Rio de Janeiro, no matter how one looks at her, remains

Sprawling along a sensuous shoreline of white sandy beaches and luxury skyscrapers, the city is divided by startling green-crested mountain peaks with names like Corcovado and Sugarloaf.

Rio has more tropical trees and shrubs per capita than any city in the world.  Indeed, in the chic southern part of the city know as Zona Sul, the Atlantic rainforest of Barra de Tijuca is as close as the nearest window.

For those interested in Brazilian history and gemology, there is the fascinating H. Stern Museum and workshop.

Rio has excellent restaurants to satiate all palates. Particularly recommended are Porcao in Ipanema, a great churrascaria (steakhouse); Geraes in Rio Centro, which features cuisine from the state of Minas Gerais; and the delightful Bar Logoa in Logoa, one of Rio's oldest and most popular hang-outs.