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5 Unique Things (Brazil)
Once you’ve traveled to several different countries, especially those within the same region, they start to blend together. For example, when I traveled throughout Southeast Asia, it seemed every country had the same temples and statues. This is why every country I go, I’ve tried to find 5 unique places or things that make that country stand out from the rest. This list is solely based on my experience and may not cover certain well-known traditions or tourist sites.
Language- Brazil is the only country in the Western Hemisphere in which Portuguese is the official language. This because while much of South America was colonized by Spain, Brazil was a Portuguese colony until its independence in 1822. While there has been enough movement between borders to integrate Spanish in the bigger cities (i.e. Sao Paulo, Rio de Janiero, Brasilia), I encountered many situations during my time in Manaus in which my then broken Spanish was completely useless.
Brazilian Steakhouses- In the United States, if you want Brazilian cuisine you most likely will have to go to Fogo De Chao and pay $50-75 only to flag down servers who give you just enough meat to make you want more after they have long left. While Fogo De Chao is good, it doesn’t beat even a medium quality steak house in Recife. Many of these steakhouses are either all-you-can eat or are very generous with their portions. Not only is the quality equal (and in most cases better), the price is significantly cheaper. I went to a 5-star steakhouse during the World Cup (when prices were inflated) and paid the equivalent of $11 USD for all you can chorizo, beef ancho, and filet mignon. That’s a pretty good deal considering that’s the cost of a steak and cheese footlong sub at your local Subway.
Rio Negro- Located in the heart of the Amazon, the Rio Negro (Black River) runs through Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. At the mouth of the river is a spot known as Encontro das Águas (Meeting of the Waters) where there is the confluence between the Rio Negro, a river with dark (almost black colored water), and the sandy-colored Amazon River. It is truly remarkable to see such a contrast in colors only inches apart. There are also several floating houses and restaurants along the river, and if you book a tour company, you can stop at some of the local villages and see the daily life of Brazil indigenous population.
Boa Viagem Beach- Located in Recife, Boa Viagem beach is an interesting place. It is not interesting because it’s a beach, but because of its sizable ex-pat population. The vibe was similar to South Beach in Miami. Although I didn’t visit it during my trip, the neighborhood houses one of the biggest shopping centers in Brazil and South America--Shopping Center Recife with 465 stores and nearly 2,000,000 square feet of area. However, in this case, interesting doesn’t necessarily translate into great, as the beach itself was less than impressive (although I have been spoiled). Part of the reason for my pessimism was the weather wasn’t that great while I was there, however there have also been several reported shark attacks directly off the coastline.
Olinda- While Boa Viagem beach was arguably overrated, Olinda (located 20 minutes north of Recife) may be the best kept secret in northern Brazil. The city itself retains its colonial heritage which is symbolized by its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Unlike Recife, Olinda is surrounded by lush jungle and crystal-clear water. I saw everything from kids pushing wheelbarrows of pineapple down the cobbled streets to older men playing coconut guitars. Olinda is big enough to keep yourself busy for a day (or two) but small enough to do so by foot.
Language- Brazil is the only country in the Western Hemisphere in which Portuguese is the official language. This because while much of South America was colonized by Spain, Brazil was a Portuguese colony until its independence in 1822. While there has been enough movement between borders to integrate Spanish in the bigger cities (i.e. Sao Paulo, Rio de Janiero, Brasilia), I encountered many situations during my time in Manaus in which my then broken Spanish was completely useless.
Brazilian Steakhouses- In the United States, if you want Brazilian cuisine you most likely will have to go to Fogo De Chao and pay $50-75 only to flag down servers who give you just enough meat to make you want more after they have long left. While Fogo De Chao is good, it doesn’t beat even a medium quality steak house in Recife. Many of these steakhouses are either all-you-can eat or are very generous with their portions. Not only is the quality equal (and in most cases better), the price is significantly cheaper. I went to a 5-star steakhouse during the World Cup (when prices were inflated) and paid the equivalent of $11 USD for all you can chorizo, beef ancho, and filet mignon. That’s a pretty good deal considering that’s the cost of a steak and cheese footlong sub at your local Subway.
Rio Negro- Located in the heart of the Amazon, the Rio Negro (Black River) runs through Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. At the mouth of the river is a spot known as Encontro das Águas (Meeting of the Waters) where there is the confluence between the Rio Negro, a river with dark (almost black colored water), and the sandy-colored Amazon River. It is truly remarkable to see such a contrast in colors only inches apart. There are also several floating houses and restaurants along the river, and if you book a tour company, you can stop at some of the local villages and see the daily life of Brazil indigenous population.
Boa Viagem Beach- Located in Recife, Boa Viagem beach is an interesting place. It is not interesting because it’s a beach, but because of its sizable ex-pat population. The vibe was similar to South Beach in Miami. Although I didn’t visit it during my trip, the neighborhood houses one of the biggest shopping centers in Brazil and South America--Shopping Center Recife with 465 stores and nearly 2,000,000 square feet of area. However, in this case, interesting doesn’t necessarily translate into great, as the beach itself was less than impressive (although I have been spoiled). Part of the reason for my pessimism was the weather wasn’t that great while I was there, however there have also been several reported shark attacks directly off the coastline.
Olinda- While Boa Viagem beach was arguably overrated, Olinda (located 20 minutes north of Recife) may be the best kept secret in northern Brazil. The city itself retains its colonial heritage which is symbolized by its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Unlike Recife, Olinda is surrounded by lush jungle and crystal-clear water. I saw everything from kids pushing wheelbarrows of pineapple down the cobbled streets to older men playing coconut guitars. Olinda is big enough to keep yourself busy for a day (or two) but small enough to do so by foot.
