Travelling is a passion
by Marcel Meyer
Sunday, 08.07.2007
Arriving in Brazil
My portuguese is bad !!!
Finally I arrived here in São Sebastião da Grama after 31 hours of travel. The village has 12000 people and is for Brazilian size really small. The Family where I live is extremely friendly. We still have some problems to communicate, because I don’t speak Portuguese and they don’t speak English. But, I’m sure I will learn some Portuguese and soon we will communicate like usual.
The travel started on Saturday afternoon. I took the Train to the Airport of Geneva. In Geneva I checked-In and there they told me already that the flight will be delayed. I thought it would be just some minutes. No no, It was for 2.5 hours. Thus, I arrived in Madrid at 23.45. Just 25 minutes before the connection flight to São Paulo departed. I had to get the Boarding Pass and to get on the Plane. I was just on time in the plane. I took a seat and the journey could go on. To fly with IBERIA is not to recommend. They are late, have old planes and the service is bad and on the top, the stewardesses aren’t pretty ;-) On Sunday morning I arrived punctual in São Paulo. But, like I expected, my suitcase wasn’t as fast as I was in Madrid. Thus, I left the Airport of São Paulo without my belongings! I should get them in the next two days, they told me. hihihi. We will see. From the Airport I took the Bus to Campinas, where Ana and Cadu picked me up. They are the Children of my Boss here in Brazil. With them I took another Bus to another village and there my Boss picked us up. Finally I got here. Tomorrow is my first working day. We will see what me expect.
Finally I arrived here in São Sebastião da Grama after 31 hours of travel. The village has 12000 people and is for Brazilian size really small. The Family where I live is extremely friendly. We still have some problems to communicate, because I don’t speak Portuguese and they don’t speak English. But, I’m sure I will learn some Portuguese and soon we will communicate like usual.
The travel started on Saturday afternoon. I took the Train to the Airport of Geneva. In Geneva I checked-In and there they told me already that the flight will be delayed. I thought it would be just some minutes. No no, It was for 2.5 hours. Thus, I arrived in Madrid at 23.45. Just 25 minutes before the connection flight to São Paulo departed. I had to get the Boarding Pass and to get on the Plane. I was just on time in the plane. I took a seat and the journey could go on. To fly with IBERIA is not to recommend. They are late, have old planes and the service is bad and on the top, the stewardesses aren’t pretty ;-) On Sunday morning I arrived punctual in São Paulo. But, like I expected, my suitcase wasn’t as fast as I was in Madrid. Thus, I left the Airport of São Paulo without my belongings! I should get them in the next two days, they told me. hihihi. We will see. From the Airport I took the Bus to Campinas, where Ana and Cadu picked me up. They are the Children of my Boss here in Brazil. With them I took another Bus to another village and there my Boss picked us up. Finally I got here. Tomorrow is my first working day. We will see what me expect.
Monday, 09.07.2007
The first workingday
My Portuguese is getting better ;-) !!!
Today it was my first Working day. Actually, I didn't do that much. I had to get up at 7.30, what is really late for me, comparing with the life in Switzerland. First I went with my Boss to a Printing company, where our Company is doing some electrician work. I just joint him and tried to talk with the Boss of the factory. As good as I could, with my small Portuguese vocabulary! After that we went to a nice house where my Boss’s Friend is living. We installed there some Antenna. The man wants to have Internet in that house and has no Cable connection. So we installed two antennas, one in the City and the other on the roof of his house. Like that we did a Wireless connection between his office in the city and his house, which is a little bit outside of the city. I didn't do that much of the work. I just installed the Wireless routers and connected the Cables. At the end it worked all fine. In the afternoon we didn’t work. It was great. We went on his Brother in Low’s Farm. It is a huge farm, with 1200 Hectare it is one of the biggest round the City.
Tomorrow is the first day when the shops are open and the city life becomes regular. Then, today was a holiday in the state of São Paulo. Thus, I'll can buy some important things tomorrow, because my suitcase still didn't arrive. I hope it will arrive during the next days.
Today it was my first Working day. Actually, I didn't do that much. I had to get up at 7.30, what is really late for me, comparing with the life in Switzerland. First I went with my Boss to a Printing company, where our Company is doing some electrician work. I just joint him and tried to talk with the Boss of the factory. As good as I could, with my small Portuguese vocabulary! After that we went to a nice house where my Boss’s Friend is living. We installed there some Antenna. The man wants to have Internet in that house and has no Cable connection. So we installed two antennas, one in the City and the other on the roof of his house. Like that we did a Wireless connection between his office in the city and his house, which is a little bit outside of the city. I didn't do that much of the work. I just installed the Wireless routers and connected the Cables. At the end it worked all fine. In the afternoon we didn’t work. It was great. We went on his Brother in Low’s Farm. It is a huge farm, with 1200 Hectare it is one of the biggest round the City.
Tomorrow is the first day when the shops are open and the city life becomes regular. Then, today was a holiday in the state of São Paulo. Thus, I'll can buy some important things tomorrow, because my suitcase still didn't arrive. I hope it will arrive during the next days.
Saturday, 14.07.2007
The first week
Looking forward to enjoy the first weekend in Brazil
The first week just past by. There will be just 5 left. However, I get comfortable here. The Family Buffo, where I live, is extremely friendly. They are doing there best, so I feel at home here. Ana Paula, the tougher and the only person who speaks English with me, left for the rest of the week to Campinas to work. Thus, I had to communicate only in Portuguese. It’s good, hence like that I learn the language faster. I had some talks with the parents about Brazil and Switzerland and there differences and qualities. To live this culture is really interesting. The Brazilians are extremely friendly peoples, everyone is trying to help you and welcomes you warm hearted! The job is not like I expected. I expected an engineering Job, where I have to construct something. Instead, I work as an electrician. Actually, I can’t really work, because they are doing things much different than we are doing in Switzerland. Additionally, I don’t understand all the command about what I have to do. As a result, I am just the henchman. On Thursday I worked on an old farmhouse. Actually I didn’t work hard. In the morning I went riding. Actually, I rode a donkey. However, how it is told in “shrek”, also this can be a noble stallion. After Lunch I went on and searched some dessert, I found several. Then here it is like in the Garden Eden. It is growing everything. Every fruit and every plant you can imaging is growing here. I decided to something special, something what we don’t have in Switzerland and something what is growing here just beside the street. I had as dessert sugar cane. It is fantastic, to go on the field, get the sugar cane and eat it like ice cream. In the evening I went to dinner to one of the employees. It is phenomenal how much you can communicate, with just the most important words and lots of gestures. It was great to talk to some in my age and know there view of live. They gave me some advice, where to travel here in Brazil. I am sure that I can arrange that. Because these places are not that fare away. Thus, I can do them easily in a weekend.
Today we worked too. Even it was Saturday. I helped to repair an old electrical motor. In Switzerland we would replace these things with new ones. However, they don’t do so here in Brazil. Here they repair these things, anyhow how long it will take!
