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A Taste of Brazil!

Robbie 7 Comments

We were very uncertain about travelling to Brazil given the warnings about safety and our unfamiliarity with the language.  However we were so close and decided to just go ahead with the certainty that we could keep ourselves safe.  Are we ever glad we did it!!

Brazil is the largest country in South America.  It stretches 4350 kilometres from north to south.  It contains most of the Amazon river and the most extensive rainforest.  Portuguese language is universal except among the native Indians.  It is a country that would take a long time to explore fully.

We researched and decided to visit Florianopolis, Rio de Janiero and São Paulo.  We enjoyed Florianopolis so much we are considering going back to spend more time there next winter.

The amazing Iguazu falls was our first taste of Brazil.
Our tour group experienced heavy rain and hot sun and the sights were unbelievable.
One of the many beautiful butterflies we saw in Iguazu.

After a few days in Iguazu, we flew to Florianopolis.  It’s a medium sized city on the island of Santa Catarina.  Florianopolis (Floripa) extends between the island and the mainland.  Santa Catarina island is 54 kilometres long.  We were staying on the north end in an upscale area called Jurerê.

Our morning walking trail in our lovely neighbourhood in Jurere.
A pair of Burrowing Owls that we saw most days on our walks near the jungle.
Some of the interesting products on the trees in Jurere.
We loved the large entry doors on most of the homes in this neighbourhood.

We met some really wonderful people in the Jurere area and they helped us to organize a tour to visit some areas of the island.  This piece of paradise has 44 beaches with lovely white sand and panoramic views.

One of the beaches on the south end of the island.
The beaches were filled with vendors selling food and drinks and clothes.
The beaches were so long it was easy to find more tranquil areas to relax.
We enjoyed amazing food at the restaurants. Often the portions were for 2 people and always included rice and potatoes. This one could have fed 4 people!
We really enjoyed experiencing all the beautiful beaches.
The pool at our condo was refreshing and we usually had it to ourselves.
The lovely sights in the Jurere neighbourhood.
A picturesque stop on our beach tour day on Santa Catarina island.
Lovely beach views on Santa Catarina island.

After 2 lovely weeks in Jurere on Santa Catarina island, we flew to Rio de Janeiro.  We knew that the weather forecast was calling for a lot of rain during our time there so we carefully planned our tours so that we could experience the sights in the best way.

Posing with the dancers from the Tropical fiesta show we went to.

We booked a tour to see the main attractions despite the rainy forecast.

First stop was the Selaron steps. They were created by an artist from Chile who worked on it until he died.  There are 215 steps covered in more than 2000 tiles collected from 60 different countries around the world.
We were amazed to see the feeding station for homeless cats outside of the big soccer stadium. These lovely felines looked happy and healthy.
Ken posing with a statue of the inventor of the first cable car on Sugar Loaf Mountain.  This was his actual size in real life.
Some of the beautiful city views from the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain.
This large tree had the biggest jack fruit and was near the top of the mountain.
A street side stand selling the famous Brazilian cocktail Caipirinha. It’s made from Cachaca, sugar and lime.
Helicopter landing pad on Sugar Loaf Mountain overlooking Rio.
Christ the Redeemer statue – one of the iconic landmarks in Rio.
Incredible views of Rio from Christ the Redeemer statue.
Ken loved the street art in Rio!
Copacabana beach!
The boardwalk along Copacabana Beach was filled with little restaurants.
It’s actually quite surprising how wide Copacabana beach is in some spots.
Beautiful surf along Ipanema beach!  We walked for 4 hours this day to explore both beaches.
Antonio Carlos Jobin statue along Ipanema beach. He was a famous musician and songwriter.

After visiting Rio, we flew to São Paulo – the largest city in Brazil  It has over 12 million people living across  587 square miles!  Unfortunately the weather was not good there during our visit   One day called for up to 150mm of rain!

Lights at the shopping plaza on Paulista avenue.
A street entertainer in São Paulo.
Interesting art in a shopping centre in São Paulo.
We really enjoyed all the natural beauty in Brazil – especially the colourful hibiscus 🌺 flowers that were everywhere.

We are now in Florida enjoying the warm sun and sights in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale.  After a visit to PEI, we will be returning to Kelowna.  This will be our last blog until our next adventure.  Thanks for following along with us!

 

 

 

7 Comments

  2. Laurie Myres
    Reply

    A wonderful compilation of photos and a great narrative rounding out your recent Brazil visit! So happy to see you both enjoying yourselves so much there! Thanks for putting this all together for us to enjoy.

  6. Kathy McCloy
    Reply

    When’s the book coming out? As I have commented many times throughout your journey….Really loved reading about all your experiences. THANK YOU❤

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