IPANEMA

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Beautiful evening in IPANEMA with my brother Nando

Ipanema (Portuguese pronunciation: [ipaˈnẽmɐ]) is a neighborhood located in the southern region of the city of Rio de Janeiro, Leblon and Arpoador. The beach at Ipanema became widely known by the song "The Girl from Ipanema" ("Garota de Ipanema"), written by Antonio Carlos JobimVinícius de Moraes.
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Most of the land that Ipanema consists of today once belonged to José Antonio Moreira Filho, Baron of Ipanema. The word "Ipanema" comes from the old Tupi language, meaning "bad water." In this case, it means bad for fishing, since the waves die too close to the sand, pushing fish away.

Ipanema gained fame with the start of the bossa nova sound, when its residents Antônio Carlos Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes created their ode to their neighborhood, "Girl from Ipanema." The song was written in 1962, with music by Jobim and Portuguese lyrics by de Moraes with English lyrics written later by Norman Gimbel. Its popularity has seen a resurgence with Diana Krall's song "Boy from Ipanema" released in 2008

It is famously known for its elegance and social qualities. Two mountains called the "Dois Irmãos" (Two Brothers) rise at the western end of the beach. The beach is divided into segments by marks known as "postos" (lifeguard towers). Beer is sold everywhere on the beach along with the traditional . There are always circles of people playing football, volleyball, and footvolley, a combination sport of volleyball and football originated in Brazil.

In the winter the surf can reach 9 feet. The water quality varies with days of light-blue water to a more murky green after heavy rains. Constant swells keep the water clean. The often treacherous beach break regularly forms barrels.

The Travel Channel listed Ipanema Beach as the sexiest beach in the world.

*Source Wikipedia