The first week just past by. There will be just 5 left. However, I get comfortable here. The Family Buffo, where I live, is extremely friendly. They are doing there best, so I feel at home here. Ana Paula, the tougher and the only person who speaks English with me, left for the rest of the week to Campinas to work. Thus, I had to communicate only in Portuguese. It’s good, hence like that I learn the language faster. I had some talks with the parents about Brazil and Switzerland and there differences and qualities. To live this culture is really interesting. The Brazilians are extremely friendly peoples, everyone is trying to help you and welcomes you warm hearted! The job is not like I expected. I expected an engineering Job, where I have to construct something. Instead, I work as an electrician. Actually, I can’t really work, because they are doing things much different than we are doing in Switzerland. Additionally, I don’t understand all the command about what I have to do. As a result, I am just the henchman. On Thursday I worked on an old farmhouse. Actually I didn’t work hard. In the morning I went riding. Actually, I rode a donkey. However, how it is told in “shrek”, also this can be a noble stallion. After Lunch I went on and searched some dessert, I found several. Then here it is like in the Garden Eden. It is growing everything. Every fruit and every plant you can imaging is growing here. I decided to something special, something what we don’t have in Switzerland and something what is growing here just beside the street. I had as dessert sugar cane. It is fantastic, to go on the field, get the sugar cane and eat it like ice cream. In the evening I went to dinner to one of the employees. It is phenomenal how much you can communicate, with just the most important words and lots of gestures. It was great to talk to some in my age and know there view of live. They gave me some advice, where to travel here in Brazil. I am sure that I can arrange that. Because these places are not that fare away. Thus, I can do them easily in a weekend.
Today we worked too. Even it was Saturday. I helped to repair an old electrical motor. In Switzerland we would replace these things with new ones. However, they don’t do so here in Brazil. Here they repair these things, anyhow how long it will take!
Wednesday, 18.07.2007
The Weekend
A different Brazil
Some day ago I spent the first weekend here in Brazil. The Image that I had in Europe, turned upside down. First of all, the weather turned cold. Yes, it is winter here, but if I compare to the first week, it was really cold. It was 15 degree! It was bad, then because all the parties are outside, so I had to get my jacket on. On Friday I went the first time out. I went with Juninho and Pururuca to play some billiard. Later we went on in a Bar in the City Centre. By the way, the City Centre is really small. There we had some beers. The Brazilian beer is similar to the Swiss beer. In the Bar I was the attraction, because I'm not sure, if any other foreigner ever visited this city. I tried to communicate in my simple Portuguese. The more beer, the easier it was to speak. When the Bar closed we went on to a neighbour city. There was a Jeep festival. You have to imaging that this city is midst in the countryside of Brazil and the people doing all these country things, such as Rodeo, Horse riding and Tractor driving. The festival was great. I met many people, who all tried to speak with me. After a while everyone knew that I was from Switzerland. Early in the morning we went back home. The next day I woke up, because everyone was speaking outside of my room. Thus, I got up too. Then I recognised that it was a working day. In the evening we went to a small festival here in the city. I met some friends of the family here. There were several costume parades of Kids to entertain the people.
Here I learned to know the Brazilian folk dance. I was lucky it is so simple, so I learned it really quick.
On Sunday I did a sightseeing tour through the city. I visited the most famous viewpoint of the city, The Christo. Here in Brazil every city has his own Christo. However, the biggest and most famous Christo is in Rio de Janeiro. I hope I will have the chance to see this one too. The Christo here in São Sebastião da Grama is small, but you have a great view over the city.
In the evening was the sport highlight. Then it was the "Americas Cup final", Brazil against Argentina. You have to imaging that Argentina and Brazil are enemies like Switzerland and Germany(in Sport)! So I glued on the TV, and was full of pressure to see the final. Then I was wondering me that Juninho asked me to go out. I was thinking that this have to be a joke. But it wasn't. I said NO. Then this was the "Americas Cup final"! It was a great game with the right winner. Brazil won the final 3:0. Then I went out, somewhere in the city. I thought it would be a huge winner party somewhere. But it wasn't. Here in the city the people are not really interested in Football. This experience changed my image of the Brazilian people. I thought everyone would be fanatic in football. The Brazil I get to know here is really different than the Brazil what I imagined!
Some day ago I spent the first weekend here in Brazil. The Image that I had in Europe, turned upside down. First of all, the weather turned cold. Yes, it is winter here, but if I compare to the first week, it was really cold. It was 15 degree! It was bad, then because all the parties are outside, so I had to get my jacket on. On Friday I went the first time out. I went with Juninho and Pururuca to play some billiard. Later we went on in a Bar in the City Centre. By the way, the City Centre is really small. There we had some beers. The Brazilian beer is similar to the Swiss beer. In the Bar I was the attraction, because I'm not sure, if any other foreigner ever visited this city. I tried to communicate in my simple Portuguese. The more beer, the easier it was to speak. When the Bar closed we went on to a neighbour city. There was a Jeep festival. You have to imaging that this city is midst in the countryside of Brazil and the people doing all these country things, such as Rodeo, Horse riding and Tractor driving. The festival was great. I met many people, who all tried to speak with me. After a while everyone knew that I was from Switzerland. Early in the morning we went back home. The next day I woke up, because everyone was speaking outside of my room. Thus, I got up too. Then I recognised that it was a working day. In the evening we went to a small festival here in the city. I met some friends of the family here. There were several costume parades of Kids to entertain the people.
Here I learned to know the Brazilian folk dance. I was lucky it is so simple, so I learned it really quick.
On Sunday I did a sightseeing tour through the city. I visited the most famous viewpoint of the city, The Christo. Here in Brazil every city has his own Christo. However, the biggest and most famous Christo is in Rio de Janeiro. I hope I will have the chance to see this one too. The Christo here in São Sebastião da Grama is small, but you have a great view over the city.
In the evening was the sport highlight. Then it was the "Americas Cup final", Brazil against Argentina. You have to imaging that Argentina and Brazil are enemies like Switzerland and Germany(in Sport)! So I glued on the TV, and was full of pressure to see the final. Then I was wondering me that Juninho asked me to go out. I was thinking that this have to be a joke. But it wasn't. I said NO. Then this was the "Americas Cup final"! It was a great game with the right winner. Brazil won the final 3:0. Then I went out, somewhere in the city. I thought it would be a huge winner party somewhere. But it wasn't. Here in the city the people are not really interested in Football. This experience changed my image of the Brazilian people. I thought everyone would be fanatic in football. The Brazil I get to know here is really different than the Brazil what I imagined!
Monday, 23.07.2007
The 2nd week
Get to know the life here.
This week we hadn’t so much to do. Most days we sat around and talked. It was an easy doing. We repaired again some electric motors and installed some new House supplies. However, I planed first to go this weekend to the Iguazu Falls, But I got contacted by some other Trainees here in Brazil. Thus, we are planning now the trip together next weekend. I’m eased, because it is quite difficult to organise the things from this small city here. On Thursday came someone to the house who is called Gutu. He knew my name and where I come from. I was very surprised about this happening. Later, he explained me, that he is taking English lessons by a man who is called Ernesto who I met last week here in São Sebastião da Grama. He speaks a good English and he was happy to speak to someone else than Ernesto, to improve his English. The weekend started again on Friday. We went again to play some Billiard and did the same bar tour like the weekend before. Instead of going to the neighbour city, we went on a pre-party here in São Sebastião da Grama. First we stood outside and I got presented to many friends of Juninho and Pururca. After a while we went inside. The sound wasn’t my type, House music, but the people were very funny. I got to know many new people. I did my best to speak with them, hence because of the music, I understood like nothing of the Portuguese. However, after some beers I communicated like I would be a Brazilian. The Party went on until 5am. I was lucky that we didn’t work the next day.
