[Nepeta]

I used to have frequent discussions with a Brazilian who lived in Rio de Janeiro. She emphasized that Brazil was a third world country, with corruption, gangs running large parts of the city, ineffectual policing (they are outgunned and don't have enough ammunition)and many other features that Americans do not consider when they contemplate the popular notion of what the country is like.

Large international events sound like invitations to rampant crime.

[Caipirabob]

I've been. I've walked through the favelas with friends during carnaval. The one thing I could not talk them into doing was go up into the jungle covered mountains somewhat inland. That's when they said "Nope, there's crazy people up there..."

If you're a soccer fan in Santos, never bad mouth the Corinthians. That's a death sentence in itself.