Book excerpt: An international bestseller since 1992, this is a humorous look at what makes up one of the world's most colorful characters: the Carioca--those charming inhabitants of Rio de Janeiro, written by a U.S. native who has made Rio her home for more than thirty-eight years. If you dream of blending in with the locals while visiting Rio, help is at hand. Natives of Rio have a unique way of maintaining an up-beat samba-like swing while dealing with the woes of the day-to-day in paradise. How to Be a Carioca will help any traveler understand the endearing Carioca attitude about life and gives an insider's view into the unique daily rituals of the charming natives who populate this marvelous city.