On Saturday I slept first until noon. After lunch Gutu passed by and asked if I would join him and some friends. Spontaneously, I agreed. First we went to the neighbour city called Divinolandia to meet his friends.
We decided to go to "Mirante em Caconde". This was one of the places I got recommended from some friends. The view is indescribable. It is not far from São Sebastão da Grama and you see over the dam.
I was happy to speak some English again, then besides Gutu, Nodgy speaks really good English too. Then he studied for one year in Canada. What, by the way, most young people planning to do, to study in Canada or America. They invited me to join them at a Party in a bigger city called Poços. I refused the invitation, because my Host family planed to go to dinner all together. What I of course didn’t wanted to miss! We went to the new Pizzeria. It was good, but not to compare to a real Italian Pizza. We had lots of fun and made many jokes about each other. I’m now at a level of Portuguese that allows me to understand these jokes and also do some by my self. Later I learned also the Brazilian dance. I guess I did it quite well. Actually, it is not so difficult.
Late I learned also the Brazilian dance. I guess I did it quite well. Actually, it is not so difficult.
After the Dinner Ana Paula, Juninho, Puruca and I went on to the "Sabado Absoluo" Party. Here in Brazil the Party starts on the street. The people stand outside and talk and drink beer. Two or three cars turn there sound systems on full power. By the way, one would be enough. Than to listen to three different music’s at the same time isn’t that great! Inside we met again many people. I know now so many people in this city that I guess I could go out by my self. Actually, I don’t know them, they know me. This time the party went on until 7am.
After three houres of sleep the Hostfamily and I went to a sighweeng day in "Poços de Caldas" on sunday.
![]()
This city is really touristy and like it is here in Brazil it has a Christo, like every city or village. In the Park they build an Ice field. Imagine, it is 25 degree here during the day. However, it is winter here! Ana Paula and Cadu, two of the three Children of the Family, Juninho is the third, went ice skating. It was the first time for them. I thought I didn’t have to join them on the ice, then there have been so many people on this small ice field. I watched them from outside and gave them some advice how to do it correctly.
The day ended early for me, then I had to get some sleep, before the week began!
This week we hadn’t so much to do. Most days we sat around and talked. It was an easy doing. We repaired again some electric motors and installed some new House supplies. However, I planed first to go this weekend to the Iguazu Falls, But I got contacted by some other Trainees here in Brazil. Thus, we are planning now the trip together next weekend. I’m eased, because it is quite difficult to organise the things from this small city here. On Thursday came someone to the house who is called Gutu. He knew my name and where I come from. I was very surprised about this happening. Later, he explained me, that he is taking English lessons by a man who is called Ernesto who I met last week here in São Sebastião da Grama. He speaks a good English and he was happy to speak to someone else than Ernesto, to improve his English. The weekend started again on Friday. We went again to play some Billiard and did the same bar tour like the weekend before. Instead of going to the neighbour city, we went on a pre-party here in São Sebastião da Grama. First we stood outside and I got presented to many friends of Juninho and Pururca. After a while we went inside. The sound wasn’t my type, House music, but the people were very funny. I got to know many new people. I did my best to speak with them, hence because of the music, I understood like nothing of the Portuguese. However, after some beers I communicated like I would be a Brazilian. The Party went on until 5am. I was lucky that we didn’t work the next day.
On Saturday I slept first until noon. After lunch Gutu passed by and asked if I would join him and some friends. Spontaneously, I agreed. First we went to the neighbour city called Divinolandia to meet his friends.
We decided to go to "Mirante em Caconde". This was one of the places I got recommended from some friends. The view is indescribable. It is not far from São Sebastão da Grama and you see over the dam.
I was happy to speak some English again, then besides Gutu, Nodgy speaks really good English too. Then he studied for one year in Canada. What, by the way, most young people planning to do, to study in Canada or America. They invited me to join them at a Party in a bigger city called Poços. I refused the invitation, because my Host family planed to go to dinner all together. What I of course didn’t wanted to miss! We went to the new Pizzeria. It was good, but not to compare to a real Italian Pizza. We had lots of fun and made many jokes about each other. I’m now at a level of Portuguese that allows me to understand these jokes and also do some by my self. Later I learned also the Brazilian dance. I guess I did it quite well. Actually, it is not so difficult.
Late I learned also the Brazilian dance. I guess I did it quite well. Actually, it is not so difficult.
After the Dinner Ana Paula, Juninho, Puruca and I went on to the "Sabado Absoluo" Party. Here in Brazil the Party starts on the street. The people stand outside and talk and drink beer. Two or three cars turn there sound systems on full power. By the way, one would be enough. Than to listen to three different music’s at the same time isn’t that great! Inside we met again many people. I know now so many people in this city that I guess I could go out by my self. Actually, I don’t know them, they know me. This time the party went on until 7am.
After three houres of sleep the Hostfamily and I went to a sighweeng day in "Poços de Caldas" on sunday.
This city is really touristy and like it is here in Brazil it has a Christo, like every city or village. In the Park they build an Ice field. Imagine, it is 25 degree here during the day. However, it is winter here! Ana Paula and Cadu, two of the three Children of the Family, Juninho is the third, went ice skating. It was the first time for them. I thought I didn’t have to join them on the ice, then there have been so many people on this small ice field. I watched them from outside and gave them some advice how to do it correctly.
The day ended early for me, then I had to get some sleep, before the week began!
Thuseday, 31.07.2007
Foz do Iguazu
An imazing weekend!
This weekend it was time for the first travel in Brazil. I took some days off. Because, to get to the Iguazu falls it is more than 1000km. I started my journey on Thursday morning. I took the bus from São Sebastião da Grama to Campinas, where I arrived at the Rodoviaria (Busstation). There arrived, I had 6h left until I will meet the other Trainees from Campinas. I knew them just by e-mail. It was like a blind date. I hoped that I will not miss them, because they had my Ticket too! During these 6h I used my Portuguese and asked at the Desks about the timetables of the Busses. After 6h I met the others finally. The first what they said was, that I do not look like a typical Swiss boy. However, when we checked our tickets we realized, that we didn’t book the same Bus company to get to Iguazu. Thus, we hurried to the Desks and tried to change the going ticket into a return ticket. Then, fortunately, we bought just a one way ticket in advance. Thanks of the help of Paulo, our Brazilian guy, we could change the tickets. So, we had to buy a new ticket to get to the falls. Finally, we got all six in the same bus. These are Eduardo, Borja and Maria all from spain, Melinda from Hungary and Paulo our guide from Brazil and of course me.
