Viva Brazil

The Christmas and New Year Eve were truly remarkable for me this year as I spent it in fantastic and mesmerising Brazil. My friend Caio was my guide there and as a native he could show me the best of Brazil: not only the touristic parts but also the whole beauty of small towns and suburbs, everyday life, traditions and culture. Considering that not many people speak English there I am so grateful to Caio for making this trip so amazing and stress free for me.

Multifaceted and colourful Brazil is known for its nature, culture and rich history. In Brazil you can experience everything from architectural monuments of the colonial era, lively carnivals to simply a delicate aroma of coffee floating in the air.

Among of all beautiful places Rio De Janeiro surely holds is primary position for me. Noisy, picturesque and ever bubbling Rio attracts by its excellent sandy beaches, luxurious hotels, unique sights and state-of-the-art architecture. To visit the city of all Brazilian soap operas is not only a dream of every tourist coming here but also every Brazilian person.  Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon and Statue of Christ Redeemer – all this immersed me in the scenery of my favorite series  i used to watch on TV years ago.

If Rio is a tourist destination, Sao Paulo is considered to be industrial and business centre with job opportunities. I have spent good few days with Caio’s family and friends in the city called San Jose Dos Campos in Sao Paulo State. The city is known for being the headquarters of the largest aerospace complex in Latin America - Embraer. I loved the city for its friendly and fun loving people.

Food

Brazilians like their food simple and buffets are the most popular dining style here. Some places even sell their food by kilos.  Meats, rice and beans are essential part of any meal. The national stew dish of Brazil Feijoada is a must try made from black beans with beef and pork. Apparently, Feijoada was created by slaves back in XIX century but instead of beef and pork meat they used animals’ offal. All in all, I felt that Brazilian cuisine is all   about comfort food and home style cooking.                                                    

I have to say a few special words about Brazilian favourite street snacks: a delicious cochina and cheese balls, which are widely available in every shop and pit stop here. Cochina is made from shredded chicken meat, covered in dough and battered and fried and it tastes yummy.

Christmas and New Year are the summer holidays and the celebration style differs from the traditional turkey lunch in England. During those days families and friends get together to enjoy a tasty barbecue, beers in the sun, and beaches and swim.

People

Regardless of the living standard, occupation, amount of money in the bank, age and social status, all Brazilians seem to be very happy people. They enjoy life, have fun, smile at each other and easily make new acquaintances. Their mentality is inextricably linked with a very good sense of humour and ability to joke about absolutely anything, especially sex. I once asked Caio why people in Brazil are so happy. He said: “We have a culture of being relaxed and take it easy and also we love sex”.  I had a first hand experience of Brazilians being very open-mindedness when a couple in the bar offered me to join them in their place that night. Of course, I politely refused.

Brazilians are very sociable and open and easily talk to strangers in the streets, shops and bars. It is very common to get acquainted, talk, and then at the end they always promise to meet again. If you are an attractive girl in shorts or a skirt, walking through the city alone - be sure you will be whistled or winked to. 

There are also a large gay community out there and the Brazilians are very gay-friendly nation. No aggression, peace and love. Moreover, is spite of Brazil being considered one of the most dangerous and criminal counties in the world, there are practically no conflicts there on racial, religious, cultural and national grounds.

Another interesting observation I made is the strong family values and ties in Brazil. Family is one the most important things for many people and spending time with Caio’s family in Araraquara really put it in to perspective for me. We had an amazing time together and they made me feel like a part of their family.

I enjoyed getting to know this fascinating country. It has it all: immense beautiful valleys, fields and forests; cheerful and open people; great night life; excellent beaches and the excitement of unknown. Viva Brazil!