Brazil Trends

Brazilian Trends and Culture

2007-10-24T08:26:00.000-07:00

Brazil is considered one of the hippest Countries in the Modern Era. Everyone loves Brazil; they love Brazilians girls, Brazilians parties, Brazilians accessories, carnival and much more.

Brazil is the owner of a big variety of the best things in the whole world. The best soccer team is Brazilian, the best soccer players are from Brazil, the most beautiful model in the whole world, Gisele Bundchen is from Brazil, the best festival Carnival is from Brazil, the best and the most known flip flops Havaianas are from Brazil and so on…..

The Brazilian culture is the main difference from Brazilian and the other countrie's culture. The culture is what makes all Brazilians proud of themselves. The Latin American culture mixed with the main influence of a Portuguese one, due especially to the colonial ties, and a background from Africa and Amercidiam societies (which is consist of the natives Indians such as Tupi and Guarani), had transformed the country in a diverse multicultural and multiethnic society.

Brazil Soccer Team

The country has become one big heart. The mixture is what make everyone so special. The variety of cultures and costumes is what builds the Brazilian culture—is what makes it so intriguer. The happiness of people is the entrance door to the country, the music and the festivals are the reflection of these contentment. Everything is tied up in one big sympathetic, amazing, undiscovered and beautiful country.

Inside the Country's Heart

2007-10-24T07:31:00.000-07:00

The Brazilian Culinary has a batch of different influences, due to the colonization and the diversity of immigrants. The major influences came from Portuguese and African culture; together with the Indians native culinary.

During the Nineteenth Century, slavery ended and an independent Brazil became a hot spot for immigrants from all over the world. Lots of new arrivals arrived in Brazilian land especially from Asia, Western and Eastern Europe and the Middle East. The new cultures brought with them traditions kitchen creating on Brazilian cuisine a truly eclectic spin. As a conclusion, the nation's multiethnic and multifaceted cooking is considered unique and delicious.

Herein there are some recipe of the famous food in Brazil:

Caipirinha – Brandy Cocktail

Serves 1
1 lime, quartered
1 to 2 tablespoons sugar
2 ounces cachaca* or vodka
Ice cubes
Mash the lime quarters in a cocktail glass with a wooden pestle. Do not remove the pieces of crushed lime. Add the sugar and cachaca. Fill the glass with ice cubes and stir well.
*Cachaca is available in the United States in metropolitan liquor stores and in some Brazilian specialty food stores.

Coxinhas- Mock chicken legs

Makes about 15

One 3-pound chicken,cut into pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup rice flour
2 cups milk
1 cup reserved chicken broth
3 egg yolks, beaten
1 tablespoon butter
1 malagueta pepper, finely chopped*
4 cups fine bread crumbs
2 eggs, beaten

Vegetable oil for frying
sauté the chicken in olive oil. Add garlic, onion, bay leaf, salt and pepper to taste. Cover with water and simmer until done. Remove chicken and reserve 1 cup broth. Take the meat off the bones. Reserve 15 thin strips of chicken and finely chop the remainder.
Whisk together the flour, milk and reserved broth until smooth and cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in egg yolks, butter, chicken and malagueta pepper. Correct the seasonings. Return to heat and stir until quite thick. Completely cool mixture in refrigerator. Take an amount the size of a large egg and shape it around a reserved strip of chicken, forming a "drumstick." Roll in bread crumbs, dip into beaten eggs and cover with another layer of bread crumbs. Fry in hot oil until golden brown.
Note: a bone from the cooked chicken can be placed into each coxinha, along with the strip of chicken meat, providing a closer resemblance to a chicken leg.
*In the US, malagueta peppers are available bottled, not fresh. They are chilis and should be handled carefully because they contain oils that can irritate or burn the skin or eyes.

