We spent the most wonderful two weeks in Alexandre's apartment. It was perfect, clean, well-equipped in the heart of the district Lapa which we found the most authentic and charming district of Rio. There are beautiful old houses, nice bars and restaurants filled with great music and local people. Close to the apartment you can find really everything, supermarkets, bus stations, metro stations, restaurants, bars, e.g. there is the famous Casa de Cachaça, a tiny little bar where you can taste hundreds of the most delicious cachaça. We always took the metro to go to the beach and it was very easy and fast. The flat is close to the center, to the museums, it was really easy to reach everything.
Alexandre was the most wonderful host. He was extremely helpful and kind, we could count on him all during our stay. He picked up us at the airport, gave a lot of advises. He showed us beautiful places not only in Rio but also in Recreio where we saw the amazing garden of Roberto Burle Marx. Thanks to him and his lovely family we could get a much deeper insight into the Brazilian culture and the city of Rio. We cannot be thankful enough to him. He became our friend and we very hope to see him again.