DEC 27 and DEC 28 FINAL DETAILS =) !!!

Dear Family and Friends...

The time is fast approaching! Francis and I leave on the 19th for Rio to handle final details and enjoy Christmas. Some of you have already left for the beautiful country as well. We are so looking forward to sharing these special moments with you.

Here are the details regarding the time and location for the dinner on Dec 27 and the wedding celebration and ceremony on the 28th.


We will start with drinks at 6pm and move on to dinner by 7pm. We realize many of you are arriving on that day and may be tired so we do not plan on a late evening. Dress code for this event is casual elegant- we trust your interpretation.

Here is the link and address

http://www.aprazivel.com.br

Rua Aprazivel 62 Santa Teresa - Cep 0241 - 270

tels: 25089174 - 2507 7334



Regardig Friday December 28

We ask that you arrive at 5 pm for our wedding ceremony and celebration.

Here is the link and address for the location (Solar De Santa) in the Santa Teresa region of Rio.....

Let us kindly remind you that the dress code for the wedding is all white elegant attire.

http://www.solardesanta.com/

Solar de Santa
Ladeira do Meirelles, 32 Santa Teresa,
Rio de Janeiro, Brasil - 20241-340Tel: +55 21
2221-2117Fax: +55 21 2221-6679

SAFETY IN RIO

I copied these tips from www.ipanema.com/rio/basics/e/safety.htm feel free to go there for more information.

SAFETY IN RIO


Do not even bother packing flashy jewelry, gold, or platinum and diamond-studded watches. If you've got it or like it, this is place to buy them but not the place to flaunt it...

Your invaluable valuables belong in the safety box of your hotel room.

Carry along a photocopy of your passport, in case you are asked to show some ID. Leave the original together with your driver's license in your safety box (unless you're driving, of course).

Do not take along more cash than you need. Most restaurants and stores take plastic, anyway, and you use your debit cards ATM's at selected banks.

Stay on the South side of Rio, or at areas specifically recommend by our insider's guide.

Avoid dark or isolated areas where you do not see a single soul at night (duhh), such as the Flamengo Park, or the Financial District.

Walk with a sense of purpose, as if you knew where you are going to. Looking like a victim is the first step to becoming one.
Don't leave your camcorder or state-of-the-art camera swinging from your limp hand, like a shopping bag. Wear shoulder straps.

If you bring along expensive cameras, camcorders or laptops, consider an insurance.

At the beach, do not leave your expensive camera, passport and/or cash laying around on the sand unattended while you go for a few laps. Do not hide your money in your $200 sneakers either, or you will lose both (that's an old one).

Don't take off your watch and leave it laying on the sand behind your back while you are sitting on the sand distracted by the girls or boys that pass by (we've seen saw someone do this...)

Do not take regular buses alone (see getting around), taxis cost much less than you expect. If you must take a bus (at your own risk), avoid the window seats and the back rows. Keep the exact change in hand, so you don't have to mess with your wallet (which is obviously in your front pocket).

Good Night Cinderella is an old trick that still works. You take a drink offered by a friendly stranger (men or woman). It contains powerful sleeping drugs. You will need help to get back to your hotel room, and this caring and friendly person will gain access to your valuables while you are helpless. Do not leave your drink unattended at bars or discos, for the same reason.

Don't take strangers you've just met back to your hotel room - even if you think you are in love! This is the easiest way to become a victim of violence or theft. Say that your hotel does not allow visitors (which may well be true) and go to a honeymoon motel, instead. Everybody knows where to find them.

If someone accidentally spills something on you in the street, and offers to clean it say thank you, and walk away. They may have a partner waiting for a chance to pick your wallet while you are distracted with the action.

At nightclubs and rock shows, stay away from pitboys. These muscular guys, nicknamed after their pitbulls, tend to hang out in boys-only groups. They may pick up fights for no apparent reason (we know it's the steroids speaking). Their favorite victims are members of other pitboy groups, or with security guards.