Brigadeiro – Chocolate Balls

Ingredients:
1 tin sweetened condensed milk
2-3 Tablespoons Nestle Quick (or other chocolate powder)
2 Tablespoons butter
Chocolate sprinkles
Tiny paper candy cups

Method:
Combine ingredients in a heavy pot and stir constantly over medium heat, bringing to a boil. Continue stirring two mintutes - or until mixture becomes so thick, you can't see the bottom of the pan. Remove from heat and carefully scoop hot mixture out of pot into a separate bowl to cool.
Cool completely.
Coat hands with butter and scoop out a teaspoon sized amount into the palm of your hand. Roll into a small ball, roll the ball in sprinkles and let rest in paper cup.
Makes about 40.
*Sinful secret. Brazilians also like to eat Brigadeiro right out of the pot. Let it cool enough so you don' t get scorched, pass around a few teaspoons and dig in!

The best places to visit – Florianopolis (FLORIPA)

2007-10-23T11:42:00.000-07:00

The unusual urban configuration of the island and the diversity of its landscapes prove that it is possible to conciliate all the resources of a great city with the quality of life that is often only found in smaller cities away from the major cities.

Places to visit, includes:

• the view point of the Hercílio Luz bridge, one of the biggest suspension bridges of the world inaugurated in 1926;

• the view point of the Morro da Cruz, in the center, from where one can see a great part of the island and the continent;

• the viewpoint of the Lagoa da Conceição lagoon, which offers a panoramic view of the beautiful lagoon, several beaches,

• the sand dunes of the Joaquina;

• the ocean and several other islands.

The beaches located on the north of the island are generally the most agitated—where young people are easily found there. Many of them offering excellent tourist infrastructure and leisure opportunities, for instance the beaches of:

• Canasvieiras, preferred place of Argentine visitors;
• Jurerê, a bastion of vacation homes of many of Brazilians wealthiest (often from neighboring economic powerhouse cities such as Sao Paulo);

• Ponta das Canas; Praia Brava, great for the practice of surfing;

• Mole;

• Cachoeira do Bom Jesus;

• Guarda do Imbau –Amazingly beautiful !!! A lake separates the small town to the beach!

The Sunny Capital FLO

2007-10-23T11:37:00.000-07:00

The capital of the State of Santa Catarina, one of Brazil's wealthiest per capita states, Florianópolis is modern and cosmopolitan but rustic at the same time. The population of the island today is estimated at approximately 400,000 inhabitants. Florianopolis beaches are considered one of the best destinations in the world; where the new and the old exist together harmoniously. Blessed with tremendous natural beauty, the city also offers agitated parties especially in the summer season.

The beaches, the nightlife and tourism infrastructure are excellent for foreigners. Besides that, you can also find first world shopping stores, as well as untouched nature preserved landscapes and charming little fishing villages.

The island has 42 main beaches—each with a distinct neighborhood and personality. Surrounded by innumerable parks, natural reserves, squares, large lagoons, sand dunes, and much more.The economic activities on the island today are mainly tourism, commerce, public sector employment and fishing.

Sunset - Floripa

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro

2007-10-19T10:17:00.000-07:00

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is known worldwide for the elaborate parades, the competition for the best samba school, the Sambadrome and finally the consideration as the famous Rio’s tourist attractions.

Each samba school rehearses all year round with passion for this event and all its members take part in the rehearsals, whether experts or not. It is a place where people who always wanted to write a song, play a percussion instrument or choreograph a dance will have their opportunity.

Samba schools are very large, well-financed organizations that labor year round in preparation for Carnival. Parading in the Sambadrome runs over four entire nights and is part of an official competition, divided into seven divisions, in which a single samba school will be declared that year’s winner. Blocos deriving from the samba schools also hold street parties in their respective suburbs, through which they parade along with their followers.

Everyone can participate even if you have never dance in any parades; the only cost is the costumes. It is one life experience, the parades are incredible beautiful and extraordinary. Tickets are already available for 2008 Carnival!!!!

