The room and surroundings were as described, pretty clean and decent. Thiago's family were very friendly and it was nice with some barbecue on the top roof. The neighborhood was also as described, safe and lively. I am glad to have chosen to stay in the house of Thiago compared to an ordinary hotel. A few things to notice is that there is a bus leaving from the international airport, that stops close to the metro station at Copacabana approximately 1.5 km from Thiago's house (takes approximately 60 min). The bus leaves again from Av. Prca. Isabel to the international airport. Cost is Real 13.00 each way. It runs every 30 min or so. Of good thing to do in Rio besides hanging out on the beach: A hiking trip from Parque Lage to the Corcovado/Christ figure (takes 2 hours) was very nice. The Botanic garden was also nice.