What to do if you had only 48 hours in the Marvelous City? The options are limitless, but the Independent (UK) offers up some nice options for readers this week as part of its ongoing “48 Hours” travel series.

From shopping to dining to beaches to hiking the series offers some nice options for those planning a trip to Rio de Janeiro. One of our favorites was this section entitled “Cultural Afternoon” focusing on some nice cultural hot spots as well as new places on the horizon:

• In anticipation of the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics, Rio hums to the sound of regeneration – that’s to say, demolition and construction. Copacabana is aiming to shake off its seedy image with a new Museum of Image and Sound which New York-based architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro (responsible for the Big Apple’s new High Line park) began work earlier this year. Until that is unveiled, make for the Instituto Moreira Salles at 476 Rua Marques de Sao Vicente in Gavea, where the modern garden and ceramic fresco were designed by Roberto Burle Marx, responsible for the city’s iconic mosaic pavements. The house was built for the father of acclaimed film director Walter Salles, and now homes engaging cultural exhibitions, from film to music and visual arts. Open daily except Monday: weekends 11am-8pm, from 1pm on other days, admission free.

And “A Walk in the Park” also sounds like a must if you have only two days in Rio. Where else can you hit the beach, admire some cosmopolitan culture, and walk through a rainforest – all in the same city?

• Why settle for a walk in the park when there’s a rainforest on the doorstep? The precipitous folds of Tijuca Forest form a verdant national park harbouring waterfalls, wildlife, leafy trails and, of course, that statue. The crowning glory of the 710m-high Corcovado Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, was clad in scaffolding until earlier this month when a £2.7m restoration was unveiled. If the walk up is too daunting, take the train that climbs through the rainforest from Cosme Velho train station; be prepared to queue; daily 8.30am-7pm.

If you had 48 hours in Rio, what would be that one must-see location you would have to visit?

Austin is said to be the live music capital of the world, and it’s quickly become Texas’s capital of Brazilian music and culture. Several fun cultural events are planned in the coming months.

Brazilian Groove Night: Samba Sweat

The fourth edition of the Brazilian Groove Party cranks up on July 23 at 9 p.m. at Flamingo Cantina, 515 E. Sixth St. Wear your flip-flops, bikini tops, and beachwear as organizers bring the beach to Austin. Bands include: Os Alquimistas; Frederico7; and the Hashashin. Guest of honor is Manga Rosa, a Brazilian pop and samba band envisioned and created by singer Sarah Altoé and guitarrist/songwriter Frank Almendra, bringing a variety of Brazilian rhythms and beats to their own creative light an treating them with modern arrangements, originality, and an adventurous vibe. For more information, click here.

Rio’s Brazilian Cafe – Grand Opening Party

DJ John Moon will spin Tropicalia at Austin’s newest Brazilian music locale on Sunday, July 25, from 5-10 p.m.

Tropicalia is a 60s era Brazilian music revolution begin by Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil. EsquinaTango, a nonprofit dance and cultural center, will offer a Samba demonstration and mini dance class. There will also be Brazilian jiu-jitsu demonstrations and free raffles. Families are welcome and Rio’s Brazilian Café is located at 408 N. Pleasant Valley Road. For more information click here.

World Beat Cruise

The second part of the Afrobeat World Beat Cruise summer series will be held on July 29. Attendees can prepare to dance the night away to the music of Brazilian funk and Samba during the ride down Lady Bird Lake. There is an open bar and Baby Zach’s BBQ will provide pulled pork tacos, brisket tacos, smoked hummus, and smoked chocolate. Each cruise has a live World music band and DJ, complimentary drinks, and food. Tickets are $25 in advance online or $35 at the gate. Click here for tickets and more information.

Austin’s Brazilian scene is rocking, and if you’re in the area, check it out!

Sun, sand, … and food. Brazil’s grilled chicken counters offer some of the best quick meals around – and at a tiny price.

From hot dog stands in New York to taco stands in Mexico City to barbecue trailers in Texas, some of the best cuisine around the world can be found right on the street. It’s blue collar food, sold by regular folks taking an artisan’s touch to their offerings. Street food is a key part of a city’s culture – with smells of yucca or plantains wafting over a Latin-American plaza or a cold ice cream on a hot afternoon.