The history of Carnival

2007-10-19T10:11:00.000-07:00

The Brazilian Carnival is an annual festival that happens during 40 days before Easter until the beginning of Lent. The carnival believed to have its origins in the pagan Saturnaliais, and it’s celebrated as a profane event that can thus be considered an act of farewell to the pleasures of the flesh.

The first records of Carnival festivities in Rio de Janeiro date back to 1723. When immigrants from the Portuguese islands of Açores, Madeira and Cabo Verde introduced here the Entrudo.

The idea was basically getting everybody happy and soaked wet. People would go out in the streets with buckets of water and limes, and everybody could be a potential victim. Even Emperors took part in the fun. There's a curious record of a woman being arrested in 1855 for throwing a lime at Dom Pedro I's escorts.

After that in 1872 the Carnival started to be transformed to a working class festivity. People would dress up in costumes and perform on the parade accompanied by an orchestra of strings, ganzás, flutes, and other instruments. They were more organized than the Cordões, and gained popularity around 1911.

A PIECE OF PARADISE FOR EVERYONE

2007-10-18T14:01:00.000-07:00

Fernando de Noronha is the beautiful archipelago formed by 21 small islands and islets, and only one is inhabited. Located in the North of Brazil, on the cost of Rio Grande do Norte, the main island of Fernando de Noronha has 17km2 and sits on top of a volcanic submarine mountain, which base is 60km wide and 4km deep.
The Archipelago it is know for its natural beauty, variety of species, of plants and especially for the opportunities to dive and be more connected to the nature.

Besides all these beauty Fernando de Noronha houses very important projects to save the environment and maintain the balance in the ecosystem. One of the most reliable is the Rotator Dolphin Project, which his main goal is to preserve the dolphin habitat and to study their natural behavior and interference in the archipelago.
The scientists also look for to minimizing the impact of tourism and the interference of humans in the islands.

On the other hand, Fernado de Norolha is a perfect place to dive, it is consistent of a big variety of sea life and it is renowned for its colorful reef and unbelievable transparent waters. As well as dive others activities are available there such as: boat and kayaking tours, fishing, snorkeling, trekking trails and horse riding.

In addiction a huge effort to protect and preserve the underwater fauna and flora has been happening these passed year; in order to this regulation the use of solar protectors are forbidden there now. Also approximately 70% of the archipelago's total area has been turned into a National Marine Park back in 1988, because of its striking scenery, exceptional geographic location, presence of endemic species, its strong genetic potential, and also constant claims from National and International Environmental entities.

A little bit of History

2007-10-18T12:19:00.000-07:00

Teatro Municipal

The Municipal Theater was built in 1903, but only in 1911 was open to the public with the purpose of becoming one of the best opera theaters in the whole world. The Theater was inaugurated with the traditional Hamlet play. Since your Inauguration, two major restorations marked the changes and renovations in the theater: the first happened in 1951 with the architect Tito Raucht and the second one occurred from 1986 to 1991, commanded by Department of Heritage of the Secretariat Hall of Culture.
Nowadays the Theater offers a wide variety of plays and also music and lyrics lessons. In addiction the opera is going to celebrate the 250 anniversary of Mozart this coming year.

Catedral da Se

In 1913 the German architect, Maximilian Emil Hehl rebuilt the famous Cathedral in the city known as Catedral da Se. Previous to that the Cathedral was just a simple Church in the middle of a square in Sao Paulo. In addiction the monument has its importance for different reasons, especially because of political reasons. Last year the Archbishop of the Catholic Church in Brazil established some new regulation in pro to the poor.

Estação da Luz

Open first to the public in March of 1901, The Train Station occupies an area of approximately 7.500 round meters. In 1946, the building was partially destroyed by fire. The reconstruction was funded by the Government and it was extended until the year of 1951. The station nowadays is known as a visit room for the foreigners and a beautiful place to visit.