Don't get involved with the drug scene, even if you think you know what you're doing.

If you get in trouble with the police, do not offer a bribe. It could make things go from bad to sour. Underhanded cops are usually very open when they are creating a problem to sell the solution. They will take the initiative of asking for the cervejinha (i.e. tip).

If the worse happens and you are approached by some criminal element, try and keep calm. Never fight back. They may have guns, be on drugs, could react violently. You certainly have more to lose than they do.

Though police officers in the street try to be helpful, most do not speak other languages. If you need to report something was stolen for insurance purposes, go directly to the tourist police (DEAT). Their office is located in Leblon, on Av. Afrânio de Mello Franco s/n, across from nightclub Scala.

NEW YEARS BOAT CELEBRATION-RSVP! =)

HERE ARE THE DETAILS FOR THE NEW YEARS BOAT CELEBRATION- IF YOU ARE INTERESTED EMAIL US AT NUMAFRANCISWEDDINGINRIO@YAHOO.COM

Thank you - we can't wat to celebrate with all of you...



Capacity is 160 people, but they will sell a maximum of 120 tickets. He still has at least 50 tickets available, but we should act quickly to ensure that everyone in your group who would like tickets can obtain then, as they will not hold tickets for us without payment.


-Tropical Bar Menu:
Caipirinha/caipivodka (lime, passion fruit & berries)
Beers, soft drinks, mineral waterNational Champagne for midnight toast ( 1 bottle per couple)
Fruit cocktails, rum & coke, screwdrivers

- Midnight Buffet Menu:
Patês and mousses
Variety of canapés
Italian Antipasti
Melon with Parma ham
Assorted cheeses, cold cuts, quail eggs, breads etc
Beef and Salmon carpaccio with caper and parmesan sauce
Shrimp with pineapple
Assorted tropical fruit platters

- Music and illumination throughout the cruise

- Schedule
23:00 h Boat leaves from Marina da Gloria
00:00 h Fireworks in front of Copacabana Beach
01:30 h Return to Marina da Gloria for optional deboarding
01:45 h Return to Guanabara Bay in front of Flamengo Beach and continuation of party
05:00 h Return to Marina da Gloria for final deboarding

- Price per person R$ 275,00 + 18% taxes (156 USD) (106 EUR)
Payment must be made in full to secure tickets.

Please do let us know as soon as possible.

Numa and Francis

HELPFUL TIPS AND PLACES OF INTEREST IN RIO

English Website on Brazilian culture & politics:



Brazil Max www.brazilmax.com



Restaurants:



Zaza Bistrô www.zazabistro.com.br

Carlota www.carlota.com.br

Osteria dell´Angelo www.osteriadellangolo.com.br

Satyricon www.satyricon.com.br

Marius www.marius.com.br

Roberta Sudbrak www.robertasudbrack.com.br

Miam Miam www.miammiam.com.br

Brasserie Rosário: www.brasserierosario.com.br

Espirto Santa: www.espiritosanta.com.br

Aprazível: www.aprazivel.com.br



Cafés:



Confeteria Colombo : www.confeitariacolombo.com.br

Garcia e Rodrigues: www.garciaerodrigues.com.br



Ice cream:



Mil Frutas www.milfrutas.com.br



Sigtseeing



Feira de São Cristóvão : www.feiradesaocristovao.org.br

Pão de Açúcar: www.bondinho.com.br

Feira Hippie: www.feirahippie.hpg.ig.com.

