The Foot Washing Well in Rio das Ostras

[Original article written by Angel Morote and published here. My translation]

Note the small distance between the stone well and the
Municipal Guard tent. Surveillance of the historical
site did not occur.

Vacationers, tourists and revelers line up to use the historic well.

The historic well of Rio das Ostras is now known as the "Foot Washing Well." Vacationers, tourists and inconsequential revelers use the well, originally from the eighteenth century and located in the Plaza José Pereira Câmara, to wash feet or face, bathe and even to wash their dogs. According to history, the well was built by slaves in the mid-eighteenth century, and was known as the Well of Stones of Largo de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, serving as a landmark for construction of the town of Rio das Ostras. Historical manuscripts say that the well was used by villagers and sailors who crossed the Bay and docked at the pier of morro do Limão [Lemon Mountain], where the Yacht Club is currently located, so the crew could pick up drinking water.

Ana Biju - Beadcraft supplies and lessons

What: Ana Biju - Beadcraft supplies
Where: Rua Uruguai, Extensão do Bosque
Hours: Monday through Friday -9am to 6pm
Contact: (22) 2764-1128

Are you a bead-crafter? Ana Biju has a really big variety of beads and beading supplies at very good prices.

They offer classes in the store, Monday through Friday from 2pm to 4pm. You purchase the supplies you need and the class is FREE. Please call first to arrange an appointment for the class, but come any time during regular hours to shop.

Rio das Ostras Carnaval Schedule

The Secretary of Tourism of Rio das Ostras released the full schedule of Carnaval 2012 on Monday, April 6th.

The festival will feature parades with more than 20 blocos,  daily shows in Centro, Costazul, Rocha Leão, Cantagalo, lambaeróbica in Lagoa de Iriry, and matinees at the Iate Clube.

Rio das Ostras offers special treatment to seized birds

[Article and photos provided by Secom Rio das Ostras - my translation] 

Many residents of Rio das Ostras do not know, but the Department of Environment, Agriculture and Fisheries has a facility for rehabilitation of wild birds seized in police operations. The birds are placed in quarantine and are kept for an observation period for thirty to forty days.

The work has been performed just outside of the Parque dos Pássaros for about five years. According to Adriana Moutinho, the veterinarian in charge, the observation period is important for the birds to relearn to fly, find food and socialize with other birds. "An animal bred in captivity is easy prey for predators. We also observed that some birds arrive aggressive and stressed. Sometimes they happen to be sick," she said.

Special Business Zone (ZEN) Will Have Twenty New Companies

[Article and photos provided by Secom Rio das Ostras - my translation]

Entrepreneurs highlight infrastructure offered by the Prefecture and the location as main attractions.

The Special Business Zone of Rio das Ostras (ZEN), managed by the Municipal Secretary of Development for the Oil Endustry, is fulfilling its role in local economic development and job creation. At the beginning of the year, seven companies requested approval of their construction projects and another five will submit their documentation. Already under construction, eight more companies should establish their units later this year.

The Orange City of Rio das Ostras

Article written by Angel Morote for Rio das Ostras Journal - My translation

The orange city of Rio das Ostras, and what an orange!

Who knows, maybe later this year, or maybe next year, Rio das Ostras will return to normal and end up with a lighter look, without the visual pollution of our city.

Another Blunder

[Article from Secom Rio das Ostras - my translation]

The City of Rio das Ostras is constructing a Fire Department headquarters but the corporation says they were not advised.

The Commander General of the Fire Department headquarters denies knowledge of the construction of the building in the city. The population is served by the Fire Department headquarters in Macae, which is 23 km away. The construction being done ​​by the City to house the Military Police and the Fire Department is causing an impasse in Rio das Ostras.

City starts construction of Fire Department and Military Police Base in Rio das Ostras

[Article from Secom Rio das Ostras - my translation]


To speed the deployment of units, the municipality is bearing all costs of the construction. Construction has started on an operational base for the Fire Brigade and another for the Military Police in Rio das Ostras on land donated by the prefecture. The construction was started last Monday, the 16th, after Mayor Carlos Augusto authorized investment, along with the other large project of the urbanization of the Nova Esperança area.

Rio das Ostras will invest R$25 million in improvements in Nova Esperança

(Article from Secom Rio das ostras - My translation)

City of Rio das Ostras will invest R$25 million in improvements in Nova Esperança.

Mayor Carlos Augusto gave the order of execution for public works that will improve the area with a sewer network, recreation area, new paving and a new drainage system.

With funds from the municipal budget, the prefecture of Rio das Ostras began another important project after Mayor Carlos Augusto gave the order of execution on Monday the 16th. More than R$25 million will be injected into the area of Nova Esperança for urbanization, improvements of sewage and drainage, paving, landscaping and lighting. The deadline for completion of the work is 28 months.

Rio das Ostras Invests in Sidewalks Between The Municipal Border and Parque de Tubos

(Translated by me from an article by Secom Rio das Ostras)

The city of Rio das Ostras is investing in work to provide more security for pedestrians. Construction of the alternative route for workers who have to walk between the municipality and the bus Terminal at Parque de Tubos will be in its final phase at the end of this month.

The Forgotten Eco Tour of Rio das Ostras

Translated from THIS ARTICLE written by Angel Morote 

Restaurants, hotels and recreation areas close for lack of incentive.

Map of the Neighborhoods of Rio das Ostras

Click THIS LINK to go to the interactive map of Rio das Ostras. Roll your mouse over the city to see each neighborhood highlighted.

Rio das Ostras' First Planned Neighborhood Will Be "Green"

Translated from this article, written by Igor Sampaio.

 Photo via http://viverderesidencial.com

"Quality of life in the form of a 'Green Neighborhood' in Rio das Ostras.

Horseback Riding, Trekking and Orienteering

What: Horseback riding, trekking, orienteering and survival courses in the rainforest less than an hour from Rio das Ostras
Who: Vivencia Treinamentos
Where: Aldeia Velha, RJ (just west of Casimiro de Abreu)
Website: http://www.vivenciartreinamentos.com.br/
Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002710460352
Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/64511059@N07/
Phone: (22) 9824-9576 or (22) 9845-4167
Email: vivenciartreinamentos@gmail.com

Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Shiatsu Massage

What: Energia Vital acupuncture, chiropractic, shiatsu massage and moxibustion Oriental Medicine
Who: Gilson da Cunha Bastos
Where: Rua Niterói No. 1455 - Jardim Mariléa, Rio das Ostras
Hours: Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm, other times available by appointment
Phone: (22) 2764-9387 or (22) 9224-3465
Email: energiavital@ig.com.br