Welcome to Sao Paulo

2007-10-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

Some people might think they don’t want to spend their free time traveling to a big city or to a metropolitan city. Sao Paulo is the biggest city in Brazil in many different ways. It is considered to have the biggest population, the largest industrial park, the largest economic production, the largest registry of immigrants and at least it is consider the most cosmopolitan city in the country.

The city was built by the hard work of people from all different regions in Brazil but also from other parts of the world. There are more then 640 Counties and the population exceeds more then 40 millions inhabitants. Given the best infrastructure and qualified workers in the whole country, Sao Paulo can be called “ The brazilian Locomotive”.

The state produces all sorts of products, especially high technology manufactures. However; the economy is not only about technology manufactures, the agriculture. On the other hand is very strong . In addiction from the 260 shopping centers existing in the country, 94 are located in Sao Paulo, being responsible for approximately 200 thousand jobs and making the commerce a big opportunity there.

Sunset - Sao Paulo

PAULO COELHO - WORLD WIDE WRITER

2007-10-11T13:19:00.000-07:00

The Brazilian writer PAULO COELHO was born in 1947 in Rio de Janeiro. Before devoting himself to literature, he worked as a director and actor, a composer and a journalist.

PAULO COELHO wrote lyrics for some of the famous Brazilian names in the music segment, like Elis Regina and Rita Lee, his most successful work was the musical partnership with Raul Seixas.

In 1982, he published his first book, Arquivo do Inferno (Hell's archives), which had no big effect. In 1986, PAULO COELHO made the pilgrimage by the Camino de Santiago, whose experience is described in The Alchemist published in 1988. Despite his slow Initial selling, late would have became the best seller Brazilian book across all Times. Other titles include Brida (1990), The Valkírias (1992), Na Bank of the River, Piedra I sat and cried (1994), a collection of Best columns published in Folha de Sao Paulo, births (1994), In its compilation of texts Phrases (1995), Mount Five (1996), The Manual of the Warrior of Light (1997), Veronika Decides to Die (1998), The Devil and Srta. Prym (2000), a collection of traditional tales in Stories to parents, children and grandchildren (2001), Eleven Minutes (2003) and The Zahir (2005).

PAULO COELHO sold a total of 100 million copies. According to the American magazine "Publishing Trends," the author was the best seller in 2003 inthe world with the book Eleven Minutes). Also on the list of "Publishing Trends," The Alchemist was positioned as sixth place in the Sales World also in 2003. Eleven Minutes reached the first place in all countries where it was launched, except England, where he was second place. The Zahir, published in 2005, was positioned on the third place just below of Da Vinci Code and Angels and devils, Dan Brown.

SOME OF HIS QUOTES:

Link
www.paulocoelho.com.br

TRANCOSO – The Paradisiacal Beaches

2007-10-10T13:57:00.001-07:00

Surrounded by untouched tropical forests with Turquoise bays and white sand beaches, Trancoso is a delightful backdrop for kite and wind surfing, snorkeling, kayaking and swimming. The landscape is amazing, the weather is always sunny and very hot as a result the entrie year lots of people go there to maintain their sun tan.

PRAIA DO ESPELHO - MIRROR BEACH

The beach of the Mirror it is located 20Km far from Trancoso near to the town of Caraíva. It is known for its beauty and its paradisiacal landscapes. It is common to go there and to find yourself almost alone in the beach due to the complexity of approaching the beach.

PRAIA DO CURUIPE - BEACH OF CURUIPE

The beach of the Curuípe is located 20km far from Trancoso in the direction of Caraíva The old fishing town had became one of the most famous beaches in Brazil. The first reason is because of the architecture of the town, the typical old fishing houses had been remodeled by local people of the area with the idea of keeping the original characteristics of the houses and the amazing thing is that they ended with much more charm. In this beach you can find excellent restaurants, bars and inns.