The bus ride took us 16h. Thus, we arrived in Foz do Iguazu city on Friday afternoon. This travel we used to get to know each other. Arrived in the city we had to take three other buses to get to the Youth Hostel. It took us further more 2h. This because we stayed in a Hostel outside of the city but with a nice ambiance. Friday was the day to accustom in the Hostel. We ate Lunch and then got some information about the falls at the Tourist desk of the Hostel. It is not so easy to bring six people to the same notion. After all, we finally had our plan for the weekend. To refresh me from the long bus ride, I had a swim in the cold pool! However, Today on Friday we had no time to get to the falls, so we decided to visit the Itaipu Dam, which is after the "Three River Dam" in China the second biggest Dam on earth and produces 14000MW of energy. It produces 90% of the energy of Paraguay and 20% of Brazil. The Dam is one of the World wonder of the new ages.
Sadly, there was no access into the Dam, so we just saw the light animation by night, what is nothing special, by the way. At night it got really cold. We had to wear all our clothes and had still cold. We played some Ping Pong to get warm. We went early to bed, because it was so cold. On Saturday we had to get up at 7.30am, because we wanted to go and visit the Argentinean side of the falls. To get there it took us close to three hours, because of the controlling at the Argentinean boarder. After all, we got to Argentina and could visit the falls. We started the tour at the "Garaganta del Diablo", which is probably the main viewpoint of the falls. Actually, there you are you just really close to the falls, but you haven’t the best view on the falls.
These falls are amazing, just indescribable. There are like thousands of falls in different sizes and you feel like surrounded by them!
I never saw the Niagara Falls, but what I can say is, if you ever visit Brazil or Argentina the Foz do Iguazu is a must! You have to come here and visit the falls by your self to catch this special place on earth.
Most of the falls are on the Argentinean side. To visit this side takes you at least one day and it is the best way to feel and experience the falls.
These falls are so wonderful that it took us to long to see them and we had not enough time to get on the island between the both parts of the falls!
We got back to the hostel at around 7pm. We decided to stay in the Hostel and enjoy the evening there, because, we heard from several people, that the city is not save by night. We ate in the Hostel and it was the first day without rice and beans for dinner! Then this is the main meal here in Brazil and you eat it everyday! Sunday was already our last day at the falls. We reserved this day to visit the Brazilian side. This time it was not so difficult to get there, because we had not to cross the boarder. This day we joint a tour. First we drove and walked through the National Park. We didn’t see many animals, because it was winter. After the walk, the tour went on by boat. We had to prepare us with raincoats, because we would go really close to the falls. To see the fall by boat opens you a new view on them in different angles.
![]()
The last hours we spent by walking the path of the Brazilian side. On the Brazilian side there are not many falls. But, you get the best view and best pictures of the falls.
Here a example...
In the evening we had to take the bus back to Campinas. Because of a delay of two hours I missed the bus to get to São Sebastião da Grama. Thus, I had to wait again in the Rodoviaria in Campinas. Finally, I got back and the whole trip took me 24 hour, to get back from the falls.
But, this was worth it!!!
This weekend it was time for the first travel in Brazil. I took some days off. Because, to get to the Iguazu falls it is more than 1000km. I started my journey on Thursday morning. I took the bus from São Sebastião da Grama to Campinas, where I arrived at the Rodoviaria (Busstation). There arrived, I had 6h left until I will meet the other Trainees from Campinas. I knew them just by e-mail. It was like a blind date. I hoped that I will not miss them, because they had my Ticket too! During these 6h I used my Portuguese and asked at the Desks about the timetables of the Busses. After 6h I met the others finally. The first what they said was, that I do not look like a typical Swiss boy. However, when we checked our tickets we realized, that we didn’t book the same Bus company to get to Iguazu. Thus, we hurried to the Desks and tried to change the going ticket into a return ticket. Then, fortunately, we bought just a one way ticket in advance. Thanks of the help of Paulo, our Brazilian guy, we could change the tickets. So, we had to buy a new ticket to get to the falls. Finally, we got all six in the same bus. These are Eduardo, Borja and Maria all from spain, Melinda from Hungary and Paulo our guide from Brazil and of course me.
The bus ride took us 16h. Thus, we arrived in Foz do Iguazu city on Friday afternoon. This travel we used to get to know each other. Arrived in the city we had to take three other buses to get to the Youth Hostel. It took us further more 2h. This because we stayed in a Hostel outside of the city but with a nice ambiance. Friday was the day to accustom in the Hostel. We ate Lunch and then got some information about the falls at the Tourist desk of the Hostel. It is not so easy to bring six people to the same notion. After all, we finally had our plan for the weekend. To refresh me from the long bus ride, I had a swim in the cold pool! However, Today on Friday we had no time to get to the falls, so we decided to visit the Itaipu Dam, which is after the "Three River Dam" in China the second biggest Dam on earth and produces 14000MW of energy. It produces 90% of the energy of Paraguay and 20% of Brazil. The Dam is one of the World wonder of the new ages.
Sadly, there was no access into the Dam, so we just saw the light animation by night, what is nothing special, by the way. At night it got really cold. We had to wear all our clothes and had still cold. We played some Ping Pong to get warm. We went early to bed, because it was so cold. On Saturday we had to get up at 7.30am, because we wanted to go and visit the Argentinean side of the falls. To get there it took us close to three hours, because of the controlling at the Argentinean boarder. After all, we got to Argentina and could visit the falls. We started the tour at the "Garaganta del Diablo", which is probably the main viewpoint of the falls. Actually, there you are you just really close to the falls, but you haven’t the best view on the falls.
These falls are amazing, just indescribable. There are like thousands of falls in different sizes and you feel like surrounded by them!
I never saw the Niagara Falls, but what I can say is, if you ever visit Brazil or Argentina the Foz do Iguazu is a must! You have to come here and visit the falls by your self to catch this special place on earth.
Most of the falls are on the Argentinean side. To visit this side takes you at least one day and it is the best way to feel and experience the falls.
These falls are so wonderful that it took us to long to see them and we had not enough time to get on the island between the both parts of the falls!
We got back to the hostel at around 7pm. We decided to stay in the Hostel and enjoy the evening there, because, we heard from several people, that the city is not save by night. We ate in the Hostel and it was the first day without rice and beans for dinner! Then this is the main meal here in Brazil and you eat it everyday! Sunday was already our last day at the falls. We reserved this day to visit the Brazilian side. This time it was not so difficult to get there, because we had not to cross the boarder. This day we joint a tour. First we drove and walked through the National Park. We didn’t see many animals, because it was winter. After the walk, the tour went on by boat. We had to prepare us with raincoats, because we would go really close to the falls. To see the fall by boat opens you a new view on them in different angles.
The last hours we spent by walking the path of the Brazilian side. On the Brazilian side there are not many falls. But, you get the best view and best pictures of the falls.
Here a example...
In the evening we had to take the bus back to Campinas. Because of a delay of two hours I missed the bus to get to São Sebastião da Grama. Thus, I had to wait again in the Rodoviaria in Campinas. Finally, I got back and the whole trip took me 24 hour, to get back from the falls.
But, this was worth it!!!
