In 2009, I traveled to Rio de Janerio with Pirelli North America. It was a glitzy affair, with a week at a posh hotel in Cobbocabana. Meeting Steve McCurry, who was tapped to shoot that year’s coveted annual Pirelli Calendar, was such a highlight.

But my heart was in seeing the Favela Rochina - the slums of Rio. When the glitz left town, I somehow arranged a rare, private tour with a charismatic local German named Max, who showed me around. No tours, no bullshit…just an authentic look at everyday life.

With a gleaming gold chain around his neck, I’ll never forget what Max said to me as we navigated through the makeshift buildings: “If we were walking down Copacabana, I’d get robbed. Here? Nobody will touch me.”