One day in Rio de Janeiro I travelled to “favelas” inadvertently. I was going home by bus and while it reached the destination I had a two-hour journey. The bus went through almost half Rio and basically “favelas”.
Many have seen movies “The Sandpit Generals” and “City of God” but it will not create a complete idea of what is happening in these urban areas. By the way, “City of God” was filmed in the place where I was. Due to lack of space, houses are built in the height. It is surprising how they are not falling down. Garbage is lying in the street. People are rummaging into trash cans. By the way, they have cows and horses.
The “favelas” are lighted at night but the residents do not pay electricity bills. They are stealing electricity. The government cannot dare to switch off the electricity. They have gas cans and the government pays water bills. The “favelas” are surrounding the whole city. Drug lords are living here. Some has fashionable houses with swimming pools. Tourists are warned not to go to the “favelas” at night. However, it is not safe during daytime either. Tourists always go to the “favelas” and pay money to “guide”.
The “favelas” made heavy impression on me but these places are worth seeing. One of the memorable moments was when beggars were lying and sleeping in the street. One of them had a t-shirt on him with inscription: Ibrahimovic. I wanted to take a picture but then, I changed my mind. It is worth mentioning that I have not seen anyone with t-shirt of Ibrahimovic in Rio.
I have not seen anyone travelling by bus without paying money. But I saw in in the “favelas”. Some of them did not want to pay money and had an argument with driver.
At night you can hear gunshots in the “favelas”. In short, Rio is a city of contrasts. The most beautiful beaches are replaced by the “favelas”. The police cars are at the entrance of the “favelas” but the police cannot control situation in these areas.



Lasha Tabagari, special correspondent of worldsport.ge from Rio de Janeiro
Photos by Lasha Tabagari