destinations Tag

Bossa Nova Then and Now

Who among you haven't hear the song "The Girl from Ipanema?"  Very few, we are sure, as the song has been ubiquitous ever since it was created by bossa nova king, Antonio Carlos Jobim. With its cool, laid back sound enhanced by the whispery voice...

A Few Thoughts on Travel

As most of our readers already know, we at TOCA are full-blown travelers. We are so aware of how the farther we get from home, the greater perspective we gain on who we are and how we handle life. Travel helps to shake us up...

The Transformation of Rio’s Favelas

Favelas first appeared in Rio in the 19th century where they were built by soldiers with nowhere to live.  Also called "barrios Africanos," the favelas were home to  former slaves with no claim to land or work. Then came the 1970's when the migration of people from the...