Rio de Janeiro is no different, and its famous galetos (from the word galinha in Portuguese for chicken) are popular for their scrumptious grilled chicken with Cariocas and visitors alike. The usual setups have diners sitting at stools or chairs, as whole chickens are charcoal-grilled behind a counter. The chicken is then sliced on a plate for customers. Many galetos also now offer grilled beef entrees, and sides for your meal include: salads, fried, French bread, and diced onions and tomatoes. The prices are low and the tastes are succulent.

Fast, cheap, and tasty, these simple food counters are perfect for grabbing a bite on your way to the beach or sacking up a meal for takeout. Just the thought may make you think of breaking out the grill tonight.

Have you visited one of these restaurants? What was your experience?

By Sean Chaffin, Editor/Senior Writer

Last Updated: July 12, 2010; 12:40 pm CT

One World Cup down, one huge World Cup for 2014.

Maybe the home pitch will serve better for the Brazilian national team in four years. Hopes for a sixth Cup title were dashed in the quarterfinals this year, sparking criticism across the country and quickly leading to the sacking of Dunga as national team coach. For the most part, Brazil played well on the pitch, but lacked the stellar play expected in the land of samba and sun. It will be of little relief to Brazilians that the team was booted from the

tournament by second-place Netherlands. In their quarterfinal match, Brazil seemed to have the game in hand in the first half, but lost its grip on the match in the second half.

In North America, many would say the U.S. also underperformed, losing in the round of 16. However, the two teams will both have a chance to get back on track on Aug. 10 at 8 p.m. (ET) when the two face each other in the U.S. The match, which will be broadcast on ESPN2, should be quite a media event – one of the first sporting events at the new Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Organizers are predicting a sellout for the event, and the matchz offers both teams an international showcase and a bit of redemption form their World Cup finishes.

“It is always an exciting opportunity when you have the chance to play one of the best teams in the world,” said U.S. head coach Bob Bradley told USSoccer.com of the matchup. “We are constantly seeking ways to challenge our team and continue to raise the bar, and these types of matches are an important part of that process. The New York metropolitan area is home to some of the best soccer fans in the country, and we expect it will be a tremendous crowd at the New Meadowlands Stadium.”

The two teams met in 2009 in the final of the Confederations Cup in South Africa. The U.S. led 2-0 at halftime, before succumbing 3-2 after a Brazilian onslaught in the second half. It was a thrilling game, and a repeat would be fantastic.

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FIFA says projects lagging

While excitement is high for the 2014 Brazil World Cup, FIFA has once again expressed concerns about the pace of Cup projects in the country.

Officials are concerned with stadiums, infrastructure, and airport projects, and are well behind schedule. FIFA officials are said to be applying heavy pressure to see more urgency in construction and renovation.

Yahoo Sports recently detailed some of the delays and had this to say about Brazil 2014:

Whether Brazil will be prepared to host the planet is the biggest issue overshadowing the 2014 World Cup. We take a deeper look at that situation and what else to look for – and look forward to – when the soccer world reconvenes for the game’s greatest showcase.

If you thought South Africa had a nervous race against time to host the tournament, Brazil promises even more of a white-knuckle ride. The Brazilians are well behind schedule and are already coming under heavy pressure from FIFA officials to get their stadiums and infrastructure in shape.

If they get it right, it will be spectacular. The Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro is an enormous venue steeped in soccer history. But there is a lot to be done – and not just to the stadiums. With games dotted all around the vast South American country, the roads, airports and hotels need upgrades.

My guess is that everything will eventually turn out OK. Brazilians will not let a chance like this slip through their fingers: a chance to showcase their wonderful country on one of the biggest stages on Earth; and a chance for the green, yellow, and blue to have Cup glory on their home turf. Look for a stepped-up effort in the next couple years and a Cup unlike any that has ever been seen.

Get out the recipe box – Mosaic Brazil and Brazil Club are looking for some of your best recipes of Brazilian cuisine.

The Travel Channel’s traveling chefs Anthony Bordain and Andrew Zimmerman have both swept through the land of samba and sun, and savored more than just a caparinha.