Botanical Gardens: www.jbrj.gov.br



Museums



Museu de Arte Moderno www.mamrio.com.br

Museu de Arte Contemporâneo de Niterói www.macniteroi.com.br

Museu Casa do Pontal www.popular.art.br/museucasadopontal

Museu de Folclore www.cnfcp.com.br





Bars and dance clubs



Rio Scenarium www.rioscenarium.com.br

Carioca da Gema www.barcariocadagema.com.br

Estrela de Lap www.estreladalapa.com.br

00 : www.00site.com.br

Trapiche Gamboa: www.trapichegamboa.com.br





Shopping malls:



Rio Sul www.riosul.com.br

Galeria Fórum Ipanema www.forumipanema.com.br

Shopping Leblon: www.shoppingleblon.com.br

Vertical Shopping www.shoppingvertical.com.br



Design:



Daqui www.daquidobrasil.com

Novo Desenho www.novodesenho.com.br

Mercado Moderno: www.mercadomodernobrasil.com.br





Music

Modern Sound www.modernsound.com.br





Brazilian Clothing Design:

Dona Coisa www.donacoisa.com.br

Novamente www.lojanovamente.com.br

Favela Hype www.favelahype.com.br

Reserva www.reservananet.com.br

Totem Praia www.totempraia.com.br

Osklen www.osklen.com

Farm www.farmrio.com.br

Colcci www.colcci.com.br





Swimwear:

Salinas www.salinas.com.br

Lenny www.lenny.com.br

Quasinu: www.quasinu.com



Brazilian Accesories:



Mônica Carvalho www.monicacarvalho.com.br

Parceria Carioca www.parceiriacarioca.com.br

Sobral www.rsobral.com.br

Amazon Life www.amazonlife.com

Gilson Martins: www.gilsonmartins.com.br

OTHER HOTELS WE RECOMMEND

ALTERNATIVE HOTEL CHOICES

SOL IPANEMA HOTEL (part of Best Western International Chain)

http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=77018

(We highly recommend this hotel as well. It is simple with gorgeous views and not your standard "Best Western" They also provide complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas for the beach which is directly across the street! Great restaurants in walking distance as well)

COPACABANA RIO

http://www.copacabanariohotel.com.br/

(sheer luxury with matching prices- great place to have lunch, dinner, and cocktails!)

HOTEL/POUSADA INFORMATION

Dear Friends and Family:

Many of you have asked about hotel accomodations.
We are suggesting bookings at Hotel Ouro Verde.

http://www.dayrell.com.br/ouroverde/gouro.htm

Concerning Ouro Verde, we reserved 40 rooms, 31 front view + 9 without a view.

The hotel has a total of 64 rooms (including 31 with a front view) that can accommodate 2 to 3 people per room.

Daily rate Dec. 26th to 28th - Jan 1st to 2nd
U$ 100 per room (valid for all room categories)

New Year's package - Dec. 28th to Jan 1st (4 nights)

WITH VIEW

Double room: U$ 1,380.00
Triple room: U$ 1,685.00

WITHOUT VIEW
Double room: U$ 845.00
Triple room: U$ 1,100.00

The hotel charges 15% service tax.
Credit card payment available.

The hotel requests 50% payment to block a room + 50%
at check in. (check in at 02:00 p.m. - check out
12:00
a.m)

Christmas / New Year is the highest season in Rio -
even more than Carnival time - so the hotel will
eventually rent all of their rooms.

The advice of our Brazilian agent, is that those of
you who want to stay in this hotel (or any other
hotel) need to make their reservation as soon as
possible.

Hotel contact info:

Gran Dayrell Ouro Verde Hotel
Av. Atlântica 1.456 - Copacabana
Rio de Janeiro
RJ, Brasil

Tel: +55 (21) 2543 4123 Fax: +55 (21) 2543 4776

AUGUST 31 IS THE DEADLINE TO SECURE THIS RATE. RESERVATIONS MADE LATER THAN AUGUST 31 ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

ALTERNATIVE HOTEL CHOICES

SOL IPANEMA HOTEL (part of Best Western International Chain)

http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=77018

(We highly recommend this hotel as well. It is simple with gorgeous views and not your standard "Best Western" They also provide complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas for the beach which is directly across the street! Great restaurants in walking distance as well)

COPACABANA RIO

http://www.copacabanariohotel.com.br/

(sheer luxury with matching prices. also a great place to go for lunch or dinner if staying at a different hotel)

OUR WEDDING CEREMONY LOCATION DEC 28

Dear Family and Friends-

Here is the link and address for Solar De Santa....where we will have our wedding ceremony.