TRANCOSO – The Rustic Chic Town

2007-10-10T13:56:00.000-07:00

Trancoso is a small, preserved fishermen's town in the northeastern part of the vast Brazilian cost. It is know for its tranquility and charming places, perfect for visiting with friends, family and for honeymoon. The small town content nice places to go such as the best restaurants in the north of Brazil and most beautiful beaches in the entire cost.

In addiction, Trancoso also offers plenty options to stay; some of the best hotels are located in the QUADRADO--the famous place to go in Trancoso. The Quadrado is a square surrounded by many different kinds of restaurants, style little stores and some well know chateaus like Estrela D'Agua which is also known by its famous restaurant, one of the best in the square.

One of the reasons, Trancoso is so famous is because at the same time it offers people the beauty on the small things it also offers the emotion of a lively town. The Sao Joao's Church is one of the simple things, it was raised in 1956 and is located in the middle of the square. It is Beatiful!!

Quadrado - St. Joao's Church

GASTRONOMIC PARADISE

2007-10-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

RUA AMAURI is a street located in Itaim – one of the best districts in Sao Paulo – there you can find the finest and trends restaurants in town. The target audience who goes to Rua Amauri can be describe from 18 trough 50 years old, as a result some of the restaurant are more expensive then the others.

In addiction, one small and charming square was build there in 2006 with the intention to offer a nice place for people to hang out and chill. Another big attraction, which has just opened, is the Starbucks that has certainly become one of the most popular places to go on Rua Amauri.

Herein is a list of the best ones to go:

Forneria Sao Paolo = A fancy place to eat the best sandwiches in town.

Dressing = The modern environment and the good food makes this restaurant a certain place for diverse occasions.

Ecco = Known for its famous clients, Ecco is perfect to go with friends and to enjoy the variety of food it offers.

Parigi = For sure the most refined and expensive one.

Forneria Sao Paolo Restaurant - Rua Amauri (SP)

Parigi Restaurant - Rua Amauri (SP)

Dressing Restaurant - Rua Amauri (SP)

Ecco Restaurant - Rua Amauri (SP)

HOT WINTER

2007-10-02T12:28:00.000-07:00

CAMPOS DO JORDAO is located near to the mountains up to 1700 meters of altitude, is surrounded by a vast variety of plants and a famous Araucaria forest.. With cold climate, fancy and charming restaurants and a lively nightlife, Campos do Jordao is considered the best place for young people to go on winter time in Brazil. It is also known as the famous tourist ranch in the country.

There you can find all sorts of restaurants mostly because the local restaurants have the ability to offer distinct specialties starting from the most traditional Italian cosine to the popular ones that only the mountains can offer, such as Foudue restaurants and "Crepes" with different fillings.

Besides that many options of pubs can be found in the famous square known as “ Badem – Badem” in Campos (the way most brazilians call Campos do Jordao). As well as the bars, the clubs are situated all over the town.

Badem - Badem

In addition if you might prefer to have a more relaxed weekend closer to the environment and the nature, lots of alternatives to experience this can be found there, for instance: long walkings and numerous tracks inside the forests.

Related sites:

www.camposdojordao.com.br
http://www.altus.tur.br/novosite/index.php

Shop Hour!

2007-09-25T22:07:00.000-07:00

DASLU is a posh multi-brand boutique-department store located in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The boutique is known as the "fashion designers mecca" of Brazil as it houses more than 60 labels plus 30 store-in-stores and is the place where Brazilian shop for the latest accessories and clothing. It is also a renowned shopping institution in South America for being a "purveyor" in chic and exclusive couture, its service and sales team are considered better than any other department store in the world.

The store has just been remodeled and thus you can find a vaster variety of products such as; fancy cars, helicopters, “trips” (there is a travel agency in there), boats, books, clothes for men, women and childreen, acessories, cosmetics, flowers, food, home furniture, glasses, eletronics and jewelry. In the store you can also three different restaurants, a japonease, a french and a contemporaneo one, a hair dresser, a drugstore, a wine shop, and finally a rental salon for parties.