Do you have a great Brazilian recipe you would like to share? Mosaic TV is looking for some recipes for readers who might to dabble a bit in Brazilian cuisine. If you have a recipe you would wish to share, please let us know. Our culinary readers will thank you for it.

By Sean Chaffin, Editor/Senior Writer

Last Updated: July 6, 2010; 6:45 pm CT

Beach chairs? Check. Umbrella? Check. Sunscreen? Check. Now time to find a vendor for some liquid refreshment – an ice-cold Brazilian brew and a perfect day at the beach.

Beer did not become popular in Brazil until the 1800s, when Europeans immigrated to the country importing their own beer. Later on in the century, Brazilians began to produce their own cervejas domestically. Now, the country is a huge beer consumer with annual beer production of 80 million barrels. This makes Brazil the fourth largest beer producer in the world. Some say Brazilians drink more beer during Carnival than at any other time of the year combined. Like many countries with warmer, tropical climates, lighter-bodied pilsners are the favored drink of choice – the perfect refreshment for a hot day.

Throughout the country, most bars and restaurants serve bottled beer and the drinking age is 18. Beer giant Ambev controls over 80 percent of the market with its popular brands: Brahma (Brazil), Antárctica (Brazil), Skol (Sweden, UK), and Bohemia (Brazil) brands. Brahma and Antárctica, both founded in 1888, are two of the most popular Brazilian brews. Bohemia, not to be confused with the Mexican lager, is also very popular and was founded in 1853.

American and European imports are also available, but cost a bit more due to taxes. But who wants a beer they can indulge in back home? When in Rome (or Rio in this case), do as the Romans (or Cariocas) do. Get your spot on the beach, pop a cold Brazilian cerveja, and watch the world go by. Does it get any better?

Opera … in the Amazon? You bet – a bit of culture off the beaten path.

One of Brazil’s more unique edifices is the Teatro Amazonas (Amazon Theater) in Manaus. This exquisite opera house was completed on New Year’s Eve 1896 during the country’s rubber boom as companies extracted rubber from trees deep in the Amazon jungle. This “jungle opera” is an exquisite piece of architecture and while all wood used came form the Amazon, all other materials were imported from Europe. Imagine the challenge of building such a structure in the middle of the jungle? Truly amazing. The building’s Renaissance style and mauve elegance is a contrast to the ruggedness of Brazil’s jungle rainforest, which challenged many an explorer, tycoon, and adventurer.

The Teatro Amazonas houses 660 seats and boxes, and everything in the theater is part of the original construction except for the chairs. The ballroom was constructed of 12,000 pieces of mahogany, and a wall mural depicts Amazonian Indians saving a group of Europeans in a scene from the Brazilian opera I Guarani. The theater remains in use and is the host theater for the Annual Festival of Operas. The theater is also open for tours year-round.

Have you visited the opera house? What did you think?

By Sean Chaffin, Editor/Senior Writer

Last Updated: July 1, 2010; 1:10 pm CT

Brazil dominated Chile in the World Cup round of 16 knockout stage on Tuesday, chalking up an impressive 3-0 and controlling play much of the game. The win marked the eighth straight win for Brazil over Chile.

Brazil continues to roll and South American teams have found success in general in this Cup. Four teams from the continent – Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay – remain in the final eight teams of play with Brazil set to take on the Netherlands on Friday at 10 a.m. (EDT). Brazil remains unbeaten in Cup play (3-0-1) and the team’s more defensive-minded style has proven a winner thus far while still allowing for offensive futebol.

This new style has been met with some criticism back home, but Brazilian coach Dunga has shaken off any negativity about the team’s style preferring to focus on the positive results his team has seen on the pitch.

“The most important thing is to sleep easily at night and to take the decisions that are best for the team,” Dunga said after the win over Chile.

The Netherlands should offer more of a challenge on Friday, but the Oranje has dealt with internal disharmony in recent days according to media reports. Yahoo Sports referred to the Netherlands as one of the “World Cup’s most dysfunctional teams.”

