of the cleanest and safest South American cities we visited. Some crewmembers were fortu- nate enough to catch a glimpse of history in the making. For the first time in many years. Democracy was returned to Uruguay. According to one version of events, some months earlier, the military regime held a vote of confidence in which the people of Uruguay showed their utter lack thereof and freely elected a new and Democratic government into power. On our third night in, the military junta officially stepped down and literally rode out of town on their horses, to much singing, dancing, and flag-waving by the crowds of people who flooded the streets. Most crewmembers were fortu- nate enough to witness this Demonstration for Democracy while others actually joined in. Shopping, beaches, and a peaceful revolution . . . Montevideo certainly had something for everyone. 75

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RIO JANEIRO DE V;