The Rio Olympics are looking like a tale of two cities

Mario Tama/Getty Images

At the very first Olympics hosted by a country from South America in the event's 120-year history, we've witnessed some unprecedented things.

We've seen Gisele Bündchen walk the world's longest runway and Michael Phelps and other Olympians dominate for the US team.

All of these events are happening in a city where its citizens cannot afford to attend the Olympics hosted in their own backyards, and where roughly 22% of its more than six million residents live in the sub-standard housing.

These five photos illustrate the gulf between the majestic fanfare of the Olympics and the lives of ordinary Rio residents.

The Mangueira favela community watches fireworks explode over Maracana stadium during the Rio Olympics opening ceremony.

People watch an elimination round of the men's individual archery competition at the Sambadrome venue, located in a residential area.

Competitors ride past an 'eco barrier' along a polluted canal in the Leblon neighborhood during the Women's Road Race.