Tuesday, July 1st, 2008
Brazil’s largest city is Sao Paulo (Portuguese meaning Saint Paul). It was also the first South American city to have the largest population. Over ten million people live in the 588 square miles of Sao Paulo. Sao Paulo is located in the southeast part of Brazil and has the best economy of any other state. The home language of this city is Portuguese but there has been a mix of Italian in it in recent years due to the migration of Italian immigrants to the country.
Weather in Sao Paulo is considered to be a humid climate with subtropical temperatures. The highest temperature during the summer may reach a high of 86 and is not cold enough in the winter to produce frost. In 1985, the high summer heat caused the temperature to go as high as 97 degrees and a low of 28 degrees in August. Mountains around Sao Paulo experience cool temperatures of around 25 degrees. Rain is a common site here but only during the warmer times of the year. June, July, and August have a smaller amount of rain.
For those visiting the city, the many landmarks listed below are worth setting time aside for.
1. Praca Da Se – The official city center located next to the Sao Paulo Cathedral.
2. Estacao Da Luz – Founded in 1901 this railway station has been given historical landmark status.
3. Pinacoteca Do Estado De Sao Paulo - the museum to visit for Brazilian art.
4. Municipal Theatre Of Sao Paulo – grand opera house crafted in the 1900’s.
- Mercado Municipal – market place of historical value for Sao Paulo
- Museu Do Ipiranga – The Independence of Brazil was proclaimed in this museum in the year 1822.
- Rock’s Gallery – shopping center catering to the rock and roll enthusiast.
- Solar Da Marquesa – 18th century architecture is prevalent in this building.
- Museum Of The Portuguese Language – This historical building was built by the British. First, it was a train station that housed the many European immigrants travelling into the county.
- Banespa Building – This skyscraper is designed with the same architectural feel as the American Empire State Building. It offers visitors and observation deck to view the city and a museum to find the history behind it all.
Culture in Sao Paulo includes classical music. The Brazilian composers famous today for their important classical music were from Sao Paulo. The opera house Theatro Sao Pedro and Teatro Municipal de Sap Paulo are opera houses in the city that are famous for opera performances from the greats in classical music. The Latin American community is fortunate to have the Sao Paulo State Symphony.
Art is also a common cultural event in San Paulo. The San Paulo Museum of Art attracts many visitors each year because of it being dedicated to Queen Elisabeth II. There are 120 theatres, 70 shopping centers, 39 culture centers, 280 cinemas, and 71 museums spread throughout the city. Cultural cuisine found here is anything from French to Chinese and everything in between. There are fast food venues as well as five star restaurants to choose from. Choice in a favorite restaurant will be a hard decision as there are over 12,000 restaurants in the city.
Thursday, June 5th, 2008
Since the formal discovery in 1500 by Pedro Alvares Cabral, Brazil has been a country destined for greatness and beauty. This country brought an exciting new wonder to the ever expanding world, gracing it with glimpses into an exotic culture that served as the source of many of our major imports throughout history.
With the amazing ability to adapt during numerous periods of growth and instability, these people have demonstrated a tenacity to endure nearly any upheaval or change. Their versatility is prevalent as we see how their major exports varied over time. Their first major export was brazilwood, mainly used as dyes and paints. With the ongoing time line of the 17th century, Brazil became widely known as the world’s largest producer of cane sugar. Following this was the largest exportation of gold and diamonds, then changing to coffee. Even today, Brazil is still known largely for being one of the major sources for coffee.
To truly experience the country and the people, an understanding of the popular locations across the country is necessary. Located in northern Brazil, following the meandering path of the exotic Amazon River is some of the most amazing states. In cities and towns, the culture speaks of a racially mixed people accepting of both newcomers and tourists. The Amazon boasts Acre, Rondonia, Tocantins and many other spectacular states.
Northeast Brazil proudly displays their golden, sun kissed shores. Beautiful water surrounds the beaches here, making these choice locations, Bahia, Maranhao, the Rio Grande do Norte, and more, some of the most vividly exceptional tourist spots. With sand and sun, and plenty of ethnic ambiances, this part of Brazil promises to deliver an experience worthy of rave reviews.
Southeast Brazil is the play land for many of the rich and famous, with the beautiful blue-green waters surrounding those popular attractions such as Rio de Janeiro with its luscious tropical climate, Sao Paulo, and others. With the beauty of the shoreline forming a breath taking backdrop for those golden beaches like the famous Copacabana Beach, you will find an entirely new kind of ocean front living.
A visit to central west Brazil speaks of trips along the cutting edge of civilization in this culture steeped in tradition and custom. With practices dating back to their origins, the people maintain their birthright in their country with a beauty and charisma that transcends any language barrier. For a visually stunning experience, the western part of Brazil demands your unwavering attention as it delivers you into an entirely different world.
South Brazil is the location of the beauty of the mainland. Located at the southernmost tip, such beauty is named Rio Grande do Sul, among others, and is the source of various ethnic experiences. The Brazilians are known for their intelligence, their creativity, and most of all, their versatility.
With such a racially diverse people all joining together to form their native land, the beauty is seen in a varied culture created through a combination of cultures, in a country that encourages similar qualities while embracing the differences. Experience a civilization that continues to flourish and offer a wealth of wisdom and wonders to the world, experience Brazil.
Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008
My name is Jeffrey Akers and I am a travel Photojournalist. I have traveled to many different countries, my one true love has been Brazil for many years. I usually compare most places unfairly to this wonderful country, kind of like your first love. I am currently working on finishing a new book on Brazil and wanted to use this blog as a supplement to my website www.hiddenbrazil.com. We hope you subscribe to our feed for all the new posts and we welcome all comments for our readers!