Rio’s Sidewalk Entrepreneurs
One of the interesting things about living in Rio is the street economy. I’m not sure that’s a real term, but it’s one I made up because I find it very interesting. I think it shows a lot about finding a way to earn a living, working hard, and creating something unique that you really don’t see anymore. It reminds me a little of when I was a kid, when a guy would come by with a big fruit-and-vegetable cart. It was in Lawrence, where my grandparents lived.
Rio takes this to a new level. You could be walking down the street when some guy pulls a cart enclosed in glass. Inside are delicious cakes, flan (pudim), and brigadeiros.
On many street corners, and I know these did exist in the U.S., maybe in some fashion they still do in bigger cities, you can buy newspapers and magazines, maybe some candy. Here you can get all of that, plus flip-flops (Havaianas), drinks, toys, and soccer balls.
There are also small stands where you can get a key made, and it is not uncommon to see temporary pop-up shops selling an assortment of items such as fruit, cleaning rags, and small crystals.
Along with all of this, the city is loaded with small restaurants where you can stand and eat or sit outside and enjoy anything from a chicken meal with beans and rice to a burger and fries, or pão de queijo and pastel. A cafazinho (a nice cup of coffee) to top it off goes without mentioning.
I think it speaks volumes about the ingenuity of people, filling a need and becoming part of the rich, vibrant character of the city that you just do not see in many other places. It is one of the many reasons I enjoy being outside in this environment.
The street economy and vendors also work their magic on the beach, where I have enjoyed a bowl of perfectly seasoned corn and grilled cheese on a stick brought right to me.
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