Monday, 06.08.2007
Sao Paulo
The city of the differences and contrast
.jpg)
This weekend started for me on Friday. Then I had to register me here in Brazil at the Police Federal. To do so you get 30 days from your arrival. Thus, for me it was the last chance to do it. I was good prepared, because of some friends help and information. I paid already the taxes and copied all pages of my passport. I also had to get to the notary's office to authentify my copies officially. The bureaucracy here in Brazil is immense and to do some official things, takes a lot of time. All these preparation I did before I went to Campinas to the Police Federal. However, On Friday, I took the 9am bus to Campinas. There arrived I had to get to the Police Federal. I did not know how to get there, because my host family had no idea and even the tougher, which is living in Campinas for 4 years, could not help me. Both recommended me to take a Taxi to get around in Campinas. I thought, this is a little bit extreme, than here in Brazil the bus system is really good. Thus, I asked around how to get there. After a while someone could help me and told me a bus number. In the bus I asked the person where I had to pay the ticket, if this bus is the correct to get to the Police Federal. She said something in Portuguese, what I did not understand. After she screamed through the whole bus to ask someone else, about the station I had to get off the bus. Then she advised me the right bus stop. So, I got off the bus. The Brazilians are really friendly and helpful. Then there came a woman with me to show me the right way to the Police Federal. The Police Federal would not open before 2pm. Thus, I went to the Bank and tried to change my traveller Checks, what was not possible, then these does just the main bank. I know now that I will never travel with traveller Chacks anymore. That is too complicated to change them nowadays.
Back at the Police Federal I had to wait for 2h. So I started to talk to another person, who was waiting. It turned out that she speaks German too. Then she is from Germany and works now in Campinas as a German teacher. It was great to have some company to wait and we had a nice chat. After the Police Federal she helped me to find the right bus to get to the Shopping mall "Dom Pedro". There I would meet Melinda, with who I am going to São Paulo. We asked at the Bus station and we found a woman, who is working in the Dom Pedro. So, I could join here and got without any problem to the mall. The Dom Pedro is the biggest mall of South America. After some hours waiting, I met Melinda. We had Dinner and then went to her Houst family. Because I could sleep at there place. Like that, I did not had to take the 3h bus ride back to São Sebastião da Grama and on Saturday back again to get to São Paulo.
On Saturday we went to São Paulo by bus. It takes just 1.5h, what is really close in Brazilian distances. We had an Appointment at 1pm with Fabiana, a Brazilian girl, who lives in Sao Paulo. Melinda met Fabiana once at the Unicampi (Campinas) at Lunch. Fabiana offered her to show her around in Sao Paulo. Me, so bold I am, just linked me in and joint Melinda to Sao Paulo. We met Fabiana at the Rodoviaria and some other friends, such as Edu, Douglas and Marlon too.
.jpg)
First, we went by Subway to the City centre. There we walked through the street of the 25th March, which is the street to by cheap and faked things. I guess it is the most crowded place in São Paulo. First I was shocked about these masses of people. Especially, when you hear from other Brazilians that São Paulo is extremely dangerous and violent and you could not walk around without getting robed. It is not so extreme, then I saw the whole weekend no violent in São Paulo. Anyway, I was happy to have friends here in São Paulo, who know the city and take care about you.
![]()
After, we went to the marked hall, where I tried some Brazilian food, such as "Pestel Palmeta". What is like a spring roll filled with Palm tree meat. It was good, but I guess the Palmeta tastes better on salad, like they told me. At the marked hall, joint new people our group. I do not remember all names. It was great that they all speaking English and we could communicate easily. Later we walked through the business area, where all the banks are. It is the pure contrast to the street of the 25th march and is just 100m beside this street.
.jpg)
Most of our group are Architects, so they showed us many interesting buildings of São Paulo and told us the history of these buildings and São Paulo. Such as the Point Zero of São Paulo, where the first school was build and reflects the beginning of the city.
.jpg)
Of course we went also to the Japanese district of São Paulo. Then Fabiana has Japanese roots, like many other people here in Brazil. After the sightseeing we went to the Hotel to get ready to go out at night. The problem was that our reserved room was given to someone else, because we have been arrived to late. So, we had to find another one. But because of a huge Greek wedding, there were all cheap Hotels full booked. Finally, we got a place to sleep. Then two flatmates of Douglas and his sister were not there this weekend, so we could sleep in there apartment. It was fantastic and so nice of them to take us for the night. It was great, then they life midst in São Paulo at the Av. Paulista. After a shower we have been ready to go out. Fabiana and some friends picked us up to go out in Villa Madalena. Where all the Bars are. It is also a part of the old town of São Paulo. It was time to try different mixes of Cachaça, then Cachaça is the national Drink here in Brazil and made of Sugarcane. But the original Caipirinha I prefer. During the night joint us again more people, I guess at the end we have been like 15 people. Sadly, I had no chance to speak to all of them.
.jpg)
![]()
.jpg)
On Sunday, the day started late, because of the late night before. First we went with Douglas and his Sister to have Lunch in a mall beside the apartment. Later Fabiana picked us up again and we went to the biggest park of São Paulo. The Ibirapuera Park.
Sadly, it was cloudy. However, we hat some hours left before we had to go home. The park is really interesting, especially for architects. Then it has several buildings if Oscar Niemeyer, the most famous Brazilian Architect.
.jpg)
![]()
After the park it was time to get back to the Rodoviaria again. Then in São Paulo the traffic is immense and it takes hours to get somewhere. We got by time to the Bus terminal, so I could start the 4.5h trip from São Paulo back to São Sebastião da Grama. The weekend was great and I have to say that Brazilians are fantastic hosts. Then it is not usual that you take 2 days time to show some Gringos around in your city. It was phenomenal!
.jpg)
This weekend started for me on Friday. Then I had to register me here in Brazil at the Police Federal. To do so you get 30 days from your arrival. Thus, for me it was the last chance to do it. I was good prepared, because of some friends help and information. I paid already the taxes and copied all pages of my passport. I also had to get to the notary's office to authentify my copies officially. The bureaucracy here in Brazil is immense and to do some official things, takes a lot of time. All these preparation I did before I went to Campinas to the Police Federal. However, On Friday, I took the 9am bus to Campinas. There arrived I had to get to the Police Federal. I did not know how to get there, because my host family had no idea and even the tougher, which is living in Campinas for 4 years, could not help me. Both recommended me to take a Taxi to get around in Campinas. I thought, this is a little bit extreme, than here in Brazil the bus system is really good. Thus, I asked around how to get there. After a while someone could help me and told me a bus number. In the bus I asked the person where I had to pay the ticket, if this bus is the correct to get to the Police Federal. She said something in Portuguese, what I did not understand. After she screamed through the whole bus to ask someone else, about the station I had to get off the bus. Then she advised me the right bus stop. So, I got off the bus. The Brazilians are really friendly and helpful. Then there came a woman with me to show me the right way to the Police Federal. The Police Federal would not open before 2pm. Thus, I went to the Bank and tried to change my traveller Checks, what was not possible, then these does just the main bank. I know now that I will never travel with traveller Chacks anymore. That is too complicated to change them nowadays.