Please check back for the exact time of the ceremony. Until then enjoy the beautiful preview at their website.

http://www.solardesanta.com/

Solar de Santa
Ladeira do Meirelles, 32 Santa Teresa,
Rio de Janeiro, Brasil - 20241-340Tel: +55 21
2221-2117Fax: +55 21 2221-6679

xxoo

Numa and Francis

PRE WEDDING DINNER- DECEMBER 27

Dear Family and Friends:

Here is the link address and phone number to our dinner party on December 27.

http://www.aprazivel.com.br

Rua Aprazivel 62 Santa Teresa - Cep 0241 - 270

tels: 25089174 - 2507 7334

We will start at 730 to enjoy the sunset and night in Rio. Dress code is casual elegant-we trust your interpretation.

We have planned this dinner for our friends and family from all over the world to meet each other in a special place the day before our wedding.

Looking forward to seeing all of you....

Much love

Numa and Francis

DRESS CODE FOR THE WEDDING CEREMONY DEC 28

Many of our family and friends have asked us about the dress code for the wedding ceremony. Two years ago, on our last trip to Brazil, we participated in the New Year tradition of dressing in white to greet and honor the Ocean Goddess - Iemanjå.

We woud like to merge this strong and beautiful color symbol into our wedding as well.

So please- all white elegant attire for the wedding day festivities.

Many have asked if there are exceptions for off-white or different colored accessories. We kindly request that everyone adhere to standard white with no additional color accents (i.e. shoes, handbags..)

Here is a travel link and the matching text that we found describing the New Year tradition.

Thank you everyone...

Love and Affection

Numa and Francis

http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgresults.cfm?destination=rio_de_janeiro@129&cur_section=fea&feature=30007


New Year's Eve in Rio

Although Rio's annual Carnival is an amazing spectacle, there is perhaps no stranger sight than that which takes place on the beaches in many of Brazil's cities each New Year's Eve. Under the warm tropical sky and with the backdrop of the modern city, thousands of adherents of the Candomblé religion -- vulgarly known as macumba -- honor Iemanjá, the goddess of the sea.

The advent of the new year is a time for renewal and to ask for blessings. The faithful of all ages, colors, and classes pour onto the beaches at around 10 PM, mostly at Copacabana. Some draw mystic signs in the sand. Others lay out white tablecloths with gifts befitting the proud, beautiful goddess: combs, mirrors, lipsticks, hair ribbons, perfumes, wines. Still others bring flowers with notes asking for favors tucked amid the blossoms. Worshippers chant and sing over their offerings and set candles around them.

By 11:30 PM the beaches are a mass of white-clad believers with flickering candles -- the shore looks as if it has been invaded by millions of fireflies. At midnight the singing, shrieking, and sobbing is accompanied by fireworks, sirens, and bells. After that the faithful rush to the water for the moment of truth: if the goddess is satisfied with an offering, it's carried out to sea, and the gift giver's wish will come true. If, however, Iemanjá is displeased with an offering, the ocean throws it back; the gift giver must try again another year.

US PASSPORT HOLDERS remember your VISAS!

friendly reminder...

please don't get caught at the airport as I did two years ago without your VISA! you will be turned away! if you are living in los angeles here is the web address

http://www.brazilian-consulate.org/

and if you are living in New York here is the web address:

http://en.brazilny.org/index.php?/consulado/anchor/tourist/

otherwise please search on google for the brazilian consulate where you live.

see you in rio!

numa and francis

numa and francis wedding in rio FAQ

welcome!

soon we will post details regarding the wedding location and accomodations here.

if you have a specific question and/or concern regarding our wedding please tell us here and we will get back to you right away.

see you in rio!

with love and affection

numa and francis