Worldwide known brands such as Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Armani, Dolce Gabbana, Gap, Banana Republic, Diesel, Burberry, among others can also be found in the store as well as the best brands in Brazil are also there.

The slogan, “all your dreams in only one place,” has the magnet effect on clients as they can find it all in one place. The facillities offered are of much value to the clientle in Sao Paulo. The quarter magazine the store releases is only a microcosm of what the palace feels like.

Related links:
www.daslu.com.br
www.expand.com.br
www.terezaperez.com.br

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Get close to Nature

2007-09-25T12:29:00.000-07:00

THE PANTANAL is an open swampland larger than France that extends deep into the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. Moreover, the Pantanal is an area where you can find more of the wild and natural life. In fact, you see so many birds and animals that you start to think you’re in a well-stocked wildlife park, due to researches there are in fact 124 wild mammal species, 177 reptile species and a further 41 amphibian species in these swamps.

I have been there once with my whole family and I considered one of the most amazing landscapes I have ever been. There I had the opportunity to be close to animals and nature and really understand their habitat.

The Caiman Ecologic Refuge is a nice hotel to stay. While being located in the middle of the swamp, the hotel was the pioneer in creating the ecological project, this shows how prepared and equipped the hotel is. These services are rendered by the “caimaners”, bi-lingual university-level guides specialized in the flora and fauna in Pantanal. It is a trip that will never be forgotten!

2007-09-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

WHY BRAZIL ?

Known as the most festive and tropical country in the whole world, Brazil is considered a pleasant place for everyone to visit. The Carnival and its white sandy beaches is the front door to step into this amazing place. Only a few countries can be compared to Brazil, its fauna, beauty and vast variety of plants are most amazing to the eyes of all foreigners.

There’s possibly no one on earth who hasn’t heard about the Carnival, Samba, the Amazon, Rio de Janeiro, the paradise beaches among many other wonders included in Brazil.For instance, Rio de Janeiro,one of the known cities in Brazil, is known as the “Cidade Maravilhosa”which mean the Marvelous City in Portuguese, the local language. The people who live in Rio are known as “the Cariocas”.Thus, the “Carioca city”owns one of the most, if not the most, beautiful landscapes. In the month of February the famous Carnival parade takes place in Rio and it is broadcasted around the world. In it people parade in colorful, fancy outfits and beautiful women show off all their charm while dancing to the rhythm of the Samba.Carnival lasts for a week and the “Escolas de Samba”, Samba schools, compete against each other with all their hearts to see which one becomes the champion of the year.

Cristo Redentor - Rio de Janeiro (RJ)

As one can see, Carnival in Brazil is a fever which reaches all levels of the Brazilian society and it does not only take place in Rio de Janeiro but all over the country, in particular in the northern states.For example the state of Bahia is considered the second hottest place to be during Carnival. Famous Brazilian singers attend private parties and sing on what is called “Trio Eletricos”which are mobile stages placed on top of trucks thus allowing shows to move all around the city with people singing and dancing as they move along. Indeed it is a great sight to see!!!

The second reason why most foreigner tourists go to Brazil is due to its cheap leaving cost (the local currency, the Real, is not worth much compared to other strong foreign currencies) and since there is more than 7000 Km of beautiful beaches stretching along its coast, this country is the place to be! To mention a few of its wonderful beaches one can mention :Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, Joaquina in the South, Praia do forte in the North of Bahia and the group of islands called Fernando de Noronha known as a perfect place to dive!

Fernando de Noronha - Pernambuco

On the other hand, there is Sao Paulo a metropolitan city and like all the big cities in the world, you can find very fancy restaurants, lively nightlife and the best stores in the country which include local and international brands. As mentioned above, the prices in Brazil are very tempting to foreign currency therefore due to all the above, one should go to Brazil and experience all the fascination awaiting for them in the biggest South American country.

2007-09-24T20:19:00.001-07:00

Angra dos Reis - Rio de Janeiro