Zona Sul vs Barra

Barra vs Zona Sul is an argument right up there with Flamengo against any other Rio de Janeiro team. What We Did in Rio reminded me of this debate. Let me rephrase that to be less politically correct, this non-debate.

I am full on pro Zona Sul. Sure I've teased myself with apartment and house ads from over there in the boonies. I've even been to some AMAZING homes of friends that are surprisingly affordable in comparison to my zone. The problem? They are in Barra! 

For those of you who don't know, Barra is not in Rio de Janeiro. Not for me anyway. There was a time when the city of Rio de Janeiro actually wanted to make Barra it's own city like Niteroi. Of course Barra didn't want that. For me it might as well be another country.

Actually, let's just call Barra Little USA for the sake of argument. For starters people don't walk anywhere. Seriously, I walked on the wild side once and insisted on walking in Barra. I was alone in that decision. Secondly, they have a statue of liberty and a Hard Rock Cafe. Thirdly... I don't want to live there? 

To be fair, it is just a different kind of lifestyle, one that foreigners may feel more comfortable in. It's like being a  coffee or tea person. Both are types of breakfast beverages but show a very different taste in morning. 

Personally, I like my morning strong and in my face. You can't miss the smell, attitude, nor wake up call from my coffee. Barra-ists prefer the more watered-down, slow wake up lifestyle of a good tea. They prefer their morning to slowly seep into existence. There is no attitude, it all looks the same, and it takes FOREVER to get there... the tea... I mean... Screw it, Barra is far people. 

While I enjoy that occasionally, I figure if I am going to live in Rio de Janeiro I might as well actually live in the heart of it.

Let the debate begin! Why do you live in Zona Sul, Barra, or Other?

*Thanks again to What we did in Rio for inspiring my post! You should go check them out!*