Back at the Police Federal I had to wait for 2h. So I started to talk to another person, who was waiting. It turned out that she speaks German too. Then she is from Germany and works now in Campinas as a German teacher. It was great to have some company to wait and we had a nice chat. After the Police Federal she helped me to find the right bus to get to the Shopping mall "Dom Pedro". There I would meet Melinda, with who I am going to São Paulo. We asked at the Bus station and we found a woman, who is working in the Dom Pedro. So, I could join here and got without any problem to the mall. The Dom Pedro is the biggest mall of South America. After some hours waiting, I met Melinda. We had Dinner and then went to her Houst family. Because I could sleep at there place. Like that, I did not had to take the 3h bus ride back to São Sebastião da Grama and on Saturday back again to get to São Paulo.
On Saturday we went to São Paulo by bus. It takes just 1.5h, what is really close in Brazilian distances. We had an Appointment at 1pm with Fabiana, a Brazilian girl, who lives in Sao Paulo. Melinda met Fabiana once at the Unicampi (Campinas) at Lunch. Fabiana offered her to show her around in Sao Paulo. Me, so bold I am, just linked me in and joint Melinda to Sao Paulo. We met Fabiana at the Rodoviaria and some other friends, such as Edu, Douglas and Marlon too.
First, we went by Subway to the City centre. There we walked through the street of the 25th March, which is the street to by cheap and faked things. I guess it is the most crowded place in São Paulo. First I was shocked about these masses of people. Especially, when you hear from other Brazilians that São Paulo is extremely dangerous and violent and you could not walk around without getting robed. It is not so extreme, then I saw the whole weekend no violent in São Paulo. Anyway, I was happy to have friends here in São Paulo, who know the city and take care about you.
After, we went to the marked hall, where I tried some Brazilian food, such as "Pestel Palmeta". What is like a spring roll filled with Palm tree meat. It was good, but I guess the Palmeta tastes better on salad, like they told me. At the marked hall, joint new people our group. I do not remember all names. It was great that they all speaking English and we could communicate easily. Later we walked through the business area, where all the banks are. It is the pure contrast to the street of the 25th march and is just 100m beside this street.
Most of our group are Architects, so they showed us many interesting buildings of São Paulo and told us the history of these buildings and São Paulo. Such as the Point Zero of São Paulo, where the first school was build and reflects the beginning of the city.
Of course we went also to the Japanese district of São Paulo. Then Fabiana has Japanese roots, like many other people here in Brazil. After the sightseeing we went to the Hotel to get ready to go out at night. The problem was that our reserved room was given to someone else, because we have been arrived to late. So, we had to find another one. But because of a huge Greek wedding, there were all cheap Hotels full booked. Finally, we got a place to sleep. Then two flatmates of Douglas and his sister were not there this weekend, so we could sleep in there apartment. It was fantastic and so nice of them to take us for the night. It was great, then they life midst in São Paulo at the Av. Paulista. After a shower we have been ready to go out. Fabiana and some friends picked us up to go out in Villa Madalena. Where all the Bars are. It is also a part of the old town of São Paulo. It was time to try different mixes of Cachaça, then Cachaça is the national Drink here in Brazil and made of Sugarcane. But the original Caipirinha I prefer. During the night joint us again more people, I guess at the end we have been like 15 people. Sadly, I had no chance to speak to all of them.
On Sunday, the day started late, because of the late night before. First we went with Douglas and his Sister to have Lunch in a mall beside the apartment. Later Fabiana picked us up again and we went to the biggest park of São Paulo. The Ibirapuera Park.
Sadly, it was cloudy. However, we hat some hours left before we had to go home. The park is really interesting, especially for architects. Then it has several buildings if Oscar Niemeyer, the most famous Brazilian Architect.
After the park it was time to get back to the Rodoviaria again. Then in São Paulo the traffic is immense and it takes hours to get somewhere. We got by time to the Bus terminal, so I could start the 4.5h trip from São Paulo back to São Sebastião da Grama. The weekend was great and I have to say that Brazilians are fantastic hosts. Then it is not usual that you take 2 days time to show some Gringos around in your city. It was phenomenal!
Monday, 13.08.2007
São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro
Paraiso Tropical
.jpg)
This weekend was my last here in Brazil. The weeks are just passing by. For the last weekend, I reserved the trip to Rio. We planed this trip for the last two weeks, when we came back from the Foz do Iguazu. We decided to go on Thursday night. So we will have three full days again to enjoy the city. I took again the bus to Campinas, but this time that one at 3pm, then this is the last one to get to Campinas. Because the bus to Rio was leaving at midnight, I had to wait again for 6 hours. Though, this time I would not just sit around in the Rodoviaria of Campinas. So, I asked Melanie, the German Girl who I meet one week before at the Police Federal, if she wants to meet me and go out to drink something. I was happy that she agreed with my suggestion. We met us at the Rodoviaria, because both of us do not know many places in Campinas. From there we wanted to go to the "Terassa Italia". But, everyone we asked could not help us. Thus, we do not know how to get there we decided to go to some other place. Finally, we went to the "Centre Central". There we found a place to sit outside. It was funny to see here again after the Police Federal. The main topic of our talk was, of course, Brazil and it's differences and our experiences here in Brazil!
After, I went back to the Rodoviaria to meet there Eduardo, Maria, Melinda and Borja, who all came also to Iguazu two weeks ago. Furthermore, there would also be Jose from Ecuador and Lee from Portugal, whom both I would see the first time. When I arrived at the Rodoviaria, there were just Eduardo and Maria, waiting for everyone. We had to wait again 2 hours, than our bus was leaving at midnight. During these hours, one after one dropt in. Close before midnights we have been everyone and we could start our trip to Rio. However, the bus ride took us 8hours instead of 6 hours, because of the traffic on a Friday morning in Rio. The Rodoviaria is placed beside the harbour, where the area is dirty and scruffy. Here in Rio we met another Spanish guy, Diego. So finally we have been all 8 of our group. Now it was time to get to the Hostel. It was easy then there was a straight bus to Ipanema where the Hostel is placed at. Ipanema is one of the most secure places in Rio and is really to recommend to staying at while you are in Rio.
.jpg)
Arrived in the Hostel, we went as next to the Beach and enjoyed the sea, the sun and the day. We planed to go in the afternoon to a sightseeing tour through Rio. But, at the Beach we found another tour offer which was much cheaper and had more included. So, we decided to go the next day to the sightseeing tour. Like that, we had the whole day to join the beach of Ipanema.
![]()
.jpg)
In the later afternoon, we went for a walk at the lake. Then Ipanema is placed between the sea and the lake. During the walk we always had to take care about all the people who were running or riding there bikes at the lakeside. Then around the lake is a course to walk and many Brazilians are using it. There is also at the Beache a course to riding the bikes from Ipanema to the Copacabana.
![]()
In the evening we did not do much. First we stayed in the room and enjoyed the evening, later we went in a club, but because there was a Birthday party we leaved quickly. The Saturday started early. I got up before the others, just Jose joint me, so we went to the Beach to see the Beach life in the morning. There were already many people doing sport. I guess I would do the same if I would life here. The Sightseeing tour started at 10am. First we went to the Maracana stadium. We did not enter it, because we knew that we will see the football game on Sunday.
