“cool, unique, or new things to do ……design, architecture, art, nature and food” Well, the coolest, and unique to Rio, IS clubbing, at least in the samba clubs of Lapa to hear the live local music that Rio created. Also try the Maze jazz club in the “tame” favela of Tavares Bastos. And speaking of unique, architecture and favelas, take a tour of Rocinha with resident and TA poster Zezinho, to see how all those houses are ‘architected’ to stay up on all those steep, beautiful hills. Inform yourself about Brazilian artists and go see their works at the MAM or the MAC in Niteroi. Take the ferry over to Niteroi, which has a great view of Rio from onboard. The MAC also lets you put a check in the architecture box. Check out the local naïf school of art. There is a museum (8000 pieces, by appointment), but you can also see some examples at the "typical tourist" Feira Hippy. Little museums like the Chacara do Ceu, in the midst of all the Colonial vintage architecture of Santa Teresa, get you more architecture points and a cool ride on the bondinho to boot. Try a Sunday in the park, not with George, but with carioca families at Quinta de Boa Vista, and also take a look at the excellent small ethnographic museum there, full of everyday hand-crafted objects that make the transition to art. Check out the architecture downtown. Take a ride through the Tijuca forest to see some monkeys, the waterfall, the carp pond and the views from the mirantes. Maybe take a tourist moment to visit Corcovado and/or Sugarloaf. Go to Petropolis to see how the emperors lived, and visit Teresópolis and Serra dos Orgãos if you want to stay on and hike some more nature. IMO beaches like Joa also count as nature. The Rio beaches are the heart and soul of the city, so do act like a local in this regard. Go to the Feira do Nordeste to sample the unique cuisine. Sample Bahian cuisine, sushi, and a nice weekend feijoada. Whoa….......your week might be up!