“Being friendly with each other is not important so it doesn’t concern me,” Netherlands coach Bert Van Marwijk said. “Yes, there are some situations. That is the way of it. Some players don’t like each other; it is not important. It doesn’t concern me and it doesn’t concern them.”

Despite the discord, the team finds itself in the final eight and should be a concern for the yellow, blue, and green. However, with so much talent and playing so well, I would put my money on the Brazilians in this one.

It wasn’t pretty, but it was good enough. Despite being vastly more talented and controlling much of the action, Brazil managed only a 2-1 victory over North Korea today in Johannesburg.

While controlling the great majority of action in the first half, the score ended up tied 0-0 at halftime. The North Koreans were able to put together a bit of momentum at times after the first 20 minutes and gained a bit of confidence. The Brazilians showed crisp passing, but were never quite able to put together a finish on the North Korean goalkeeper.

However, in the second half the Brazilians came out and continued to push the action. The team displayed a bit of soccer brilliance in the 55^th minute as Maicon received a through ball from midfielder Elano on the right side. He blistered a shot into the far corner through the short side of the North Korean keeper. Another flash of Brazilian brilliance came in the 72nd minute when a well-timed pass from Robinho found Elano for a one-timer from inside the net. North Korea’s Ji Yun Nam scored in the 89th with a left-footer from the left inside the box. The goal made for a bit of discomfort for the remaining few minutes, but Brazil was able to stave off the North Koreans.

“The opener is always harder,” Brazilian coach Dunga told the Associated Press. “There is the anxiety, the players are more nervous than usual, trying to do too much. But we are satisfied.”

Brazil take on Ivory Coast on Sunday, June 20, at 2:30 p.m. (EDT) and a showdown with Portugal on Friday, June 25, at 10 a.m. (EDT).

What are your thoughts on the game?

By Sean Chaffin, Editor/Senior Writer

Last Updated: June 14, 2010; 10:405 pm CT

Grab the remote and get your vuvuzela ready, Brazil kicks off its 2010 World Cup campaign on Tuesday at Ellis Park, South Africa, at 2:30 p.m. (EDT).

North Korea seems an unlikely victim, but should prove not much of a challenge for the boys from Brazil. The North Korean team is a bit of a mystery due the communist regime’s isolation and has been in the soccer wilderness for 40 years. Brazilian soccer officials have promised not to overlook this foe.

“The 32 teams that qualified for the World Cup can play,” Brazil coach Dunga told the Associated Press. “Regardless of tradition, they have to be respected. We can’t enter the match thinking we are going to win it. We have to be focused and play the best we can.”

Despite Dunga’s reservations, most expect a convincing win by the Brazilians. Las Vegas casinos are booking the team as one of the teams to beat and win the Cup, coming in at 4-1. Only Spain has a slightly higher edge at 3.5-1.

Brazil is said to be an unveiling an improved defense this year, with “goalkeeper Julio Cesar and central defenders Lucio and Maicon among the world’s best.” Despite the shift in focus, it would not be a surprise to see a bit of that “beautiful game” back tomorrow, with the world-class Kaka and forwards Luis Fabiano and Robinho launching balls on the front line. This time last year, Brazil found success in South Africa, beating the United States in the finals of the Confederations Cup. The Brazilians will be looking for a repeat performance now on the bigger stage, and thousands of Brazilian fans have made the trip to support their beloved team.

The United States proved to be a tough draw for England on Sunday, pulling out a draw versus the talented English side. The draw paves the way for an easier path out of group play for the Yanks. Casinos have booked the U.S. at 40-1 to win the Cup in recent days, odds that had been as high as 60-1.

The U.S. and Brazil will meet on the futebol pitch again this year, it just may not be in the World Cup. U.S. soccer officials announced recently that the two teams will meet Aug. 10 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The $1.6 billion stadium will be the new home of the NFL’s New York Giants and Jets, and the match will be the first post-Cup friendly for the Team USA.

After tomorrow’s match against North Korea, Brazil will take on Ivory Coast on Sunday, June 20, at 2:30 p.m. (EDT) and a showdown with Portugal on Friday, June 25, at 10 a.m. (EDT).

What are your thoughts? Will Brazil bring home the title for a sixth time?

Check back tomorrow for more on the match!