.jpg)
As next we went to the Sambadrom. This is like a long stadium, built for the Carneval. Just like that, without the music and the no Carneval it is just a stadium and nothing special to see. But, I would like to see it at the Carneval when the Samba schools and there 5000 members dancing through this stadium and playing music. It mast be amazing. I definitely have to see it once live!
.jpg)
Aftre we went to the Cathedral of Rio. Actually, it has not the shape of a Cathedral, it lookes more like a Inka monument.
After, we went to the Cathedral of Rio. Actually, it has not the shape of a Cathedral. It looks more like an Inka monument. Finally, we went to the "Cristo Redentor". To go up there you can go by funicular or by car. To get up there, you pass a district where all the artists are living and also some Favelas. We did not have time to Visit the Favelas.
.jpg)
On the top of the Corcovado hill is the Cristo placed. He was finished in the year 1931. Actually, he should be finished some years earlier as a symbol for the 100 year anniversary of the Brazilian independence. But just with money of France and the Vatican, he could be finished. This is also the reason for his name "Cristo Redento", what means Christo the Redeemer.
.jpg)
Up there it is very crowded, than every Tourist who is visiting Rio is going up there. The view over city is gorgeous. You see whole Rio with its special shape and characteristic hills in between.
.jpg)
.jpg)
To climb the steps up to the Christo made me hungry, so it was great that we went to have lunch in a churrascaria. There you can eat as much as you like and they have plenty of different meat, I guess everyone of us ate more than he should.
.jpg)
With a full stomach we went on the "Sugar Loaf". The hill which is famous all over the world for his shape.
.jpg)
To get up there we had to take a cable car. Sadly, the weather turned bad and windy. So the view was not so gorgeous like from the Christo. But both places you have to visit when you are visiting Rio!
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
After we had to go to the Rodoviaria again to buy the tickets to get back to Campinas on Sunday. In the evening we went to the supermarket and bought some snacks. Then our stomachs were still full, so we decided to do not go out to have a proper dinner. Saturday night was the night to go out. We had like a pre-party in our Room until everyone was ready to go out. Then with 8 people and just one bathroom it takes time.
.jpg)
We went out to "Lapas", this is the name of the centre in Rio and it is THE place to go out in Rio. There are many clubs placed at, but the party is more on the street than in the clubs. To go out in Lapas you are doing right if you do not bring any valuable things, such as Camera, with you. Just bring the money you expect to spend there. Because whole Rio is going out there, and the crime is there too. We have been lucky, than we did not experience any violence there. To get there we took two Taxis. We thought that the drivers would talk to each other, so we would arrive together in Lapas. But, this was not like that. So, we arrived individual and we had to find each other first. With plenty of luck we found each other in the thousands of people. Then we went in a club to dance. The party was good and the Caipirinha cheap, but also bad. After several hours and two lost friends (Diego and Jose) we went back to the Hostel, than it was already 6am.
.jpg)
Sunday was the day to relax after the long night. We went to the marked, where I did not find many things where I am interested in. I bought some "havaianas" sandals, these are cult here in Brazil. After a long walk, at the Beach, back to the Hostel, we had to get to the Rodoviaria again. There we put all our baggages in a locker, so we could go to the Maracana Stadium to see the football game between Fluminense and Santos.
.jpg)
The Stadium was empty, just 9000 spectators in a stadium for 100000 spectators. The Maracana Stadium held the world record in the football game with the most spectators. This was in the World cup final 1950 between Brazil and Uruguay. At this game there have been incredibly 200000 spectators! Now a day it is impossible, because of the security rules of the FIFA.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
The game was not so interesting, than all the good Brazilian players are playing in Europe. By the way Fluminense won 3:0 and this because of a bad performance of Santos. It was a good result, than we sat midst in the Fluminense fan! After the game we went back again to the Rodoviaria to got back to Campinas. After a short sleep in the bus and 6 hours later we arrived. Now it was time to say good bye. Then, I will leave Brazil next weekend and I will not see them again here in Brazil, may somewhere else.
I hope so!
Thank you for the awesome days here in Brazil.
This weekend was my last here in Brazil. The weeks are just passing by. For the last weekend, I reserved the trip to Rio. We planed this trip for the last two weeks, when we came back from the Foz do Iguazu. We decided to go on Thursday night. So we will have three full days again to enjoy the city. I took again the bus to Campinas, but this time that one at 3pm, then this is the last one to get to Campinas. Because the bus to Rio was leaving at midnight, I had to wait again for 6 hours. Though, this time I would not just sit around in the Rodoviaria of Campinas. So, I asked Melanie, the German Girl who I meet one week before at the Police Federal, if she wants to meet me and go out to drink something. I was happy that she agreed with my suggestion. We met us at the Rodoviaria, because both of us do not know many places in Campinas. From there we wanted to go to the "Terassa Italia". But, everyone we asked could not help us. Thus, we do not know how to get there we decided to go to some other place. Finally, we went to the "Centre Central". There we found a place to sit outside. It was funny to see here again after the Police Federal. The main topic of our talk was, of course, Brazil and it's differences and our experiences here in Brazil!
After, I went back to the Rodoviaria to meet there Eduardo, Maria, Melinda and Borja, who all came also to Iguazu two weeks ago. Furthermore, there would also be Jose from Ecuador and Lee from Portugal, whom both I would see the first time. When I arrived at the Rodoviaria, there were just Eduardo and Maria, waiting for everyone. We had to wait again 2 hours, than our bus was leaving at midnight. During these hours, one after one dropt in. Close before midnights we have been everyone and we could start our trip to Rio. However, the bus ride took us 8hours instead of 6 hours, because of the traffic on a Friday morning in Rio. The Rodoviaria is placed beside the harbour, where the area is dirty and scruffy. Here in Rio we met another Spanish guy, Diego. So finally we have been all 8 of our group. Now it was time to get to the Hostel. It was easy then there was a straight bus to Ipanema where the Hostel is placed at. Ipanema is one of the most secure places in Rio and is really to recommend to staying at while you are in Rio.
Arrived in the Hostel, we went as next to the Beach and enjoyed the sea, the sun and the day. We planed to go in the afternoon to a sightseeing tour through Rio. But, at the Beach we found another tour offer which was much cheaper and had more included. So, we decided to go the next day to the sightseeing tour. Like that, we had the whole day to join the beach of Ipanema.
In the later afternoon, we went for a walk at the lake. Then Ipanema is placed between the sea and the lake. During the walk we always had to take care about all the people who were running or riding there bikes at the lakeside. Then around the lake is a course to walk and many Brazilians are using it. There is also at the Beache a course to riding the bikes from Ipanema to the Copacabana.
In the evening we did not do much. First we stayed in the room and enjoyed the evening, later we went in a club, but because there was a Birthday party we leaved quickly. The Saturday started early. I got up before the others, just Jose joint me, so we went to the Beach to see the Beach life in the morning. There were already many people doing sport. I guess I would do the same if I would life here. The Sightseeing tour started at 10am. First we went to the Maracana stadium. We did not enter it, because we knew that we will see the football game on Sunday.
