Month: June 2014

Bahia, Brazil

Ten Memorable Experiences in Stunning Salvador, Brazil

Salvador, the capital of the Brazilian state of Bahia, enchanted me with its history, colorful colonial buildings, stunning seaside setting and delicious food.  I visited Bahia after spending a few months in the south of Brazil and found this part of the country quite different from that region, which is more European in character.  The Northeast of Brazil is much more African in ethnicity, character … Continue reading Ten Memorable Experiences in Stunning Salvador, Brazil

Jeff1 Comment
Brazil, São Paulo, Uncategorized

Visiting the Fascinating Yayoi Kusama Exhibition in São Paulo

If you happen to be visiting São Paulo for the World Cup and are looking for something interesting to do when you’re not cheering on your favorite team, pay a visit to the Instituto Tomie Ohtake to see the dazzling exhibit assembling works from the career of provocative Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama.  The exhibit is currently traveling around Latin America and will be in São Paulo … Continue reading Visiting the Fascinating Yayoi Kusama Exhibition in São Paulo

JeffLeave a comment
Brazil, São Paulo

Brazil Kicks Off the World Cup: As Seen Through the Eyes of a Gringo in São Paulo

Brazil commands the world’s attention now that the FIFA World Cup is finally underway, an event that is one of the most watched sporting events in the world.  ESPN had record ratings during the inaugural game yesterday evening between Brazil and Croatia, which was held at Corinthians Stadium here in São Paulo.  Brazil defeated Croatia, 3 to 1. As is obvious through the news stories … Continue reading Brazil Kicks Off the World Cup: As Seen Through the Eyes of a Gringo in São Paulo

Jeff1 Comment
Brazil, São Paulo

Brazilian “Bleak House”: São Paulo Mansion Will Receive Colorful Makeover

Avenida Paulista is an energetic, commercial center of São Paulo, where a lot of the high-powered business in Brazil takes place. Office buildings, shopping centers, apartment buildings and museums, some with innovative architecture, line the busy, wide avenue. Most of the buildings are modern, but walking down São Paulo’s busy Avenida Paulista one day, I noticed a somewhat weathered, old mansion standing near a copse … Continue reading Brazilian “Bleak House”: São Paulo Mansion Will Receive Colorful Makeover

Jeff2 Comments
Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul

Ten Things I Enjoyed in Porto Alegre

Capital of the southern Brazil state of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre is a sophisticated, prosperous city of approximately 1.5 million inhabitants.  Waves of immigration from Italy and Germany as well as the region’s gaúcho culture give this city a distinctive feel.  While it is more a business destination than a tourist destination, it makes for good place to spend a couple of days … Continue reading Ten Things I Enjoyed in Porto Alegre

Jeff5 Comments
Uncategorized

Encountering Brazil’s Cânion Itaimbezinho

While I was spending a few days in the Serra Gaucha town of Gramado, I knew that I wanted to visit the Cânion Itaimbezinho located within the Parque Nacional de Aparados da Serra.  The national park is situated on the border of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, close to the town of Cambara do Sul, which is some distance from Gramado.  “Itaimbezinho” means … Continue reading Encountering Brazil’s Cânion Itaimbezinho

Jeff3 Comments