As next we went to the Sambadrom. This is like a long stadium, built for the Carneval. Just like that, without the music and the no Carneval it is just a stadium and nothing special to see. But, I would like to see it at the Carneval when the Samba schools and there 5000 members dancing through this stadium and playing music. It mast be amazing. I definitely have to see it once live!
Aftre we went to the Cathedral of Rio. Actually, it has not the shape of a Cathedral, it lookes more like a Inka monument.
After, we went to the Cathedral of Rio. Actually, it has not the shape of a Cathedral. It looks more like an Inka monument. Finally, we went to the "Cristo Redentor". To go up there you can go by funicular or by car. To get up there, you pass a district where all the artists are living and also some Favelas. We did not have time to Visit the Favelas.
On the top of the Corcovado hill is the Cristo placed. He was finished in the year 1931. Actually, he should be finished some years earlier as a symbol for the 100 year anniversary of the Brazilian independence. But just with money of France and the Vatican, he could be finished. This is also the reason for his name "Cristo Redento", what means Christo the Redeemer.
Up there it is very crowded, than every Tourist who is visiting Rio is going up there. The view over city is gorgeous. You see whole Rio with its special shape and characteristic hills in between.
To climb the steps up to the Christo made me hungry, so it was great that we went to have lunch in a churrascaria. There you can eat as much as you like and they have plenty of different meat, I guess everyone of us ate more than he should.
With a full stomach we went on the "Sugar Loaf". The hill which is famous all over the world for his shape.
To get up there we had to take a cable car. Sadly, the weather turned bad and windy. So the view was not so gorgeous like from the Christo. But both places you have to visit when you are visiting Rio!
After we had to go to the Rodoviaria again to buy the tickets to get back to Campinas on Sunday. In the evening we went to the supermarket and bought some snacks. Then our stomachs were still full, so we decided to do not go out to have a proper dinner. Saturday night was the night to go out. We had like a pre-party in our Room until everyone was ready to go out. Then with 8 people and just one bathroom it takes time.
We went out to "Lapas", this is the name of the centre in Rio and it is THE place to go out in Rio. There are many clubs placed at, but the party is more on the street than in the clubs. To go out in Lapas you are doing right if you do not bring any valuable things, such as Camera, with you. Just bring the money you expect to spend there. Because whole Rio is going out there, and the crime is there too. We have been lucky, than we did not experience any violence there. To get there we took two Taxis. We thought that the drivers would talk to each other, so we would arrive together in Lapas. But, this was not like that. So, we arrived individual and we had to find each other first. With plenty of luck we found each other in the thousands of people. Then we went in a club to dance. The party was good and the Caipirinha cheap, but also bad. After several hours and two lost friends (Diego and Jose) we went back to the Hostel, than it was already 6am.
Sunday was the day to relax after the long night. We went to the marked, where I did not find many things where I am interested in. I bought some "havaianas" sandals, these are cult here in Brazil. After a long walk, at the Beach, back to the Hostel, we had to get to the Rodoviaria again. There we put all our baggages in a locker, so we could go to the Maracana Stadium to see the football game between Fluminense and Santos.
The Stadium was empty, just 9000 spectators in a stadium for 100000 spectators. The Maracana Stadium held the world record in the football game with the most spectators. This was in the World cup final 1950 between Brazil and Uruguay. At this game there have been incredibly 200000 spectators! Now a day it is impossible, because of the security rules of the FIFA.
The game was not so interesting, than all the good Brazilian players are playing in Europe. By the way Fluminense won 3:0 and this because of a bad performance of Santos. It was a good result, than we sat midst in the Fluminense fan! After the game we went back again to the Rodoviaria to got back to Campinas. After a short sleep in the bus and 6 hours later we arrived. Now it was time to say good bye. Then, I will leave Brazil next weekend and I will not see them again here in Brazil, may somewhere else.
I hope so!
Thank you for the awesome days here in Brazil.
Monday, 19.08.2007
The Farewell
Goodbye Brazil
Yes, this was my last week here in Brazil. Actually I am writing this from home. This week was passing by really quickly. Then on Monday I arrived in São Sebastião da Grama from Rio. Thus, the week started on Tuesday, when I had too work again. This week I worked a lot. Then now when I will leave, I know the company, the people and the language well enough that I really can do some work and be useful for the company.
Even the dog Noemi likes me now finally after six weeks of cozing here with banana peaces. So, I can pass the garden without any danger.
On Tuesday we had dinner at Grandma’s house. She cooked a typically Brazilian dish, "Fechuada". It is different kind of meat in a sauce of black beans. Who is surprised, there are beans in this meal. I liked it, but I guess I could not eat it everyday. I ate so much that my stomach was still dizzy the next day.
On Friday night, my last night here in Brazil, I thought there would be like a farewell party, but there was no party. However, we had a good time anyway. I did with Ana Paula, Pururuca, Juninho, Cadu and Bia like a Bar tour through São Sebastião da Grama until the morning. At one Bar I got a farewell present. They bestowed me a T-shirt. I was really surprised, then I was just two wimes in this bar during my stay here and I did not expect any present.
After a short night I had to leave São Sebastião da Grama in the morning. It is always sad to leave a lovely place like da Grama. I lived now for six weeks in the family Buffo and felt like a son of the family. I hope to see them all again. I heard that the Brazilian Carnaval is the best of the world, so who ever knows!!!
The travel back was long, but without any problems. I arrived save and tired in Biel, where my parents picked me up at the train station to get home.
Yes, this was my last week here in Brazil. Actually I am writing this from home. This week was passing by really quickly. Then on Monday I arrived in São Sebastião da Grama from Rio. Thus, the week started on Tuesday, when I had too work again. This week I worked a lot. Then now when I will leave, I know the company, the people and the language well enough that I really can do some work and be useful for the company.
Even the dog Noemi likes me now finally after six weeks of cozing here with banana peaces. So, I can pass the garden without any danger.
On Tuesday we had dinner at Grandma’s house. She cooked a typically Brazilian dish, "Fechuada". It is different kind of meat in a sauce of black beans. Who is surprised, there are beans in this meal. I liked it, but I guess I could not eat it everyday. I ate so much that my stomach was still dizzy the next day.
On Friday night, my last night here in Brazil, I thought there would be like a farewell party, but there was no party. However, we had a good time anyway. I did with Ana Paula, Pururuca, Juninho, Cadu and Bia like a Bar tour through São Sebastião da Grama until the morning. At one Bar I got a farewell present. They bestowed me a T-shirt. I was really surprised, then I was just two wimes in this bar during my stay here and I did not expect any present.
After a short night I had to leave São Sebastião da Grama in the morning. It is always sad to leave a lovely place like da Grama. I lived now for six weeks in the family Buffo and felt like a son of the family. I hope to see them all again. I heard that the Brazilian Carnaval is the best of the world, so who ever knows!!!
The travel back was long, but without any problems. I arrived save and tired in Biel, where my parents picked me up at the train station to get home.
